COVID-19

WE'RE OPEN FOR ALL CARE

The fastest way to get an appointment is to book online with your ChARM account.  

• Telemedicine visits: For everything except physical exams. 
• In-person: Well child visits, physical exams, or visits requiring an exam. 
• Curbside: We reserve the option to do some outside testing if needed

COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING 

• We have had many patients express interest in COVID antibody testing. Labcorp is now offering an IgG antibody test.
• LabCorp will bill this test to your insurance. We too have heard news reports that the test will be free or covered by insurance and that insurances will waive co-pays.  AS OF TODAY : Neither of these statements have been confirmed by the insurance companies or the lab.  We highly recommend you keep your receipts and EOBs so that if reimbursement is offered by your insurance company or the government at a future date you will be able to access it.  
• We require a visit with your doctor to discuss whether they feel you need testing, document their findings and create a lab order. Ideally, this is a brief 15 minute telemedicine visit where your doctor approves the test and orders it, then suggests a less busy time at the clinic to pop in for your blood draw. 
• Remember, there is still so much we do not know about COVID 19. Having positive antibodies does not promise immunity. The presence of antibodies only shows that you have been exposed to the virus and have produced an immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  A negative antibody test simply means that you have not developed antibodies at time of testing. This could be due to inadequate time post exposure to COVID to develop antibodies, lack of exposure or poor immune response. 
• Who should have the test? A possible valid reason to have testing is if you had COVID-19 symptoms but never were tested and now you may want to see if you have antibodies, thus likely indicating exposure to the virus. 
• Most people do not need this test unless it is done to understand how many people in a population have been exposed. 
• The COVID antibody test is a blood test that you can schedule to have drawn at a later date at our clinic if your doctors deems it appropriate to test. 
• To read more about LabCorp's COVID-19 antibody test click here. These tests have not been reviewed by the FDA, but are being offered by LabCorp in accordance with the public health emergency guidance issued by the FDA on March 16.

PLEASE WEAR A MASK

• We've got you covered if you have forgotten yours when you arrive at the clinic! We have hand sewn masks for you to borrow while in the office. 

WE ARE PRE-SCREENING FOR COVID SYMPTOMS

• Prior to each in-person office visit we'll message you our pre-screening questions.  If your answer is yes to a pre-screening quesion, we require you reschedule or switch to a telemedicine visit. 
• We will be screening for the following: 
•  1.   Fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat or difficulty breathing. 
   OR In the last 14 days 
   2.   Been in close contact with a person who is a suspected COVID-19 patient while that person was ill 
   3.   Been in close contact with an ill confirmed case of COVID-19 

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMING TO THE OFFICE

FAQ's:

Are you still seeing patients for regular visits?

• Yes! It's important to keep focusing on your health and continue with scheduled appointments. Please call or book online for a telemedicine visit. 
• We are not seeing sick patients at the office right now. 
• Scroll down to read about telemedicine visits. All of our doctors are set up for a telemedicine visit. See your doctor from the comfort of your own home! Message the clinic or call if you'd like to book at telemedicine visit. They are usually covered by insurance but it's best if you call your insurance to double check. Remember, we do not bill all insurance companies and the same policy applies to telemedicine visits.

What is Coronavirus?

• Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.
• Coronavirus aka COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
• The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

Should I go in for testing if I think I may have been exposed?

• YES. Click here for free COVID test information. 
• Those who are close contacts of the presumptive positive case have been contacted by public health staff for further instruction. If you have not been contacted, please assume that you are not impacted and that your risk of acquiring COVID-19 is not higher than the general population.

What should I do to protect myself and my community?

• Wash hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is good in a pinch, but doesn’t replace handwashing with soap and water.
• Keep hands away from mouth, nose or eyes to avoid transferring germs.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces like counters, light switches, doorknobs, and remotes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• If you feel sick, self-isolate.
• Avoid close contact with others.
• Show compassion and support for individuals and communities most closely impacted and anyone who might be sick. 
• The CDC now recommends cloth face coverings in public spaces: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html.  Medical providers have specific guidance on masks and personal protective equipment and should follow that guidance.

Our Naturopathic tips:

• Eat a whole foods diet (What's a whole food? Check out this helpful video) and limit sugar and alcohol. Eat the rainbow!
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Exercise daily, ideally outside in fresh air.
• Though NOT treatments for coronavirus, we suggest immune support as it is also cold and flu season. Elderberry syrup, Vit C and other supplements which support the immune system can be helpful to take and to have at home. For example, we’ve been encouraging people to stock up supplements such as Vit C, Vit D, Elderberry Syrup, probiotics, Vit A drops, EHB, Immunocaps, Immunoberry Liquid, Biovegetarian, Ivy Calm, or Bronchial Wellness syrup depending on you or your family’s needs. 

How should I prepare?

• Make an emergency plan of action with your household members, relatives, and friends. 
• Work remotely if possible and practice social distancing.
• If sick, socially isolate.
• Have emergency supplies like nonperishable food, water, personal hygiene supplies, and medicine or other medical supplies in an accessible emergency kit – enough to last your household for at least 14 days. Include a list of emergency contacts as well as a list of medical conditions and medications for household members.
• As the disease has spread in our community, public events, school, or other gatherings have been canceled. Please respect these decisions. This is known as social distancing, which helps reduce the spread of illness.
• Set up a separate room in the household for someone who is sick and clean the room regularly. 
• Know your neighbors or friends in the area and be ready to support each other during an emergency. Check in on those who live alone or have underlying health conditions and may need extra support. If you live alone, talk to your friends and family members about who would be available to check in on you if you become sick.
• Remember to stay calm, prepared and informed. Check reliable sources for updates and follow the advice of public health professionals.

Where can I find more information?