As difficult as back pain can be, nobody wants to risk getting the coronavirus while seeking pain relief. At the same time, you need to know that you’re at less risk of exposure to COVID-19 at the Southeastern Spine Institute than at a hospital or a family doctor’s office.
Don’t wait or postpone treatment for fear of being exposed to the coronavirus. The Southeastern Spine Institute is doing everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All staff wear masks and all patients and visitors are required to wear a mask while in the new building. As more people receive the vaccine, risks become lower as well.
How Does the Southeastern Spine Institute Keep You Safe?
The pandemic has lasted more than a year now, and your back specialists have been treating patients through virtual visits and on the campus successfully. They’ve figured out best-practices and have had no reports of infections originating at their Mt. Pleasant offices. COVID-19 protection practices in place include:
- Having you wait in your car until the staff phones you to come into the building
- Taking temperatures and asking risk-assessment questions upon entering
- Cleaning and disinfecting the facility more often, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, patient rooms and restrooms
- Providing masks if you need one
- Making hand sanitizer dispensers readily available
- Limiting the number of patients in the building to reduce risk
- Arranging furniture, markers and signage to encourage social distancing
- Mailing medication refills directly to you to reduce your need to leave your house
- Offering virtual exams with your doctor, if applicable, to determine whether you need an in-person visit
In addition, employees are asked stay home if they have a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, they’re not allowed back to work if they’ve recently been in direct contact with a person who’s tested positive.
Why Have a Virtual Examination?
For maximum COVID-19 protection, your spinal medicine doctors continue to offer online examinations. You may be pleasantly surprised by how valuable such an examination can be. For example:
- Your doctor can sometimes diagnose your condition by listening to your symptoms.
- You can move around to show your physician where your discomfort originates.
- When necessary, you can even get prescribed medication to help you overcome your pain.
- With Telehealth, you may be able to receive a renewal of a drug prescription or a referral to a specialist or physical therapist.
From this assessment, it’s sometimes possible to determine the cause of your pain. But when it appears that you need a more hands-on meeting with your doctor, you’ll be advised to make a safe, in-person visit. There’s no need to worry.
What If I Tested Positive for the Virus?
Often you can receive the care you need via Telehealth services when you’ve had a positive test for COVID-19. If you’re advised to come in, please call before you leave home so that the staff can be prepared to care for you when you arrive.
Your safety, as well as the safety of all the guests and staff at the Southeastern Spine Institute, remains a priority as your doctor continues to provide you with back pain relief and treatment. Even if you haven’t been tested, please notify the clinic by phone if you have any COVID-19 symptoms such as:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath beyond what’s usual for you