Your primary care doctor sees you regularly for annual well-check exams, vaccinations and booster shots, and regular health complaints. Due to the pandemic, though, you may have been putting off seeing your primary care doctor. Now that restrictions are loosening, but we’re still being urged to use caution, you might be wondering if you’re good to go.
Dr. Amit Reenu Paliwal provides primary care to adults and children of all ages at Indus Healthcare. He has three offices in Pomona, West Covina, and Montclair, California. Each location is equipped for basic primary care as well as occupational and functional medicine.
Safety during the pandemic
The new coronavirus spreads rapidly from person to person. The global outbreak has been named as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since the virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets (caused by breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing), and can stay alive on surfaces for days, masks, gloves, and social distancing were put in place. If you had a minor surgery or an aesthetic procedure planned, your doctor probably canceled it. If all you need is approval for a prescription refill, some insurance companies are waiving the need for an office visit to get it.
Essential medical care, however, was and remains a priority. It means you should know the signs and symptoms of the virus, you should call your doctor if you’re concerned about your health, and you should let us help you decide how urgent your case is.
Is primary care “essential” care?
Are your primary care needs essential? Here are some guidelines that can help you decide whether or not you should try to make that appointment or postpone it until later.
Is your condition a threat to your health or your life?
If you have an injury or illness that is worsening, you need to see your doctor for care. If you have a concern that probably isn’t life threatening, like a mild rash, you may be able to get the advice you need without going to the doctor’s office.
Do your symptoms match those of the virus?
If you’re having unusual symptoms and think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, make a list of those symptoms and call us. We can advise you as to where to go to be tested. If your symptoms are very severe, you may need to get emergency care. Coronavirus symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Respiratory distress
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Intractable headache
You may also want to take advantage of telehealth visits, which allow you to “see” your doctor virtually using a video conference.
If you think you need to see a primary care doctor, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can figure out whether or not you need to make an appointment or if you can treat at home. Just call the location closest to you or send us a message online today.
