We want our clients to know that we take the utmost precautions to keep you healthy during this pandemic health crisis. While the illness goes on, many patients have other problems that still require attention. Although social distancing and disinfection measures are not a guarantee, we do not want patients in need to stay away over concern of contracting the virus in the clinic. If you are due for a visit or become ill, we encourage you to maintain your health.
If your medications are due for a refill, most insurance companies are now allowing a 90-day prescription for medications during this crisis. If your health coverage is in question, you need to update your medications and preventative health while you are able. Medical visits are deemed to be one of the essential services that are allowed during the current restrictions.
For your safety, we have implemented the following protocols.
Patients must first call for pre-screening before their appointment. For reasons of infection precautions, we must ask you several focused questions to determine your risk and to decide when and how you should be seen in the clinic.
If you need to be seen for general reasons: Patients who are not considered likely to have the coronavirus [COVID-19] infection can be processed through the regular waiting area, while patients who we deem to possibly be infectious will not be brought through the waiting room. The seating in our waiting area is arranged to keep clients at least 6 feet apart, and our staff wears masks when we interact at a close distance. Our patient exam rooms, doorknobs, and faucets are disinfected between visits. We take every precaution to protect the health of our patients and our employees.
If you are sick with symptoms of coronavirus or have had a possible exposure, we can determine if you need to be seen in our “high risk” area. When you arrive for your scheduled appointment, we will have you call us from your vehicle to let us know that you have arrived. You will be met in the parking lot, given a mask, and will be taken directly through a side door and into an exam room near that door in the designated high-risk area. You will not need to sit with other patients who are potentially infectious.
Our office is now offering telemedicine visits. This requires the client to have either a computer equipped with a camera (most laptops have a built-in camera) or a “smartphone” for a face-to-face visit with one of our providers. This service is billed through your insurance provider. Medicare does cover these visits, as do many private insurance companies. (Please check with your insurance carrier regarding coverage and copay requirements.)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened access to Medicare telehealth services so that beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. CMS is expanding this benefit on a temporary and emergency basis under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. The benefits are part of the broader effort by CMS and the White House Task Force to ensure that all Americans – particularly those at highrisk of complications from the virus that causes the disease COVID-19 – are aware of easy-to-use, accessible benefits that can help keep them healthy while helping to contain the community spread of this virus.
Telehealth, telemedicine, and related terms generally refer to the exchange of medical information from one site to another through electronic communication to improve a patient’s health. Innovative uses of this kind of technology in the provision of healthcare are increasing. And with the emergence of the virus causing the disease COVID-19, there is an urgency to expand the use of technology to help people who need routine care, and keep vulnerable beneficiaries and beneficiaries with mild symptoms in their homes while maintaining access to the care they need. Limiting community spread of the virus, as well as limiting the exposure to other patients and staff members will slow the viral spread.
Please call 402-488-5050 to set up a telemedicine or in-office appointment today.
If you are in an emotional crisis over this pandemic, please call the Disaster Relief Distress Help Line at 1-800-985-5990 available 24/7.
Thank you.
Our list of Providers
Dr. Lisa Peterson
Dr. Mary Drey
Dr. Gary Van Ert
Dr. Dorothea Jacobsen
Molly Babl, PA-C
Delia Gilbertsen, PA-C
Please call us with any questions
402-488-5050 (Call Direct)
402-488-5001 (Fax Direct)