Is It Safe to Go to the Doctor or Urgent Care During COVID-19?
The U.S. already spends nearly three times more on healthcare than any other country in the world. But arguably, the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic has bungled to the point of sheer negligence — making it hard to justify all we spend on medical needs in general.
Of course, between coronavirus concerns and economic issues, many people are doing everything they can to stay healthy and avoid a surprise medical bill. But while 93% of children saw a doctor in the last year, it’s now become clear that Americans are actively avoiding getting the medical care they need due to COVID-related worries. In fact, according to the CDC, roughly 20% fewer people visited ERs nationwide for urgent and even life-threatening medical conditions (such as heart attack and stroke) during March, when coronavirus was declared a national emergency. And even in non-emergency situations, people decided to put off preventative care or other non-life-threatening medical issues due to the ever-present threat of COVID-19.
But the question is whether that caution is misplaced. Although it’s advisable to limit your potential exposure to others and assess whether a trip you’re making in public is really necessary, doctors are urging patients to not delay urgent or even non-urgent medical attention during this time. Despite the fact that certain injuries, like ankle sprains, can be treated at home (and may take up to 10 days or a few weeks to heal), there are others that should absolutely be addressed by medical professionals without delay.
Most doctors are now taking in-person appointments, even for non-emergency visits, and it’s important to remember that preventative care is essential for staying healthy during these uncertain times. By prioritizing these wellness visits, you may be able to catch problems early and make changes to avoid experiencing a more serious health consequence. If you visit your doctor, urgent care center, or emergency department, make sure to let them know in advance if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or you’re experiencing any symptoms like fever or other notable signs. Hospitals, urgent care centers, and doctors’ offices tend to follow healthcare guidelines more stringently than other kinds of businesses, which means that you can usually expect that sanitization and other procedures will come standard — and that efforts will have increased during the pandemic.
No matter where you seek care, you should wear a mask at all times, maintain at least six feet of distance from others (even when everyone is masked!), wash your hands frequently, and limit anyone who comes into the facility with you to avoid potential exposure or transmission. Even for urgent care centers, it’s a good idea to call ahead and actually secure an appointment time, if this option is offered. This can limit the amount of time you have to wait around near any other patients. Some facilities may request that you wait in your car until your appointment time or to call in when you’ve arrived. Most healthcare centers will conduct screenings and take temperature readings, as well.
For non-emergencies and for patients who have higher risks associated with catching COVID-19, telehealth options may still be available. Your doctor may offer this as an option or you may be able to access medical care virtually through your insurance carrier. You can always call ahead to assess whether an in-person visit is truly necessary or whether your doctor would advise you to take a “wait and see” approach to reduce potential risks. At that time, you can also ask more about the procedures the facility has adopted to keep everyone safe. This may put your mind at ease or provide you with the information you need to select another healthcare provider.
In the end, medical experts would caution patients not to delay necessary treatment due to the pandemic. Although making a medical visit always comes with a small, inherent risk, it’s essential to seek the care you need. Whether it’s a true emergency or you’re simply trying to stay on top of your preventative care appointments, it’s best not to put off healthcare treatment if you can help it. As long as you take all proper precautions, you shouldn’t feel afraid to seek expert help.
