The COVID-19 pandemic has put many events on pause, including medical appointments and procedures. As a matter of fact, approximately half of all adults either canceled or put off routine health care and elective medical procedures since the coronavirus crisis began, leading medical professionals to grow worried about the consequences.
While we tentatively aim for a new normal, it’s beneficial to speak with your physician about any procedures you might have been considering pre-pandemic, and to get answers to these particular questions to help you gauge the safety of doing the procedures now.
- Is the medical facility treating COVID-19 patients, and are the same medical professionals who will take care of me also caring for the COVID-19 patients? If that’s the case, what precautions have been put into place to ensure my safety?
- What are the facility’s cleaning/disinfecting policies?
- Will I need to be tested for COVID-19 prior to my treatment?
- Are medical staff being tested for COVID-19? If that’s the case, how often?
- Do I have to wear a mask? Gloves? Any other personal protective equipment?
- Are there any items which are restricted from being brought with me, such as clothing, books, a phone or laptop?
- Can I fill out paperwork in advance?
- Can I wait outside or in my car until I’m called in for my procedure?
- May a relative or caregiver come with me?
- Is follow-up provided in person, or am I able to make use of telehealth?
There are also post-procedure considerations to think through. Lots of people face concerns in regards to the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 after staying in the hospital, so talk with your doctor about the need to self-monitor for symptoms, as well as tips about any additional safety measures you may want to take, such as avoiding contact with other individuals for a period of time, wearing a mask or gloves at home when others are there, additional sanitizing measures to take, etc. Your doctor may suggest taking your oxygen levels and temperature at home. If so, make sure to purchase a thermometer and pulse oximeter.
As soon as you are satisfied with the answers you have been given together with the assurance that the procedure is safe to schedule, get in touch with Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, the leaders in Elmhurst home care services. Our transitional care services will help make sure that everything is taken care of before, during, and after your procedure, including transportation, picking up prescriptions and groceries, helping you get settled in back at home and monitoring for any changes in condition, and so much more. Call us any time at (630) 323-4665 to learn more about our professional home care services in Elmhurst and the surrounding areas.