I'd like to thank Paul Orloff for allowing us to use this as a forum to share concerns, solutions and advice as physicians and business owners in the face of the pandemic. In concert with NYSOS Im hoping we get to share a lot of information. If you have some free time look through the website and buy the book!!
First Id like to share some questions that we can all comment on -also and Ill add a few links for which I thank Aspasia Draga and Robin Pelligrino
This Covid 19 is becoming an issue
I hear plenty of info but no real hard and fast data
I don't have hospital parent giving me guidelines or rules I'm forced to follow -so how are we handling this???
a- have you restricted access- ie are you not seeing routine care
b- do you screen all patients walking in? if so how?
c- how do you clean rooms between patients? what happens when you run out of chlorox or other wipes?
d- do you wear a mask? even better do you have or can get masks???
If we are ordered to shut down (the webinar below addresses this question but not fully)
1- do you still pay staff? it could be a month!
would you have them use up vacation and sick time?
Salaried employees with no revenue it becomes an even bigger issue
2- will you still see emergencies?
3- Most importantly will you remove all sharp objects from your house to prevent your significant other from killing once you are at home constantly?
any other questions you'd like to hear?
two helpful links below- the second an arts and crafts project that will help distract you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6IsfWdFtHY&t=36s A 30 minute webinar as to how to handle office staff/closure and legal aspects associated with covid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvnx_KIUE9A a quick easy slit lamp shield
Thanks to all
Peter Menger MD- be smart-practice safe ophthalmology!
If telemedicine is of any interest, the new standard is Zoom. It is free, powerful but simple to set up and most of its features you don't need. Like having the patient in front of you on a full screen. No pressures or AC evaluation, but it is the best hand we are being dealt.