Staffing & Telemedicine Updates

I am proud (and both sad) to report that Center City Pediatrics is adapting quickly and effectively to the COVID19 world. Not surprisingly with what we believe is community spread, we learned today that a staff member who came to work Monday morning has just tested positive for COVID19. This staff member who, according to the health department, did not have significant contact with patients or families, was tested and sent home that morning when we became aware that she did not feel well. We have strictly instituted new policies to make sure that well children are kept safe and sick children are appropriately treated. Please note the following new changes:

1. We are still not routinely testing for COVID19. However, we can advise you on the need for testing and steps to take. Please call us if you are concerned that your child has an exposure and is developing symptoms of cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
2. We are aggressively sending providers and staff home if they are showing any signs of illness. We are making sure that our staff are evaluated appropriately for COVID19, if indicated.
3. To avoid any further cancellations, all the providers have agreed to “cover” for colleagues who cannot be in the office. This means that your child may not see the provider for whom you have scheduled. As always, we consider continuity of care with a provider who knows you and your child important. However, we want to make sure that all children have their appointments in a timely manner.
4. Because we are routinely operating with a smaller staff, please understand that wait times for shots may be longer than usual. We are working to make sure that all patients are brought back to private rooms promptly. If we anticipate longer waits in the waiting room, we will either isolate patients in the MPR or call you about delays.
5. Telemedicine is up and running! Face to face visits are always preferred, particularly for visits that do not involve cough, sore throat and fever. Well Visits cannot be done via telemedicine. Our triage nurses are scheduling telemedicine visits when this modality is appropriate. Please review the CCP Consent for Telemedicine on our website.

Now, more so than ever, follow the rules (I hate saying this!) and stay healthy…

Eric