Hello everyone! The day has finally come. We are going to open our practice to patients, family and friends on May 26, 2020. We’ve been busy making changes to our office to accommodate your concerns over safety and health. Please note, that your health has always been first and foremost in our minds even prior to this pandemic.
There will be some new protocols to master. These protocols will affect you directly. Let me explain…
Prior to your arrival we will have sent you a link to create a Portal Account. If your email address has changed please let us know prior to your appointment so we can make the necessary changes. The Portal Account requires a current and valid email address. Once the account is created you will be able to access any forms that we may send you prior to your appointment. This provides a no touch method of communication as you can fill out the forms either on your phone, tablet or computer. If the kids also have appointments you will be able to access their forms as well. This is not limited to a COVID-19 Form, but can be used for many other purposes, like updating medical history and the like. Once you fill out the form, the changes will be sent to us immediately and logged and saved into your account. All communications are HIPAA compliant.
When you arrive in the office parking lot we ask that you call the office at 505-881-7337. The front door will be locked so do not try to enter before you call. The front desk staff will then acknowledge your presence and will direct you appropriately. They will collect financial information at that time as well. We are trying to keep the number of patient(s) in the waiting room to you and you alone. Please ensure that you are wearing a mask upon entry to the office.
Next, you will be asked to use a hand sanitizer. Janell or Michelle will dispense the needed amount. This reduces the chance of cross contamination. Following that, your temperature will be taken with an IR thermometer and your blood oxygen saturation level will be taken with a Pulse Oximeter. If your temperature is above 100.4ยบ F or your blood saturation is below 90, we will reschedule your appointment for another time. I realize that this may be an inconvenience but these are trying times and we are attempting to do our best to contain any spread of this virus. As more immediate testing becomes more readily available we may ask that you get tested at least one day prior to your appointment. Again, please understand that we want to see all of you, but we want to play a good host and ensure that everyone is safe.
Once you’ve been screened one of our clinical staff will come to the front to escort you to the clinical area. In this instance it will likely be your favorite hygienist or one of my assistants.
Upon entry into the clinical operatory you will see that the room is bare of any extraneous items on the desktop. The necessary barriers will be used to cover light handles, keyboards, mice, trackpads and monitors. All surfaces will have been disinfected from a previous patient using CDC and OSHA approved methods. We also use a fogging mist to sterilize the air within the room and air purifiers are running constantly.
One thing that you will notice immediately, is just how covered up we are. From head to toe in this case. This is to protect my staff and to prevent any cross contamination to you. All disposable items are immediately removed after your appointment and replaced with new garb.
Once a procedure is started it will be completed from start to finish with no interruption.
When you are dismissed you will be directed to proceed to the front desk area. In most cases you will be allowed to leave the office immediately since any financial obligations will have been handled at your arrival. If there are changes to procedures you will be notified and the situation will be dealt with appropriately.
This is going to definitely be a strange new normal as our interactions will be stifled. Know that we care about your health and this is a part of the puzzle in dealing with this virus. We welcome you back to our practice with open arms… just no hugs.