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| Hi Friend,
For the last few weeks, I have emailed you regarding our revised plan to re-open for in-person visits. As you are likely aware, Governer Whitmer lifted the shelter in place order yesterday.
Several patients have messaged me, waiting for this to occur, so I wanted to give you the latest on where we stand in regards to our safety plan.
If you've been suffering this whole time, and waiting to be able to get in, now is the time to speak up, as many untreated injuries get worse.
A few new items to be aware of for those re-starting therapy: - For the safety of other patients, and myself, I ask that you abstain from high-risk exposure activities 2 weeks prior and during the course of your treatment. Despite the recent executive order allowing groups to gather in numbers of up to 100, I would consider this a high-risk activity for exposure to coronavirus. If you must participate in an event with large numbers (>10), I ask that you wait 2 weeks before re-starting therapy. This is to avoid accidental spreading by asymptomatic carriers.
- If you will be traveling by airplane, I ask that you wait 2 weeks before re-starting therapy. Temporary telehealth visits will be available if you have already started therapy to avoid losing progress.
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Here’s our Updated (6/2/2020) 3-part plan:
Rigid Sanitary Practices:
- A hand sanitizer station is located in our 3rd-floor lobby. Each patient and family member must use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering our clinic and when leaving. (I’ll be watching you!!)
- I will wash my hands before and after the start of the appointment (in visibility of the patient).
- Each piece of equipment will be sanitized with hospital-grade disinfectant before and after each use (in visibility of the patient). A few pieces of equipment have porous materials. If a patient must use those pieces of equipment, gloves will be required during use, and discarded immediately after.
- We have a building-wide cleaning rotation for several critical touch points. Our cleaning rotation will be visible on the corkboard that is in our lobby.
Limiting Exposure:
- Hybrid Therapy: some patients have opted to rotate between in-person visits and telehealth. This is an excellent way to reduce your risk of exposure, while still receiving some of the benefits of in-person care.
- Each patient is encouraged to come to their in-person appointments alone. A family member can “join” virtually if they wish. An exception: minors must still come with a single family member.
- Patients and I will be masked for the entirety of their appointment. Please bring a mask to your appointment if possible. We have a limited supply. Masks must be worn before entering the building.
- The entrance to each bathroom on the 3rd floor will be propped open. We understand this may sound a little unusual and controversial for privacy, however we feel it is imperative to reduce exposure at the current time. If you are concerned about your privacy, a bathroom suite is available on the 2nd floor lobby.
- The entrance to the building’s entrance will be locked for an undetermined amount of time. The current waiting room will be your car. Until otherwise notified, please call or text me upon your arrival. I will come to open the entrance door.
- We will make every effort to minimize to maintain social distancing during appointments. If Manual therapy (hands-on therapy) or hands-on cues for exercise are necessary, we will discuss the benefits vs risks together. If an alternative option is available, we will likely favor that option.
- For the safety of other patients, and myself, I ask that you abstain from high-risk exposure activities 2 weeks prior and during the course of your treatment. Despite the recent executive order allowing groups to gather in numbers of up to 100, I would consider this a high-risk activity for exposure to coronavirus. If you must participate in an event with large numbers (>10), I ask that you wait 2 weeks before re-starting therapy. This is to avoid accidental spreading by asymptomatic carriers.
- If you will be traveling by airplane, I ask that you wait 2 weeks before re-starting therapy. Temporary telehealth visits will be available if you have already started therapy to avoid losing progress.
Diligent Screening:
- Every patient must meet the following criteria EACH visit:
- Patient AND those around them (family, co-workers, etc.) must not have any of the following symptoms in the last 2 weeks: Cough, Fever, Shortness of Breath, New onset of joint pain, not otherwise explained (body-aches), Diarrhea / other GI symptoms (some presentations are showing these symptoms)
- We will take your temperature at the building’s entrance door.
If you’re uncertain whether a cough / sneezing is “just a cold or allergies,” we cannot take that risk at this time. Please hold on your appointment (or switch to telehealth temporarily) until the cause is clear. If you've had a cough with an established previous medical cause, let's discuss that together first.
We will all get through this together, and come out stronger in many ways. If you are struggling with your progress at home, I’m here to help when you’re ready. Telehealth is still an excellent choice, as well.
If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. While the risk is never zero, we are doing all we can to keep you safe. We’re here when you’re ready.
Keep an eye out for additional updates, and visit our website for the most up to date policy.
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| | | | | Dr. Chris Sovey, DPT, RN, BSN Phone: 616-803-9829 |
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