COVID19 (Coronavirus) FAQs - North Texas Medical Clinic

First Created Mar 15 2020, Last updated Jun 12, 2020

Most important thing we can do : 6′ distance, Face Mask, Wash Hands

It has been now more than 3 months since we got into the COVID-19 challenge. A crisis always brings the best in people and the same is true in our practice.

Thank you all for your cooperation as we have adapted to the new challenges and continued to serve our patients and the community. We have integrated several new technologies in our practice – Telehealth, Healow, Doxy.me and electronic consent forms to minimize paper work – just to name a few. Many thanks to our patients for coming up to speed in these new technologies and also following social distancing for on-office visits.

We are now starting to see patients in the office with appropriate screening procedures. We are doing in-person visit for follow-ups and physicals. For any sick visit, patients will first be screened on the phone and use Telemedicine as applicable.

We are in it together to fight the Coronavirus disease (also known as COVID-19). Our office is getting a lot of calls from patients with concern. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that we have compiled to build awareness about what we should and should not be concerned about.

There is no need to panic about COVID-19. By understanding the facts and doing our part, we will get through this, together!

Q1: I have cough, fever and other virus like symptoms. Can I come in to the clinic for Coronavirus testing?

Here are a few procedures that our office is establishing in cooperation and guidance with our affiliated hospitals.

If you suspect COVID symptoms, please call our office or book online for an appointment. The appointment will be a Televisit. If COVID is suspected, we will order a COVID test. We are not testing COVID on-site but will give you prescription and details on where to get this testing done.

For most sick visits , we will continue to use a Televisit or Virtual visit with audio and video as we have been using this very well fromMar 23rd. Please see this link for more details on Telemedicine. Our staff will be calling you to help with this.

For all other in-person visits, our staff will be doing a phone screening for the safety of staff and other patients.

Q2: I have a regular appointment for a different issue other than Coronavirus. What should I do? Should I come or cancel my appointment?

We are starting to get to normal procedures with both in-person and telehealth procedures.

Q3: This is not acceptable. Why can’t I come in for a test just for screening from the Coronavirus?

This is a serious situation across the nation and the world. For the benefit of the entire community, we are required to follow the guidelines from the US Government and CDC. Due to testing limitations, the tests have to be prioritized according to the risk and emergency.

Please see the above and follow the guidelines to take care of you and your family, friends and community in the most responsible way.

Q4: Number of cases are growing even in North Texas. Is there a cure for this?

Most of you know, there is Tamiflu for flu. Tamiflu makes the symptoms (such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills) less severe and shortens the recovery time by 1-2 days. There is no such thing for Coronavirus, yet even as many companies worldwide are investing a lot of R&D. Hoping that there will be some breakthrough soon.

Having said that, in most cases, this virus can be managed by taking measures against these symptoms and it is a matter of days for the recovery.

Q5: What’s the difference between Flu and Coronavirus?

Influenza “the flu” and COVID-19 are both infectious respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms.

As of Mar. 10, 2020, the flu showed a significant impact on Americans than COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that so far this season, there have been at least 34 million flu illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths from flu.

Main concern is how fast the COVID-19 is spreading and the overload it could potentially create on the US healthcare system. Let us be responsible to do everything in our hands to stop preventing any viral infections. Let’s start with staying inside for all non-essential things in daily life.

Q6: I am very concerned and worried that I have Coronavirus related symptoms. What should I do?

In most cases, this virus can be managed like any other virus so please do not panic.

Please call us and we will advise on what steps you can take. Here are some quick suggestions.

Please be on self-quarantine for at least 2 weeks if you have these symptoms so your family members or community members do not pick up this infection.
Control your body temperature and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medicines.
Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration.
Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection.

Q7: Why suddenly the number of cases are increasing?

As testing for this virus becomes more accessible, we suspect that the number cases will continue to rise. Plus, as more states and countries start opening up, the number of cases will increase. Depending on the overall health of people, the exhibition of the symptoms will vary.

The best we can do is:

Diagnosis – This is now paced by the availability of testing equipment but please see Q1 above for testing updates.

Prevention – All of us can do this now. Please see our previous blog on prevention tips

Treatment – In the unfortunate event of someone having this virus, this can be managed.

Please leave any comments or questions you may have. We will continue to add more FAQs as we get more questions and CDC/Government guidelines.

References:

Disclaimers: This is informational only based on several reliable sources and our analysis. It is not meant to be a medical guidance or prescription for any person. Please call your doctor or our office if you need specific advice for your situation. Please call 911 if you have a medical emergency. If you are our current patient, please use your patient portal to send any questions electronically as we are having a lot of calls.

Welcome to North Texas Medical Clinic