We recognize that the current Coronavirus crisis is causing fear, anxiety and inconvenience for most families. We would like to reassure you that as the healthcare providers for your children, we are available to help navigate this health concern until it is no longer a threat to our community.
At this time, our office will remain open from 9 AM until 6 PM Monday - Friday. After 6 PM and on weekends, please call the after-hours on call doctor at (810)-986-5058
Please remember, fever, cough and Sore throat due to COVID-19 will resolve without medical treatment and can be managed at home without testing. As reassurance, please bear in mind that the pediatric population has not had serious complications from COVID-19 to date. We are happy to discuss your child’s symptoms by phone or video-conference with the Pediatrician and offer advice for treatment and referral at any time. Please do not hesitate to call with your questions.
In order to keep all of you and our staff as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are instituting the following measures until further notice:
WELL CHILD VISITS / MED CHECK
At this time, we are still seeing our patients for well visits and med check. Please call ahead of time for such visits, as no walk ins will be allowed at this time without triage over the phone.
SICK VISITS
You MUST call ahead of time for sick appointments. We will triage your child’s symptoms over the phone and decide if we will still see you in the office, make an appointment for a video-conference with a doctor, or direct you to another health facility.
CAREGIVERS
At this time, we are asking that only the patient(s) and one healthy caregiver come to the appointment(s).
COVID-19 CONCERNS
If you are concerned that your child has coronavirus or has been exposed to a patient with a confirmed coronavirus case, please CALL our office with your questions and we will direct you appropriately.
OFFICE HYGIENE
In addition to the strict and proper medical hygienic procedures exercised by all the doctors and staff, please be assured that all surfaces including the door handles in our office are cleaned with medical wipes before and after each patient comes in contact with them. Please know that we have hand sanitizer for patient use. Furthermore, we continue to urge good handwashing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. There will be no more waiting in the lobby, patient and caretaker will be escorted to the exam room directly.
TELEMEDICINE
Ill patients with common respiratory or other conditions—per doctor’s discretion– will be treated through Telemedicine visits. A doctor will have a face-to-face audio-video virtual visit with your sick child and yourself. Telemedicine visits will be initiated after you call the front desk staff from 9 am to 6 pm (M-F) to make an appointment. At the time of your appointment, please open this telemedicine link to be placed in the virtual waiting room. Prior to your visit please obtain a home weight, temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate if possible. The doctors will use historical information, visual inspection and their medical knowledge and judgement to provide the best advice available. This is not ideal or desirable, but we do not want to bring your child into our office risking illness exposure to them. On the other hand, we do not want to have our patients running into the ER/Urgent Care for minor, self-limiting illnesses. These visits will be treated by your insurance company similar to an office visit. Many insurers including Blue Cross Blue Shield are waiving normal co-pay requirements.
Our changes in office procedure may evolve as needed. We will continue to change as circumstances warrant and will do our best to communicate with you. Please visit our website regularly for updates.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time period.
Additional Information
The latest information regarding COVID-19 is available at:
CDC.gov
Michigan.gov
Livingston Health Department
24 hour COVID-19 Hotline – (800)-848-5533