COVID-19 Policy

Guide for our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Our office is following current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control as well as local requirements. These can change over time. Currently, the requirements are that:

“All Chicago residents should practice physical distancing, wear a face covering and wash their hands often. Everyone should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if they’re sick.”

Because people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions, as well as older adults especially over the age of 85, are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, we will ask about symptoms when you call to make an appointment, and may request that you get tested for COVID-19 before coming to the office. Please discuss how to proceed with your doctor before making an appointment if you have had contact with a COVID-19-positive individual, or if you have any of the following symptoms:
Fever over 99.9 F., cough, shortness of breath, loss of the sense of taste or smell, sore throat, or diarrhea.

Some appointments are being converted to virtual or “telehealth” appointments where appropriate, in order to reduce your risk and that of other patients and staff. In order to minimize the number of people in the office at any particular time, we ask that you call to schedule any visit at least one day in advance, even for a lab test, or when picking up an item from the office. We also ask that, with some exceptions, only the person with the appointment comes to the visit. (If you require a driver, we ask that they remain in the car unless you need assistance getting to the office.) If a regular appointment is scheduled at the office, we will also ask you about symptoms when you arrive, and use a non-contact thermometer to check your temperature.

Everyone who visits the office for any reason is required to wear a mask over the nose and mouth during the entire visit, unless your doctor specifically asks you to temporarily remove it to examine you. Masks should fit snugly but be comfortable, and multiple fabric layers or medical masks are recommended. In addition, while waiting in the office or standing in line at the front window in our office, please maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.

For additional information regarding how to protect yourself during the pandemic, you may wish to visit the CDC website:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult period.