The Coronavirus pandemic has shifted many areas of life, including health care delivery itself. What can you expect from your primary care visits as restrictions begin to lift? Each community may have unique strategies & timing based on local risks, but here are some new things you’ll probably encounter:
- More use of telehealth: Many clinics are expanding to include telehealth options. If this service is available, it’s best to go through local channels to keep seeing your own provider who knows you. (This will also help keep your local clinic in business, which is good for you, especially for issues that telehealth cannot address!) If your local clinic does not offer telehealth, other nationwide platforms exist. You can Google “best telehealth options” and find some to choose from. Virtual visits are adequate for non-emergency situations, especially for problems that can be diagnosed visually or by history alone. For example, virtual visits can be a good first step for simple rashes, pink eye, vomiting and/or diarrhea, or common colds. With severe illness, or when an exam, tests, or procedures are needed, an in-person evaluation will be needed.
- Dedicated times and areas for well vs. sick visits: Many clinics are setting aside certain times of the day for sick visits and other times for well child visits. When possible, exam rooms are also being reserved for either sick or well-child care. Because flow can’t always be predicted, this may lead to some access issues and more waiting, especially if your child’s issues are less emergent. (Though it’s annoying, consider it a blessing if your child isn’t the one being rushed to the head of the line! If you think your child’s issues ARE becoming emergent, speak up!
- Added infection control measures: Since the sanitizing measures in your clinic are likely stepped-up, this may decrease the number of kids that can be seen in a given day. Try to have your own kids wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to entering the clinic and immediately upon leaving (especially before eating or touching their faces). Try to follow social distancing recommendations by keeping at least six feet from people outside your household, except for those providing direct medical care. Masks will likely be required (specifically for children over 2) and extra siblings may be asked to stay home when possible. Take time to learn about how mask recommendations are different for children than they are for adults. You can read more on mask-wearing for kids HERE and HERE.
- Vaccine catch-up: Because of postponed non-urgent appointments, many children have fallen behind on the normal vaccine schedule. Though families may have personal preferences and philosophies about vaccines, it’s likely that even parents who intend to vaccinate may get out of the routine of well-child visits. The American Academy of Pediatrics has launched a #CallYourPediatrician campaign to help invite families back into the routine of regular preventative care and immunizations. Because of the pandemic and vaccine delays, outbreaks of certain vaccine-preventable illnesses could theoretically occur if overall vaccination rates drop. Specific vaccine catch-up guidelines already exist to help your provider determine a catch-up plan for your child.
- Parking lot waiting rooms: As a crowd control measure, many clinics are checking in families over the phone and having them wait in their cars until it’s time to be roomed. Consider bringing water, snacks, and activities that will help you and your kids endure the waiting process. Do your best to regulate car temperatures, especially if you have a small infant, and do not leave kids unattended in your vehicle.
Overall, this is a time that will require flexibility and grace for us all. Though the added logistics may seem inconvenient, our toleration will increase as we recognize the extra efforts and accommodations being made on all sides during this complex time. Parents, be kind to yourselves. The pandemic has presented the difficult task of preserving your children’s health while preserving their childhoods. May you navigate wisely and well.
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