Access to primary care is something every person should have. It is through regular visits to a primary care doctor that patients get health checks that can reveal potentially serious health issues in early stages. If you haven’t left your home to visit a center for primary care since the start of the pandemic, you are missing out on the benefits of annual checks, wellness checks, and screenings.
The CDC has released guidelines for health centers, including primary care clinics, since last year. The delivery of quality primary care to patients has not stopped. If you’re wondering how to safely visit a center for primary care during the pandemic, continue reading.
What You Should Know About Primary Care Clinics
Understandably, many are apprehensive about visiting primary care doctors because of the pandemic. However, you should be aware that most doctors and staff are following CDC guidelines for providing medical care to patients. Examples of guidelines for healthcare facilities include:
- The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by doctors and hospital staff
- Heightened infection prevention and minimized disease transmission to patients through strict handwashing and sanitizing protocols
- Following social distancing guidelines — stay six feet away from others
- Reducing in-person care and providing virtual visits to patients
- Reducing the number of people at any given time in the clinic
- Providing in-person services to patients when necessary
If you want to find out what your primary care doctor is doing to keep themselves and their patients safe during the pandemic, give them a call and ask.
Planning Your Visit
For in-person visits, you may receive a call from the clinic the day before your appointment asking whether you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If the answer is yes, they may recommend a virtual visit or to reschedule the appointment instead.
If the answer is no, the staff will inform you of the guidelines and protocols you need to follow. There is a limit to the number of people allowed in waiting rooms, and some facilities may not even make this option available to patients. Hospital staff may pick you up from your car when it’s your turn to see the doctor. It’s important to show up on time for your appointment to ensure there is no wasted time for others.
Wearing a mask is part of the protocols in healthcare centers throughout the country, so show up with a mask and avoid touching your face during your visit. Your temperature will be taken at the door before you enter.
Primary care visits during the pandemic are still necessary, because other health problems haven’t stopped because of COVID-19. This is why you should never miss your routine appointments. Don’t forget to bring a list of questions you want to ask the doctor to make the most of your visit.
Center for Primary Care in Irmo, SC
SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation is a center for primary care with a dedicated sick clinic for our patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are symptomatic. We created this clinic, so COVID-19 positive patients can get the quality healthcare they deserve. Our sick clinic is located at 7021 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo, Suite 200.
To schedule your visit with one of our primary care doctors, please call (803) 749-1111 or use our online request form.
