What to expect
Dr. Marc Rabinowitz, an internal medicine specialist in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, says that despite changes to safety restrictions due to COVID-19 guidelines, health care facilities still have high levels of requirements and protective measures in place.
“The restrictions that have been lifted do not apply to healthcare settings,” says Rabinowitz. In healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes, safety protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing are still in place.
at the doctor’s office
Physician offices still have safety protocols in place to protect patients and staff from COVID-19.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Masks may be required.
- Doctors and staff may wear masks and gloves.
- Fewer people may be in the waiting room at one time.
- Visitors may be limited.
- Staff may conduct regular disinfection and disinfection.
- Offices may be set up for social distancing.
Some health care facilities still restrict visitors, so family members or caregivers may have to wait outside. But they can still participate in your visit, says Dr. Alexis Halpern, a geriatric emergency medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Your doctor may call or video chat with your family to keep them informed and involved in decision-making.
at the hospital
“Don’t stay home while you’re in the hospital because you’re afraid of being exposed to or infected with the coronavirus,” Halpern says. The hospital has protocols in place to keep you from getting sick.
Many of the new safety protocols from the early days of the pandemic are still being implemented, along with some new safety protocols.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Doctors and staff wear personal protective equipment, including masks, face shields and gloves.
- Masks may be required.
- Visitors may be limited.
- You may be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
- You can get tested for COVID-19.
- You may undergo temperature and symptom screening upon arrival.
Hospitals are safer than ever. If it needs care, don’t avoid it.
Get help right away if you have severe chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or difficulty speaking clearly. These are signs of a heart attack or stroke that require immediate attention.
The rise of telemedicine
Many doctors are now using telemedicine, also called telemedicine. That means, instead of going to the doctor’s office, you can talk from afar using your phone, iPad, computer, or video platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, or WhatsApp.
Telemedicine is safe and convenient. You can contact your doctor or get your questions answered without leaving your home. Family members can participate even if they are far away. Covered by Medicare and commercial insurance. Protocols may vary depending on the state you live in.
Telemedicine is good for regular visits, checkups, and consultations. You can tell your doctor how you feel or show your symptoms.
In other cases, an office visit is best. Your doctor may need to check your blood pressure, listen to your lungs, take a blood sample, or do a physical exam.
Your doctor will help you decide which type of visit is best for you.
The Future of Telemedicine
Telehealth is likely here to stay.
“Even as COVID has waned, some of our tech-savvy baby boomer patients still prefer telehealth. I expect this trend to continue,” says Dr. David J. Maleh, an internal medicine specialist in Wilmington, Delaware.
Although telehealth cannot completely replace an in-office visit, it can become a part of your regular care.
Maleh says many of his patients come in person for routine annual physicals and use telehealth for follow-up conversations. “This is the direction we’re going because patients are becoming more comfortable using telehealth as a convenient option when they don’t have to go to the doctor’s office,” he says.
New trends in long-term care
Many things have changed in long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, including safety requirements. The pandemic has left a lasting mark on how these facilities operate and how easy it is to receive care there.
Many facilities have closed or operated at lower capacity due to staffing shortages. Many health care workers have left their jobs since the pandemic began. Some people are afraid of being exposed to people who may have COVID-19. Some people have turned to private work because they can make more money that way, Maleh says.
More people are now hiring in-home care to care for their loved ones at home. Many people have switched to remote work, making it easier to care for their loved ones.
“There are definitely benefits to staying home in that you’re not sick or exposed to other people who might become sick,” says Rabinowitz. But help may be harder to get. “The shortage of health workers poses a dilemma in providing optimal care to older people,” he says.
How to get the best care
These resources can help you find care.
- Find Senior Care We can provide local information about housing, support services, health care and insurance.
- Family Caregiver Coalition Provides information about nursing, home care, nursing homes, and finances.
- BenefitsCheckUp.org It can help you find out if you can get financial help with food and medicine.
- Programs like FamilyWize, GoodRX, and NeedyMeds You can offer discounts on prescription drugs to help offset the increased costs of care due to the pandemic.
