Continuing Care for Orthopedic Patients During COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 has left many who are seeking orthopedic treatment scared and unsure about how to pursue the care they need. The team at TriHealth Orthopedic & Sports Institute is still open and caring for patients.
The visits may or may not be what patients are used to. Andrew Islam, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with the TriHealth Orthopedic & Sports Institute, says his patients are being screened for risk when they call to schedule an appointment. “Our team meets daily to look at the days ahead to see who needs to be seen in person and who can be seen over video or even have an appointment over the phone,” says Dr. Islam. “We call patients who we think can be seen remotely.” Dr. Islam adds that patients are receptive to this approach to care. Some are even calling his office asking for video visits.
What if My Surgery Has Been Postponed?
TriHealth, like systems all over the country, is currently only performing surgeries that save life and limb. This has left many patients with questions about what they can do in the interim.
Dr. Islam suggests patients use a stretching or exercise pro- gram along with over- the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help them until their procedure gets rescheduled. “We have a list of patients affected and will call them as soon as we are ready to reschedule,” Dr. Islam says. Some waiting on surgery may be concerned with worsening pain and may need more than over-the-counter medication.
Dr. Islam says some of those patients have been brought to the office for injections to help them through while they wait.
Dr. Islam says some patients are worried about having to get new scans before their procedure can be rescheduled. “Most cases won’t require a patient to repeat tests and scans,” says Dr. Islam. “We are working on processes and procedures for patients to be cleared for surgery. We expect it to affect a minimal amount of our patients. We are looking at every case individually.”
What if I Have a New Injury?
Warmer temperatures mean more people being out and active. This also means more injuries related to being out while maintaining appropriate distancing from others.
Dr. Islam says potential new patients don’t need to worry. “Even in normal times we start with exercise and rehabilitation programs and move to surgery later,” says Dr. Islam. “We want people with new injuries to know we are there for them.”
If it is recommended that you have an in-person appointment, you can click here to view the most up to date information about safety precautions for all TriHealth locations.