The coronavirus pandemic has impacted just about every aspect of life around the globe, and access to medical care has been hit particularly hard.
Whether you’re going for a routine check-up, seeking treatment for a chronic illness, or in need of emergency care following a car accident, the process will look dramatically different from its pre-pandemic days. Even so, it is as important now as ever to seek medical treatment following an injury or if you become ill.
When changes of this nature and magnitude occur so suddenly, problems are inevitable; millions of people have justifiable concerns about the quality of care and their ability to obtain necessary medical treatment.
But the healthcare industry is no stranger to rapid change; the ability to adapt to a constantly-evolving environment is core to the high quality of care available in this country. Whether those changes are due to technology, new research, or a global pandemic, the healthcare industry will adapt.
In addition to new protocols for in-person treatment and service in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and pharmacies, the healthcare industry has quickly adapted to this “new normal” by offering alternatives to in-person treatment.
Doctor-patient video conferences (known as telemedicine) allow most non-emergency visits to continue uninterrupted. In many cases, such visits are just as effective and save significant time for both patient and doctor. Telemedicine also allows patients to seek medical care from the comfort of their own home, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who would otherwise skip an in-person visit due to anxiety, lack of time, or lack of transportation.
At Kreizer Law, our personal injury team understands the importance of receiving appropriate and adequate medical treatment following an injury.
Whether you are undergoing treatment from a previous injury or accident, or you were recently involved in an accident, it is essential to get the medical attention you need in a timely manner.
Virtual Visits/Telemedicine
If your medical needs are routine and not urgent in nature, most consultations and treatments can be obtained virtually through a telemedicine visit.
How Do Virtual Visits Work?
Step one is to simply call your doctor and make an appointment. In most cases, they will either email or text you a link, which you will access a few minutes before your designated appointment.
However, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) allows telemedicine appointments to be conducted over FaceTime, Facebook messenger, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Skype. So if you are most comfortable with one of these platforms, don’t hesitate to request having your video conference on the platform of your choice.
In-Person Visits
Some health issues or injuries, however, must be assessed in person. Delaying necessary medical care can quickly put you at greater risk, resulting in complications, permanent damage, or even worse.
If your condition isn’t urgent and you are comfortable with scheduling a telemedicine visit, this is the best way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
However, if you need to be seen in person, reduce your risk, and help protect others by following the tips below:
- If you suspect that you may have COVID-19, inform your doctor before arriving for your visit and follow their instructions for infected patients.
- When you are in public, always wear a mask and carry a small container of hand sanitizer with you.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes when out in public.
- Keep a distance of at least six feet between you and others.
- When picking up a prescription at the pharmacy, utilize drive-thru or curbside service if it’s an option; you can also request mail-order or delivery service for maintenance medications and many non-narcotic drugs.
- If you must enter the pharmacy, limit your visits by planning to purchase and pick up all prescriptions at the same time. Ask your pharmacist if it’s possible to get larger quantities of maintenance medications so you don’t have to visit as frequently.
- When paying for prescriptions, use touchless payment methods whenever possible. If no touchless option is available, thoroughly wash or sanitize your hands after paying with cash, check, or card. Upon returning home, wash hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- In a medical emergency, always call 911.
Contact Kreizer Law Today
If you are concerned about access to medical care for routine checkups, an ongoing illness or injury, or if you need emergency care from an accident, the skilled legal team at Kreizer Law can help guide you to the care and treatment you need.
We are living in unprecedented times, but that does not mean that your health should be ignored. It is essential to go for your annual testing and screenings and to seek medical treatment when necessary.
Do not delay going to the doctor or hospital because of anxiety related to COVID-19. Call your doctor or hospital and let a medical professional assess your situation.
If you have any questions related to medical care during the pandemic or about treatment related to a personal injury case the Kreizer Law team is here to help in any way we can.
