Updated: May 15, 2020
COVID-19 Appointment Information and Procedure Updates
Get the latest updates for all appointments and procedures.
We want you to be aware of how we are managing the risk of coronavirus spread and provide you with relevant information regarding currently scheduled appointments and new appointment requests.
Communicating with Us
Our staff is currently working off-site and we strongly encourage the use of MyChart for communicating with our office. If you are not currently enrolled as a MyChart user or need to reach an office member, please contact our office(s) by phone and provide the following information on the voicemail: name, date of birth, reason for call, treating provider and the best number on which you can be reached. Messages are checked every hour on the hour, and will be returned within 24 business hours. Patients with an urgent medical need after-hours can also reach one of our providers via the on-call number provided on the messaging service.
Appointments
As of March 16th, 2020, the Division of Rheumatology transitioned to virtual appointments for all returning patients. Divisional staff will contact any returning patients with in-person visits currently scheduled to convert the visit to a virtual (video) one. We highly encourage returning patients to engage in video visits as there may be limited in-person scheduling availability in the summer and fall. Currently scheduled new patients will be contacted by divisional staff to be offered a rescheduled in-person appointment if the visit cannot be assessed via telemedicine. If you are a return patient and need to schedule a virtual visit, please call 443-997-1552.
To complete a virtual visit successfully, you must have a MyChart account activated and complete the following pre-registration steps at least 24 hours prior to your visit:
- Set up your MyChart account
- Complete and verify your demographic information in MyChart
- Test your device prior to the visit
- Complete the e-check in for your appointment under the “Appointments and Visits” section
- Electronically sign your telemedicine acknowledgement (valid for 1 year) and outpatient agreement forms (valid for 6 months)
More resources for successful visits can be found here:
As of March 10th, 2020, the guidance from the American College of Rheumatology for patients with rheumatic disease is:
- American College of Rheumatology does not recommend holding or discontinuing medications for rheumatic diseases, including prednisone, DMARDs or biologics.
- If you are ill, with cough/fever or you have been exposed to another person who is diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your physician about possible evaluation and whether you should discontinue your immune suppressing therapy.
- It would be wise to keep ample stocks (e.g., one-month supply) of necessary medications on hand in case there are unexpected delays refilling prescriptions.
The CDC recommends the following everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
If there are additional questions regarding your in-person or video appointment, please feel free to call our scheduling office at 443-997-1552.
