Why It’s Safe to Return to Your Doctor

For months, we’ve been told to stay home to help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus. Now, as restrictions are lifted, many people are wondering if it is safe to return to your doctor for routine visits, or even scheduling the elective surgery you have been putting off.

In northeastern Indiana, the short answer is “Yes, it is safe to once again receive medical care.” For the residents of Steuben County and the surrounding area, Cameron Hospital and Cameron Medical Group have put several measures in place to ensure that their facilities are safe.

Health and safety always come first at Cameron. So, let’s take a look at the top five steps Cameron is taking so people can once again safely seek the quality care they need.

1. Advanced cleaning and sanitation measures.

Cameron Hospital and Cameron Medical Group have always had an exceptional environmental services team, providing a clean environment at all times. Now, they have increased their services. In fact, Cameron exceeds the highest recommendations and standards for disinfecting and sanitizing its environment. All common and treatment areas are thoroughly cleaned after each interaction. In addition, Cameron uses reverse airflow capacity in major areas, including all COVID-19 treatment areas to add yet another layer of protection.

2. Employees, patients and visitors must wear masks.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Health Organization recommend wearing masks to help lower the risk of spreading COVID-19. Cameron agrees. Everyone who enters Cameron Hospital and Cameron Medical Group is required to wear a face mask at all times. This includes all of our providers, as well as any other associates throughout all areas of the hospital. Because all visitors are also required to wear masks, Cameron provides masks to anyone entering our facilities who do not have one.

3. Minimizing time in waiting rooms.

One of the ways Cameron is creating safe spaces for patients and visitors is by shortening the time spent in waiting rooms. The first step is spacing appointment times further apart so fewer people will be waiting at the same time. Patients will also be escorted to treatment rooms as soon as possible after they check-in. In addition, some providers are asking patients to remain in their car until exam rooms are ready.

4. Prescreening for temperature and respiratory symptoms.

Prescreening people for increased temperatures is being used across the country to help keep employees and visitors safe. Cameron Hospital and Cameron Medical Group go one step further by also asking patients about respiratory symptoms when an appointment is made, during reminder phone calls and again when entering Cameron Hospital or clinics. Separate entries and waiting areas are available for people who may be showing COVID-19 symptoms.

5. Providing alternatives so you can choose how to see your provider.

Just like it always has, Cameron continues to do everything possible to protect the health and safety of its patients and visitors. This includes providing options for the way they see patients, including in-person visits, virtual visits and through Cameron Urgent Care. People can choose to have virtual visits with their provider at no additional cost. Virtual visits provide the same level of care, but from the comfort of your home. Cameron MyChart also allows patients remote access to appointments, prescription refills and other services. If you don’t already have a MyChart account, simply visit Cameron online.

If you have any questions about COVID-19 or Cameron’s response, you can call Cameron’s COVID-19 Resource Line at 260-667-5555. It’s available Monday through Friday from 8am to 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6:30pm.

Reviewed by: Todd C. Rumsey, MD, FACOG, Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Rumsey is an experienced, board-certified obstetrics and gynecology specialist who also serves as Cameron Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer.