Update on Office Practice and Healthy at Home!

Hello!

I hope this finds you well. Some updates as the Stay Safe at Home order is extended through May 29th for many activities…

  1. I continue to be available to you for both in-person and telehealth visits (text, phone, video chat via our Spruce app).

  2. I continue to be available to work with you to create the healthcare experience that is the safest and most comfortable for you.  I also can serve as your advocate and advisor for your work environment and other activities.  Your health decisions need to be personalized to you and balance your Whole Health - mind, body, spirit...and life!  Please don’t hesitate to have those conversations!

  3. As always, I encourage you to contact me with any new symptoms that you have questions about and keep me up to date with any changing or progressing symptoms.  If you don’t already have medical equipment at home, you may want to consider investing in a thermometer, a blood pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter as monitoring tools for your family. 

  4. I encourage you to take advantage of our telehealth platform (text, phone and video chat via our Spruce app) as a primary resource (ask if you aren’t already connected!).  I know it’s hard to wrap our heads around at first, but a lot of care can safely take place via these technologies while decreasing your risk of exposures.  This is especially important for those at higher risk (age 65 and over, those with obesity, diabetes, lung, heart, liver or kidney disease or other immunocompromised states).

  5. Even though telehealth is prefered for most, don’t hesitate to specifically request an in person visit so we can discuss and make the decision that is right for you.  Following CDC and Ohio department of Health best practices for in-person visits:

    1. A virtual history will always be taken (by phone, video and/or questionnaire) to solidify best next steps.

    2. Children or visitors should not come to the office unless prior arrangements are made. One patient assistant (for help navigating the office or relaying information) is always permitted as long as they are well.

    3. Before coming to the office, everyone (patients and assistants) should check their temperature at home and report a temp of 99 or above and any ill symptoms before coming to the office.

    4. Please arrive on time or let us know if you are running early or late, so that we can safely minimize your exposure to others.

    5. Please wear a face covering or shield while in office if you have any ill symptoms or if you don’t have symptoms and are comfortable doing so.  We commit to do the same for you.  Use hand sanitizer before you come and/or when you arrive and avoid touching high-touch surfaces when possible.  

    6. Please maintain 6 foot distancing when possible in the office. 

  6. Don’t fall behind on your check-ups and preventive care!  Even when we may use telehealth as a primary resource, we can still touch base on how you are feeling (physically and emotionally!).  “Virtual check-ups” in this time to keep medication up to date, talk about how you are doing, share vitals that you can take at home (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, pulse ox and blood sugar for some), arrange for blood testing and imaging at low contact locations and other helpful care recommendations can still happen. So even if you prefer to stay home, feel free to have your regular “check-up” virtually!

  7. Don’t hesitate to keep up with (or start!) your counseling appointments. Kevin is seeing clients in person and virtually while respecting physical distancing. We all need support during this time and talking with a professional is a key way to help you adapt, cope and thrive during tough times!  Call or text 614-710-0075 to schedule with him.

  8. Thank you to everyone who has been joining our Wednesday 1pm Online Office Hours via Zoom. It’s a casual drop-in environment to share information and ask questions and is open to patients and friends, so feel free to pass along the invite. These will continue in the month of May. Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 280 157 653 Password: Signature

  9. I want to know how you are doing!  If you are not due for a checkup and not having a concern that needs evaluated, just shoot me a note to say hi and give me an update on life!   : ) I have been thinking about you!

Best, 

Dr. Paige

PS - There’s a lot of talk about “Stay at Home” but I am more concerned about being HEALTHY at home (and out and about if you need or choose to be of course).  As we navigate living in a community that will continue to have concerns about infectious disease, let’s turn our focus to HEALTH. 

When we create physical and emotional health, we naturally become more resilient to infections AND the effects of social changes all around us.  Much more info to come about how we can support each other with this!