COVID-19

With concerns about COVID-19 circulating in the Seattle area, we wanted to share the practices we have put in place to reduce the risk of transmission in the office. Some of these practices were already in place to reduce the risk of influenza and other respiratory pathogens.

  • Moving to a digital check-in process so that paperwork is filled out online, before you arrive, to reduce the amount of time you spend in the waiting room.

  • Designating one exam room to be used for newborns and well kids and the other exam room for sick kids.

  • Not using table paper. Table paper does not improve safety, and without it, it’s easier to disinfect the tables after use.

  • Wiping down each room after use.

We will continue to see patients at our clinic. We also offer telemedicine (video) visits when appropriate (text us if you’re not sure). We can easily see patients in their car in the parking lot, and have some capacity for home visits (with an additional fee) depending on how things evolve.

General recommendations:

  • More and better hand washing! Check out this video.

  • Less face touching! This virus is transmitted by droplets that need to get to your lungs if they’re going to make you sick, and the mouth, nose and eyes are easy access points.

  • Other non-pharmaceutical interventions are outlined in this CDC resource.

  • Get refills of prescription and over-the-counter medications so that you have them at home. If you’re out of refills, ask the pharmacy for a refill and they’ll contact us for authorization.

  • Get your flu vaccine if you haven’t already. This helps indirectly by reducing the likelihood of needing medical attention from flu while this other virus is in town. We still have flu vaccines available for babies 6+ months, kids, and adults.

Be sure you’re getting information from reliable sources.

Patients who test positive for COVID-19 or who are suspected to have COVID-19 infection and who are not hospitalized should receive information on management of isolation in the community.  https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDcasepositive.pdf

What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDexposed.pdf

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDconcerned.pdf

Please let us know if you have questions or concerns. We are happy to help!

Elias Kass