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The Challenge of Our Day ... Telemedicine Solutions
At Ponchatoula Urology we made changes early on, recommending common-sense measures in hopes of avoiding the Wuhan coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), otherwise known as COVID-19. Physical distancing, avoiding the vicinity of ill individuals, avoiding handshakes, avoiding fomites (door handles, faucet handles), avoiding hand contact with the eyes, nose and face, regular hand washing (with soap), use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and many others were recommended.
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We've all taking the recommended precautions, but no precaution is perfect. Physical isolation at times may be needed, but medical isolation is not!
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At Ponchatoula Urology we use telemedicine for high-risk patients or any patient desiring to see our doctors safely from home. You need only a cell phone, tablet, or computer. Communicate with your urologist by your choice of audiovisual, audio only, or even secure text messaging.
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Lab, x-rays and medical documents, pictures or video may be transmitted from us to you (and vice versa) using SMS or MMS text messaging or even email, while you talk with your doctor about medical issues. The process is very straight forward. You need no special equipment and you do not need any special app. If you can send a text message (or even just talk on the phone) you have all you need. We prescribe and refill medications, review and discuss test results and (if you prefer) perform a visual exam via video or still pictures.
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You'll find this service convenient, effective and above all, a very safe alternative to potential healthcare exposure risks. Urology telehealth will never replace all face-to-face physician visits, but under the circumstances this is a very reasonable alternative.
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In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare and most insurance providers signify that they do now cover telehealth services. The former President ordered this critically needed telemedicine coverage via the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The US Department of Health (HHS) then relaxed HIPAA enforcement in hopes of easing access to medical care for patients who may not have high-tech capabilities. Diligent privacy protections are correspondingly in place, of course.
Typical co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles still generally apply to telehealth services, but payments can be collected over the telephone or computer. Call us at (985) 345-5500 or book your TELEHEALTH appointment online here.
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Of course, we are now also see patients live and in person in our office in downtown Ponchatoula! However, our patient appointment schedules have been altered to accommodate reasonable physical distancing. While we do not treat coronavirus patients per se, we do schedule longer time spans for each patient appointment. This allows each patient a relaxed visit with more time to get in and out of our medical facilities, ideally avoiding the proximity of others as much as possible.
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We ask that patients not arrive early for appointments and we also request that family members not accompany the patient to the office, unless necessary. Gone are the typical doctor's office magazines and the like. Hand sanitizer, disposable towels and gloves are provided where indicated and all surfaces are sanitized on schedule.
For anyone who should develop fever, cough or difficulty breathing during this outbreak, call your doctor rather than simply appearing at the doctor's office unannounced. Viral testing sites are available throughout Louisiana. Avoiding the doctor's office may spare other patients from contracting the illness. Your doctor may advise you where to go, what to do and how to be tested. if you think you may be ill, wearing a face mask and isolating yourself from others is indicated. Yet, higher fever or breathing difficulty would certainly require hospital emergency evaluation.
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Millions of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are being administered daily across the United States. Effective antiviral drugs are also in use.
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At Ponchatoula Urology we have a cautious but very optimistic outlook. Americans have nearly beaten yet another nemesis. May God continue to bless our efforts and see us through!