Fort Worth area doctors urge those in need to seek medical treatment despite pandemic
Everyday medical issues haven’t stopped since the coronavirus began sweeping through our country.
Important medical needs for millions of chronic and non-chronic patients require the care of a doctor despite the prevalence of stay-at-home orders and social-distancing guidelines. The restrictions have made many patients in need hesitant to seek the necessary treatment.
Doctors at the Tarrant County Medical Society recommend calling your doctor. In many cases, treatment can be determined over the phone or through a video chat.
“By now, most physicians offer a Telehealth option for patients,” Omar Selod, a local doctor of osteopathic medicine, said in a news release. “Physicians can reach out to patients and conduct new evaluations or follow up visits by connecting through a smart phone, iPad, laptop, or desktop.”
Those with severe pain, of course, should either visit the emergency room or visit their doctor in person, TCMS says.
“We can hopefully address and resolve a problem and prevent patients from going to the emergency rooms, subsequently helping relieve stress on our local hospitals,” Selod said.
Most health care providers and doctor’s offices are equipped to handle video appointments. Even new patients seeking a new doctor are able to make their initial visit via video appointment.
Specialists, including obstetrics and gynecology, are also able to handle many types of visits virtually via video phone.
“Non-urgent medical care is still happening every day. It just isn’t happening the way it normally does with face-to-face medical visits,” plastic surgeon Dr. Danielle LeBlanc said in a release. “I have been virtually seeing patients for over two weeks now, and many are so grateful for my availability and to be able to talk to me in this way. While I cannot physically examine them, patients are able to offer valuable information and give enough feedback for me to make medical decisions.”
Health officials urge those with serious medical needs not to hesitate to contact their doctors. By seeking timely treatment, patients could potentially lighten the burden on emergency rooms.
“Patients in Tarrant County need to know we are still here for them,” Dr. Selod said. “Since this COVID-19 crisis began, I have found myself communicating more than ever with my physician colleagues, trying to figure out ways to continue to serve our patients. We are here to serve our community and support our healthcare partners including nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, staff, and other physician colleagues. We will get through this. We are here for you.”
