Temporary Procedural Modifications Updated 5/6/2020

SURGICAL PATIENTS

PRIOR TO SURGERY

• 1. Please quarantine for at least a week prior to surgery.   Preferably caretaker as well. 
  2. Preoperative COVID testing will be done prior to surgery

DAY OF SURGERY

1. 1. Patients will be screened upon entering the facility
   2. Patients and staff will be required to wear a mask and will be provided
   3. The patient’s caretaker will be called 30 minutes prior to the patient is ready for discharge.   The caretaker will come into the facility with a mask to review postoperative instructions
   4. We will not be doing any procedures that require intubation or would be expected to require mask ventilation

RECOVERY

1. 1. The Caretaker will be asked to stay at home to assist with the recovery of the patient and to limit the risk of exposure. 
   2. When appropriate, follow-up visits will be virtual.  We have found this to be an effective way of communication and less burden to the patient. 

CLINIC PATIENTS

Virtual Visits

1. 1. We will encourage virtual visits over in-office visits where appropriate, so long as they don’t impact the quality of care
   2. Virtual Visits can be done through the symplast app.  This provides a constant stream of communication between the patient, Dr. Yates, and our staff that patients have loved.

In-Office Visits

1. 1. We will require masks to be worn
   2. We prefer the patient comes alone to minimize traffic
   3. Screening will be done upon arrival
   4. We will assure your safety with strict cleaning protocols

FOR YOUR SAFETY

1. We have strongly encouraged Covid Vaccination for all of our staff and almost everyone received the vaccination.   The two members of our staff who have not been vaccinated chose not to because they already had covid.  
2. We have increased our already impeccable sanitary conditions