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I called my PCP's office to inquire whether my appointment on Thursday was still a go. nobody answered the phone. I tried to leave a voicemail, but their box was full. It's a small clinic with about 5 staff. It's only 3 miles away so I guess I'll drive over there and see if the clinic is open.
"Should I go to the dentist for a dental cleaning during the COVID-19 outbreak?
Yes, if you are a healthy individual showing no signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and it is time for you to have your scheduled six-month dental checkup and cleaning, we encourage you to stick to your appointment. Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health and preventing gum disease and cavities. The CDC reports that gum disease affects nearly half of adults in the U.S. And, there are severe health risks associated with poor oral health, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cognitive decline that leads to Alzheimer’s. While the outbreak of COVID-19 may have people panicking, the health threats associated with poor oral health are just as serious. Continue with your cleaning appointments to minimize your risk of developing gum disease."
While all of that is perfectly true, it is also true that merely delaying or even skipping a single cleaning will not substantially increase your risk unless you have gum disease already. For something as routine as a cleaning, I'd have no qualms about delaying or canceling. Nor would I have trouble delaying non-required dental work like caps or crowns for teeth that weren't causing pain.
It's not always about your own risk but the risk you might be causing for others who are in the office for things that are really necessary.
My brother needs a blood draw in a few weeks for a script as well...is there a way that can be done at his house rather than venturing out to a hospital or laboratory will all going on now!?
Person would have to qualify for Medicare's home bound rules plus have a condition that warrants home health nurses or PT to monitor (post surgery, exac. of chronic condition, etc.). Then, a doctor's order to draw blood. I'd call the clinic/hospital and ask them when they're not as busy. That might help.
Hi all:
I'm wondering if people are canceling their routine doctor's appointments and tests to avoid possible exposure to the virus, until things calm down a bit.
I have scheduled appointments for knee cortisone shots, a mammogram, an eye exam and the dentist.
I'm in my mid 60's with a few health issues that many have--hypertension and AFib but would prefer not being in medical settings or in medical office buildings that are attached to hospitals right now.
I think waiting, unless its an emergency is prudent.
Anyone else postponing routine appointments for a while?
Thanks for weighing in!
Patty
Doctors offices are being especially careful. If you have any illness they won't see you. If you need your cortisone shot then by all means go. If the dentist is to have any work done, go. If just a cleaning you can delay. Same goes for mammogram and eye exam, delaying won't affect your health. I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment this week for my annual. They originally called and said to get their 15 minutes prior because the hospital was screening people before allowing them in. Later that day they called again to cancel because the doctor wasn't going to be available; however, I was going to cancel anyway because I have something. Don't believe it is coronavirus, probably a combination of a cold and the issues I have been having with GERD or whatever it is that I have been having over the past 4 years.
My husband travelled about an hour to see his otoneurologist this morning. He was screened and based on his travel history (just got back from Mexico) and symptoms (cough), they gave him a Covid-19 test —- then refused to see him until he got the results back. He was pissed because he spent 2.5 hours for nothing. But what can I say? If he had used a little common sense, he wouldn’t have gone ... or would have at least called the office first ... or checked their website. Fortunately, at least the traffic wasn’t bad at all ...
He described the scene: Apparently, his otoneurologist came into the exam room with a full hazmat suit on, then did the swabbing. Yes, they are taking this very seriously.
I have medical laser surgery next week, for glaucoma, I plan on going. Their office is very clean, & no hospital in that town. Of course things may change by then, we will see.
It depends on what info you actually get during a routine visit. If you are feeling OK I'd cancel. You can monitor your own blood pressure and heart rate and oxygen and temperature at home. That is basically what you get with a routine doctor's visit.
My husband travelled about an hour to see his otoneurologist this morning. He was screened and based on his travel history (just got back from Mexico) and symptoms (cough), they gave him a Covid-19 test —- then refused to see him until he got the results back. He was pissed because he spent 2.5 hours for nothing. But what can I say? If he had used a little common sense, he wouldn’t have gone ... or would have at least called the office first ... or checked their website. Fortunately, at least the traffic wasn’t bad at all ...
He described the scene: Apparently, his otoneurologist came into the exam room with a full hazmat suit on, then did the swabbing. Yes, they are taking this very seriously.
I have to agree with you: his judgement wasn't the best. As my sister used to say: "use your head for more than a hat rack" and most of us have to do that periodically.
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