April 2020 Broadcast
Please read this letter in its entirety. We address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare services, changes to patient services at our practice, and provide answers to your frequently asked questions.
Southwest Orlando Family Medicine is continuing to monitor and adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, as are healthcare systems across the nation. Social distancing guidelines, including stay-at-home orders, curfews, closing down non-essential businesses, and focusing on necessities are our biggest tool in controlling the spread of COVID-19. The diagram below best explains how social distancing works:
Even one person ignoring social distancing guidelines can continue the spread of COVID-19 to others and negatively impact our nationwide goal of reducing transmission of the virus.
There are just not enough testing resources for us to have a true picture of the spread of this virus. Due to this lack of awareness, we must consider that anyone may have been exposed to the virus and take the appropriate precautions to protect those around us. To minimize the risk of transmission exposure, we have developed a screening process, an online resource guide, and a Triage Tent at our office. You can learn more about this and keep up to date with any changes by visiting www.swofm.com/corona.
There has never been a more important time to maintain your medical follow-up than NOW! We are offering alternative office visits in order to achieve this and help our patients keep their appointments. You can learn more about TeleHealth virtual visits by reading our tutorial at www.swofm.com/visit.
Moving forward, we are restructuring our patient schedule to maximize social distancing. We have expanded our TeleHealth virtual visits in order to provide patients the ability to schedule and maintain their appointments. We need your support and cooperation in order to successfully continue caring for patients in the community. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the changes we are implementing and how it may affect you and your care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I book a TeleHealth Appointment?
You can book an appointment for TeleHealth by Booking An Appointment with us. Visit our TeleHealth Page for more.
2. Why should I use TeleHealth?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TeleHealth virtual visits are the safest way for us to meet your medical needs while maintaining social distancing.
3. How will I know I am due for a follow-up?
We will send messages to patients who are overdue or have an upcoming follow-up appointment, including lab work and diagnostic services (bone density, mammograms, etc.).
4. What types of visits can I schedule via TeleHealth?
You can schedule annual wellness exams, hospital follow-up, sick visits, chronic conditions follow-up, most controlled substance refills, new patient visits, and more.
5. What services will SWOFM still offer in-house?
You may still be seen physically in the office for Complete Physical Exams, Well Women Exams, blood work, bone density, and dermatologic screening visits. Please be aware that all patients must pass through our Triage Tent and be screened before in-office care can be provided.
6. Will I still see my regular clinician for my TeleHealth visits?
We are doing our best to accommodate your needs and ask for your patience and understanding that your regular clinician may not always be available during this time. We will try to schedule you with a member from the clinical team you have met or had experience with. The goal is not to delay your care, and we ask that you be flexible as we work to meet your medical needs.
7. How can I make the most of my TeleHealth Appointments?
If possible, we recommend that you use or obtain devices that can monitor heart rate, body weight, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation devices (pulse oximetry) if appropriate. Devices such as a Fitbit, Apple watch, and other smart watches may be used when available. The data from these devices can be uploaded into the Healow App Tracker for us to review during your TeleHealth visit.
8. What can I do to help SWOFM and my clinician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Please be flexible and understanding when you receive a call from our staff. They are working diligently to maintain your continuity of care under the direction of your clinician. Keep your appointments by converting them to TeleHealth so that your clinician can continue to monitor your health. Understand that the Triage Tent and screening process at our location is in place to protect you, other patients, and our staff from possible exposure. Your full cooperation is absolutely critical to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community.
Do not delay your care by “waiting it out.” There is currently no timeline on when the community restrictions and social distancing guidelines will be lifted. Remember that NOW is the best time to be at your healthiest.