Despite COVID-19, it’s still important to seek time-sensitive medical care that you need to stay healthy.

You might be fearful about going to your doctor or hospital, but as health care providers, keeping you safe is our top priority. Rest assured that health care organizations across the country have taken extra precautions to make sure you and your loved ones are safely cared for. From rigorous cleaning protocols to modifying facilities for social distancing to treating COVID-19 patients separately, you can count on your care team to keep you safe.

As hospitals and medical providers have gained more personal protective equipment and implemented broad safety measures, most previously delayed surgeries and procedures are now being rescheduled. If you have had to postpone visits with your doctor, screenings, surgeries, or other care, now is the time to contact your doctor and get back to your personalized health care plan.

From video to phone visits and in-person care, there are many options available to stay connected with your doctor. Though COVID-19 may change the way you access care, it’s still important that your care continues.

Sudden symptoms and chronic health conditions, like heart disease or diabetes, require frequent check-ups and lab visits to make sure your treatment is working.

If you have health concerns or are at high-risk of developing a health-related issue, preventive care is essential. Preventive screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, are important for early detection. The earlier your doctor identifies a problem the better your chance for treatment options and successful outcomes.

Most importantly, don’t delay seeking care for fear of contracting COVID-19, especially if a medical emergency arises. Your life could depend on it. If you’re in pain, have an injury or think something is wrong with your health, call your doctor, go to a walk-in clinic or emergency department.

When you need medical attention fast, a walk-in clinic offers convenient medical care without the cost of a trip to the emergency department. You can expect a wide-range of services available for anything from sniffles to minor scrapes, to treatment for minor sports or work injuries, and more.

We all hope things return to “normal” soon, but it’s too early to know how long current public health guidelines will last. That means it’s crucial for you and your family to look after your health and well-being now. Above all, stay connected with your health care team. Together, we’ll make sure you get the care you deserve when and where you need it.

Dr. Anthony John Purcell is a board certified family medicine physician with the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Danielson and Medical Director of the Day Kimball Healthcare Plainfield Walk-In Clinic. For more information about the Day Kimball Healthcare Plainfield Walk-In Clinic visit www.daykimball.org/walk-in.

Areas of Related Interest

Patient Services | Walk-In Clinic
Patient Services | Family Medicine
Return to Care at DKH