Office Visit Protocol:
If you have upper respiratory symptoms, you will be required to wear a face-mask for the entire visit.
Cough
Runny nose/Congestion
Fever
Muscle aches
Headaches
“Sinus” symptoms
Sore Throat or pain in throat
Use hand sanitizer on entering the office.
You will be taken into a exam room with HEPA filter where a Medical Assistant will check you in and perform an “quick” intake
Medical assistant will also collect swabs for COVID, Flu and/or Strep test depending on your symptoms and our protocol
The provider will come into the room and discuss treatment options for all the tests that were performed:
If test results are available prior while provider is in room with you, then appropriate prescriptions will be sent to pharmacy
If test results are not available immediately, then you will be “checked out.” A medical assistant will call you with the results on your phone
Telehealth Visits
If you you have done a home COVID test and are requesting evaluation/prescription then a Telehealth appointment will be scheduled.
The reason for a Telehealth visit is to discuss the following:
Determine if there is a co-infection (e.g. COVID and Flu/strep)
Treatment options including Paxlovid (depending on symptoms)
Interaction of Paxlovid (or other medications) with existing medications
Answer any other questions regarding diagnosis/treatment
Upper Respiratory Symptoms Testing Information and Protocol
We have both Rapid and Molecular tests for:
COVID-19
Influenza A and B
Strep A
Why to get a Molecular Test (or not get a Molecular test)?
More accurate than rapid tests
High Deductible Insurance Plans - may cost 2-3 times more than rapid test depending on insurance plan
Who is appropriate for Molecular testing?
Negative Covid, flu and/or Strep test in the last week
Persistent upper respiratory symptoms
Work/Travel requirement (esp for COVID)
Personal preference for a more accurate test
(Note: Molecular Strep test only tests for Strep A. Rarely people can have strep throat from Strep B)
Rapid Flu and Rapid COVID Tests
All patients with upper respiratory symptoms
Cough
Runny nose/Congestion
Fever
Muscle aches
Headaches
“Sinus” symptoms
Rapid Strep Test:
All patients with sore throat or pain in the throat