With more and more areas of the country reopening, many physicians will have to figure out how to safely and effectively reopen their medical practice. Reopening is not like flipping a switch—you cannot expect to go back to a pre-coronavirus lifestyle just because you are allowed to have patients in your building again. Instead, you must have proper guidelines and rules in place before you start welcoming your patients back into your practice again.
Follow government rules
Local, state, and federal governments have all instituted their own guidelines and rules when it comes to reopening specific businesses. The White House has published a guide to Opening Up America Again that businesses and states can follow. However, it is also important to check with your state and county governments to see if there are any local requirements that you must follow.
Check your PPE supplies
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for healthcare workers. If you do not have a proper supply of PPE, then you won’t be able to protect your employees and your patients. Before you start reopening, assess how much PPE you have presently, and how much you will need in the future to see if reopening is currently feasible.
Open incrementally
Many states are opening incrementally in order to further limit the spread of the coronavirus. Businesses should follow their example, opening their doors to a select number of clients each day. First, assess what you can do through telehealth services and what you have to do in person. Then, create a step-by-step process that will allow you to gradually increase the number of in-person visits you have each day.
Have safety measures in place for patients
Patients should not be coming into close contact with one another, especially in a medical practice where you will have healthy patients and sick patients all in the same building. Have separate areas for your well and sick patients, and, if possible, schedule it so that your well patients come during one part of the day, and your sick patients during another.
For further questions on the coronavirus and its impact on your healthcare facility, contact Medical Revenue Associates today at 215-497-1001.
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