Wow. What a whirlwind few months. It was very hard for us to close our office but it was the right thing to do in March. The world has changed. We are now reopening and will continue to provide outstanding dermatology and cosmetic services effective June 1st, 2020. We are starting slowly so we can all get used to the new systems and operate safely. Let me group the changes into categories. Please read carefully.
- 1. Cleaning: We always cleaned our office well. But this is a different level of cleaning. We wipe down each room after each patient every surface with approved cleaning fluid. Our cleaning company also comes nightly and does a medical grade cleaning every day. Our landlord has informed us that all areas of the building are being cleaned daily with approved chemicals effective against COVID-19, especially high touch surfaces such as the bathrooms and elevator and doorknobs. Nevertheless, we require you to hand sanitize before entering our space.
2. Hand sanitizer/washing hands: We have always done this and will continue. We now ask that you do this as soon as you enter our office, hand sanitizer will be provided.
3. Masks: We are wearing masks. You must also wear a mask this is now required to enter our office. The only exception is a child less than 2. Masks are still in short supply so please wear your own. Do not take it off unless asked to do so for photographs or a procedure. One-way valve masks are not permitted, you must wear a mask over that mask upon entering.
4. Touch-less Office: We have moved as much as possible to a touch-less office. If you are asked to sign something, it will be with a clean stylus or your own pen or one that we have given you to keep. We need your cooperation to fill out forms in advance online if asked to do so. There will be no in office registration.
5. Appointments: We have limited appointments and the flow of our work has changed due to increased time needed to clean and the need to keep our staff safe, so please be understanding that we cannot accommodate all of your needs on one day as we used to do. Appointments must be split into different days depending on what you are requesting. Additionally, please check-in from your car by calling us at 201-265-1300 once you arrive.
6. Visitors: You must come alone to your appointment. There are only two exceptions, a minor who may have one parent (no siblings) and an incapacitated adult who may have one caregiver. All people entering our office will be subject to screening and must wear masks, etc.
7. Screening: You will be screened with questions before entering our office. By phone in advance and when you arrive, and in addition we will be taking your temperature. If anything is suspicious of COVID-19 or other illness, you will need to reschedule or change to teledermatology.
8. Teledermatology: Many things can be accomplished via teledermatology which can be done by video or phone. We require photographs to be emailed in advance of the appointment. We will continue to offer this on an ongoing basis for those who need or want it.
We wish everyone well. Our thoughts and prayers are still with those directly affected as well as the front-line health care and essential workers. We hope and pray for a vaccine or effective treatment as soon as possible, and until then, we will continue policies and procedures to keep everyone safe. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rebecca Baxt
Medical Director
