One of the most significant challenges during this pandemic has been trying to keep up with our regular health care visits. What was once a simple matter of making an appointment and showing up now requires a little more thought and preparation. Add in that clinic location capacities have generally been limited and that social distancing protocols are in effect, and we can conclude that things have become overall more complicated. It’s important to ensure that you don’t let your routine healthcare slide, especially during a global health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. This instructional will help you know what to expect and how to prepare.
What Can Change About My Routine Women’s Health Care During the Pandemic?
There may be some minor or significant changes to your routine care based on the COVID factors in your community and that which your clinic resides. The most likely change is an indefinite delay in your visits if you have no emergent symptoms indicating being seen is necessary. Telehealth options are also available, where you call in to speak with your gynecologist or see them as part of a video call. To get specifics on your health care, be sure to contact your provider’s office.
What If I Need Birth Control? Can I Do That Without An Office Visit?
Thankfully it isn’t generally necessary to have a physical exam to get birth control. However, if that birth control method requires the attention of a physician, such as would be the case with sterilization, implants, or an IUD, an office visit will be required. It’s likely that, during the pandemic, you may be directed to try other user-controlled methods of birth control until it’s safe to schedule an office visit. You’ll have to speak to your gynecologist to get more information on this topic.
What If I’m COVID-19 Positive And Need To Speak To My Provider?
It’s likely that you’ll need to reschedule your visit until you’re fully recovered and no longer in quarantine. It’s possible in emergent cases that you’ll be scheduled for the last appointment of the day or seen in a separate area away from other patients. The only way to know for sure is to call your office and discuss their policies and procedures regarding COVID-19 positive patients. No matter what, you should be wearing a mask when you arrive at your appointment and should not remove it until you leave without the direction of your physician.
Do you have more questions about receiving care during the pandemic? Capital Women’s Care Rockville is happy to answer your questions, give you guidance, and set your mind at ease. Call our staff, and they’ll be able to direct you to the appropriate resources for getting your questions answered. They can also schedule a regular or telehealth visit with Dr. Judith Gurdian or one of our team of women’s health specialists to help you receive the care you need. We anticipate receiving your call and providing exceptional women’s health care to our patients in the Rockville, MD area.
