Same as always at this point for me, except, some appointments are video call/telemedicine. This is a gift. I have wanted this option for years. Initially when covid hit I avoided anything in person, but I can’t put it off forever. I think covid will be a serious concern at least two years. Cases are relatively low where I live.
I went to my cardiologist last week.
I went to the optometrist today. I’ll let you know if I come down with covid in the next 14 days. I think getting your eyes checked is one of the higher risk appointments and if it hadn’t been almost 2 years since my last and my husband can’t see well at all anymore with his glasses, I probably would have waited.
I need to go back to my dermatologist.
I would avoid the GP if possible. I feel that way even before covid. Sick, contagious people go to the GP. Maybe it’s safer now than ever before? Even people colds and flu aren’t allowed in.
I ask the office their protocol before I go and if they seem unconcerned I don’t go. The one office that dismissed my question (this was early on) their receptionist and nurse did not wear a mask. I was pretty annoyed. By contrast my dermatologist makes you wait outside the office. They take you in when they are ready for you. They schedule farther apart now so you rarely wait past your appointment time and you don’t run into a lot of patients in the office. They do all insurance info in the phone before the appointment. They don’t deal with payment at all in the office. When your appointment is over you walk out.
The optometrist said I can wait outside also if I prefer and they will call or text when ready. We didn’t do that, but they were fine with the Q and happy to accommodate.
You can wear a mask and shield for more protection assuming your doctor doesn’t need access to your face. I did that at the cardiologist. Or, an N95. I don’t have one.
I think a lot of people go to the doctor when unnecessary and doctors encourage it for the MONEY. My FIL just went to the office for test results and I’m pissed about it. He’s 80! It was completely unnecessary, it’s risky for him. I’m so tired of it. Doctors where I live have a large amount of Medicare patients and schedule patients every 2–3 months “because Medicare will pay it.” Fraud in my opinion, and disgraceful during a pandemic.