Concerned about the new coronavirus? We are too, and we are constantly on the lookout for more information regarding keeping our members healthy. Did you know that we are doing more to help keep YOU safe from infection? We are frequently sanitizing high-traffic areas of the office, requiring hand-washing or sanitizing upon entering our office, and offering alternatives to traditional face-to-face appointments for those that are not feeling well, or are just feeling weary of being out in public right now. With tools like remote signature, DocuSign, and good old snail-mail we are able to better serve YOU in these confusing times.

Not sure if your plan is going to cover testing? Great news! Medicare has announced that testing will be covered and some carriers are even waiving any associated fees. Here’s what Medicare has to say:

You may be hearing about the coronavirus (officially called 2019-novel coronavirus or COVID-19) in the news. While there isn’t a vaccine yet, Medicare is still here to help. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a test to see if you have coronavirus. This test is covered when your doctor or other health care provider orders it, if you got the test on or after February 4, 2020.

You usually pay nothing for Medicare-covered clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. Note: Your provider will need to wait until after April 1, 2020 to be able to submit a claim to Medicare for this test.

To prevent the spread of this illness or other illnesses including the flu, here are some tips to follow:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water
    • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
    • Stay home when you’re sick
  • See your doctor if you think you’re ill

It goes without saying, but if you are ill, or think you may be ill, please be sensitive to the fact that we serve many elderly and immunocompromised individuals. We are happy to meet with you later when you are feeling well, or, we can schedule a phone appointment or figure out some other alternative to make sure your needs are met. Symptoms to be on the lookout for are:

  • Fever
  • Dry Cough
  • Shortness of Breath

As always, we are available to answer your questions! Give us a call, send an email, or stop on by.