Coronavirus Office Update May 4, 2020

Posted by jasonhobbslcsw in May, 2020

Dear patients,

As a practice, we remain concerned about your overall health and safety in addition to the health and safety of your loved ones. In light of the governor’s revision of the “shelter in place” order to continue for vulnerable populations (those who are older adults and/or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart or lung conditions). According to the governor’s order, social distancing guidelines remain in effect.

We will see patients in the office as long as you are healthy (without fever or cough) and feel comfortable coming into the office; we continue precautions in the office and will be practicing social distancing. You are welcome to wait in your car or outside the waiting room until the time of your appointment, as you feel comfortable. Instead of appointments happening on the hour, we will be staggering them to reduce traffic in the waiting area.

We continue to encourage you to consider telehealth during this time, certainly if you are a member of a vulnerable group.

To change your appointment to telehealth, contact us through the patient portal, by email, or by phone. You should receive a link prior to the appointment that will guide you to a secure videoconferencing “room”. We will be there at the time of your appointment. You will also receive a telehealth consent to sign and be asked to enter credit card information (for those who have a copay). 

In general, patients are reporting that when they call their insurance company, that telehealth is covered at this time. I do remind you that your relationship with your insurance company is your responsibility.

If you choose to cancel your appointment, kindly give us 24 hours notice so that we can either fill that time or know not to come into the office. If you wish to use telehealth, please contact me prior to your appointment. 

Note that our receptionist will have limited hours during this time. If you do call the office, we ask that you be patient about receiving a return call. Email is a quicker way to receive a response.

Please take care of yourself and those around you. 

Sincerely,

Middle Georgia Counseling and Testing