Q. I have a routine doctor appointment scheduled for this month and am considering canceling the appointment. I’m an 84-year-old male and have diabetes. I typically see my doctor every four months, but my last appointment was pushed back due to COVID. I know I’m due for blood work but am worried about being exposed to COVID while in the doctor’s office. Do you have any advice?
A. The coronavirus pandemic has certainly changed our everyday lives, including our visits to the doctor. I empathize with your concern and understand why you would consider canceling your appointment. However, diabetes is a complicated disease and necessitates a physician’s oversight to manage the condition. Before you cancel, consider the following advice.
Start by having a conversation with your doctor’s office staff. Ask what precautions they are taking to avoid patient exposure to COVID-19. Most offices have spaced appointments so that multiple patients aren’t waiting in the waiting room. Some offices only see routine appointments, while their sister office sees sick patients. Other practices are only seeing sick patients at the end of the day, in order to minimize the risk of cross-exposure. Check to see how your doctor is handling routine and sick appointments. It’s possible that your doctor is only seeing healthy patients at this time, so your risk is low. You can also ask to move your appointment for the first one of the day. Most doctor offices have a cleaning crew come through each evening to sanitize the office. The first appointment of the day means a lower risk for exposure to germs that may linger between patients.
Another question to ask is whether or not your doctor is offering virtual appointments. If so, ask if you can arrange to have a virtual appointment instead. Virtual appointments can be great for routine appointments, especially if you have to visit a separate office for blood work. If a virtual appointment is an option for you, be sure to get your blood work completed prior to the appointment so that your doctor has a better picture of your overall health.
Keep in mind that a virtual appointment cannot replace every aspect of an in-person exam. For example, most diabetics need to have a doctor examine their feet to check for nerve damage, neuropathy, and poor circulation. Since it sounds like it’s been a while since your last appointment, it might be best to see your doctor in person. You need to weigh the risk of losing a foot over fear of potential exposure to COVID.
Other precautions you can take to protect yourself include wearing a mask during your entire appointment, using hand sanitizer before and after your exam, avoiding public restrooms, and being mindful that you don’t touch unnecessary surfaces.
You are your best advocate. Your doctor understands that these are uncertain times and I’m sure they want you to feel safe at your next appointment. I suggest voicing your concerns and asking questions before you arrive to the office so that you can have the utmost confidence in your health care team.
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