To our patients:
We are open and seeing patients in the office and virtually by telemedicine video and audio. Per the CDC recommendations, we are remaining open to address our patients’ urgent needs and to continue providing important care to our pregnant patients.
In order to ensure the highest level of safety for our patients and staff, we are changing the way we see patients. Our Herrin office will be closed to patient care for the near future. We will see patients in our Carbondale office at well-spaced intervals to mitigate contact and allow social distancing in the waiting room and office. Please feel free to call the office when you arrive on the premises to check the anticipated time of wait and occupancy of the waiting room.
Rescheduling appointments
If you have an upcoming appointment, we will be contacting you to reschedule the time of your appointment, rescheduling to a telemedicine visit, or rescheduling to a later date when the situation allows. This will depend on the purpose of your visit and the necessity for an in-person appointment. As always, your preferences will also be taken into account.
Annual well woman exams will be rescheduled to a later date.
Pregnancy visits will continue to be seen although we may be able to change some to a telemedicine visit in the near future depending on your gestational age.
Significant gynecologic issues that require an in-person visit will continue to be seen.
Urgent gynecologic problems will be scheduled for an in-person appointment.
Most procedures will remain as scheduled such as IUD insertions, Nexplanon insertions and colposcopies.
Most ultrasounds including all OB ultrasounds, will continue to be seen.
Telemedicine
We have moved quickly to initiate telemedicine video and audio visits for appropriate problems and consultations. You will be scheduled a time for your telemedicine visit and will get an invite via text or email shortly before your visit time. Once you have signed in, you will be placed in a virtual waiting room and the provider will connect with you as soon as they are available. Please be aware that this visit will result in a charge to your insurance and coinsurance and deductible will apply. If you do not have internet capability or just prefer, a telemedicine audio visit may be scheduled. However, this will only be used for brief and simple encounters and not for consultations or more complex issues.
The following problems are examples that might be appropriate for a telemedicine visit:
- Birth control initiation or problems.
- Menstrual issues
- Menopause and perimenopause issues and counseling including hormone replacement
- Mood disorders including postpartum depression
- Pre-pregnancy counseling
- Many problems that are not acute and do not require a physical examination to determine a course of action may be appropriate for a telemedicine visit.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Stay safe and enjoy your time at home with your family.