Be cared for during COVID-19

According to a U.S. Census Bureau survey, 37.4 percent of Delawareans are delaying their medical care due to COVID-19.

In data collected July 16-21, the survey found that the state with the highest number of people delaying care was Maine, with 49.4 percent reporting they were not going in for regular medical care because of concerns due to the pandemic.

Delaware came in 29th on the list. Maryland was 14th and Pennsylvania ranked 20th, in a tie with Mississippi.

Reasons not to delay care:

1. Even minor symptoms may become major if you delay care.
2. Regular yearly checkups are scheduled in advance and may take time to reschedule, which means next year, your annual checkup could be moved even further back if your insurance requires a year and a day between annual exams. This could become a challenge in the future, especially for pediatric and sports exams.
3. Talking to your provider and having regular visits could uncover a health concern before it becomes a serious issue. For example, if your blood pressure has gone up significantly, your doctor can prescribe a medicine to help before it impacts your heart, kidneys and brain.
4. If you have symptoms of a heart attack (pain radiating into your arm, jaw or back, or shortness of breath or chest pain) or symptoms of a stroke (sudden loss of balance, drooping face, numbness, sudden vision changes or loss, difficulty speaking), call 911 immediately. Do not wait – every minute counts. Paramedics and emergency department teams are equipped to provide immediate lifesaving care in a safe environment.

How to be safe when visiting a provider:

1. Wear a mask or face covering in all public settings. Be sure your mouth and nose are covered at all times. If you want extra protection, wear fitted goggles over your eyes.
2. Use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces, pens, tablets, etc. Wash your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds.
3. Stay physically distanced if you must be in a waiting area. Keep at least 6 feet of space between you and others while sitting and standing.
4. Be prepared. Have your ID and insurance card ready. It might be a good idea to keep these items in a separate plastic resealable bag and then sanitize them when you return home.
5. Bring as little as possible. If you can, leave your purse or handbag in the car. Only bring in what you will need as it limits the amount of items that could come in contact with germs.
6. Talk to your provider about a virtual appointment. All Beebe Medical Group practices offer telemedicine appointments via a secure video link. You can talk to your provider in a video chat to determine if your health concerns require an in-person appointment.

The hospital, your doctor’s office, walk-in care locations, and specialty offices are here for your safe care. Beebe has instituted numerous safety protocols at all of its care locations in order to help you and our team stay safe. There are Plexiglas barriers and visual cues to remind patients of wearing face coverings and staying physically distanced. Appointments are required for lab, imaging, physical therapy and other outpatient services, excluding walk-in care, to limit the number of people in the building at one time.

Remember, you need an appointment for lab and imaging. This allows our team to better serve you in a safe environment. Call 302-645-3278 with your physician order to schedule. These safety practices are in place so our patients continue to receive the care they need even during the pandemic. Be safe and healthy out there.