Don’t Neglect Sickness and Medical Emergencies Because of COVID-19

COVID-19 has placed stress on our nation’s health care system, but we continue to take steps to properly care for our community during this unprecedented time. At Inspira, we put patients first and safety first, while focusing on building relationships that create trust, so our patients feel safe.

“Serious symptoms shouldn’t be ignored for the sake of not being a “nuisance” or fear of contracting COVID-19,” said Sarah Davis, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician with Inspira Medical Group Primary Care of Mantua. “We’d rather treat you and help you feel better than hear that you suffered unnecessarily.”

Patients with ongoing health conditions that require regular maintenance, such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer, should continue to check in with their primary care providers as usual. Virtual visits are available so patients no longer need to physically go to a doctor’s office for many conditions. Patients can call their physician to make an appointment, as they normally would, and the office will determine if a virtual or in-person visit is best for each unique situation.

For office visits, Inspira has implemented various safety measures and aligned with guidance from the NJ Department of Health. This includes:

• Patient care areas are deep cleaned multiple times a day to minimize the chance of infection.
• All of our staff wear the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for all patient encounters.
• Social distancing decals have been displayed to remind everyone to keep a safe distance.
• Clear plexiglass continues to be added at all information and registration areas to protect staff, patients and visitors.
• Waiting rooms and changing rooms have been modified to maintain social distancing.
• Patients will be asked to wait in their car or outside until 6 feet of separation can be maintained at Registration/Screening areas.
• Registration, check-in and check-out processes have been streamlined to limit the amount of time patients are in the facility. After registering, patients are now asked to wait outside or in their car until we have a room ready for them.
• Staff involved in the care of patients has been evaluated and revised to limit the number of staff taking part in each patient’s care.
• All staff and patients are required to wear a mask. If you don’t have one, it will be provided.

Emergency Situations

If you’re feeling sick and non-emergency symptoms increase in intensity or become more frequent, you may want to call your primary care provider as a first step—they’re familiar with your health history and can recommend what to do next.

“Certain symptoms, things like chest pain or shortness of breath, still require emergency care,” said Davis.

While things may look different when patients seek care, we’re still here for you every day. Emergency medical situations haven’t changed in nature — they’re still emergencies, and still require emergency care.

“If a situation would have warranted a call to 911 before this pandemic, then it still warrants that same call,” said Davis. “Your health is just as important as it was a few months ago, regardless of whether or not you have the coronavirus.”

If you or a family member need a Primary Care provider, Inspira Medical Group is here to help. Call 1-800-INSPIRA to request an appointment at a Primary Care location near you.