COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOL

Important Update From Dr. Michael Kowalski

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOL

Dear Patient and Friends of Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center,                                  

As a valued patient of the Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center, your safety, well-being and good health are our top priorities. In light of the evolving COVID-19 crisis, I would like to personally share the steps we are taking to protect our patients and employees.

First, let me reassure you per current statistics, the vast majority of people infected with COVID-19 experience non-life-threatening symptoms. In fact, most people suffer mild symptoms and then recover uneventfully. That being said, people over 65 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions, and healthcare workers on the front lines remain at greater risk of severe illness and death. For the latest statistical information, refer to this website.

It is imperative that our population, in the near term, practice reasonable social distancing, frequent handwashing, avoid touching your face or eyes, limit exposure to large groups, and practice social spacing when in the presence of large groups when possible. Masks are only indicated to be worn by health professionals or if you are sick, in order to limit the number of shortages. Remember that masks only help you to decrease the possibility of infecting others. Your wearing a mask has been determined to be a very little protection against you being infected, in other words.

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOL

We have adopted the following:

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOL

Office Disinfecting Policy

Beyond the normal measures we take to maintain the ultra-clean environment of our clinic, Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center has implemented additional measures according to CDC guidelines to clean and disinfect surfaces throughout our clinic in the common areas of our facilities. We are providing terminal cleaning to the office on a regular basis to supplement the regular cleaning measures.

The terminal cleaning process is used to attempt complete elimination of all pathogens from the environment, for the safety of the next patient, as well as clinic staff. Terminal cleaning is an intense disinfecting procedure that involves completely spraying isopropyl alcohol on treatment equipment and touch areas in each room before and after each patient.

Additionally, all Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center employees have been trained in and follow CDC guidelines for best practices to prevent infection, including social distancing and No-Wait policy, frequent handwashing, thorough cleaning and disinfecting of examination rooms and common touch areas between patients, and staying home if becoming unwell.

Office Appointments and Patient Flow

To our patients for whom continuing treatment is medically necessary, in adherence to the CDC recommendations of social distancing, we are adopting a No Wait policy. The policy works as follows: you can check-in when you reach the parking lot by calling or texting our office at (904) 296-9545, you can then remain in your car until we call you that your treatment room is ready. You will then be escorted straight back to your room, after completing a brief health questionnaire at the front desk. This will greatly reduce exposure to others, as well as decrease exposure during wait times.

Tele-Health Services

In recognition of new and returning patient concerns over COVID-19, at Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center we offer HIPPA compliant Tele-Health appointments. What this means for you as a patient is that our normal routine consultation, typically done face-to-face in our office, can now be conducted via telephone or computer from your home. Please communicate your desire to have a Tele-Health appointment by speaking with a member of our healthcare team at (904) 296-9545.

Immune Boosting Treatments

We are in the midst of a virus pandemic that has no medical preventive treatment as of yet. So, what this means is we must count on and fortify our own natural immunities, as well as adopting a clean lifestyle, and social distancing behaviors. There is evidence that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help boost your immune system by increasing your resistance to viruses and other pathogens. I am well-versed in these methods to enhance immunity as a natural prevention approach.

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOL

We are aware that all are affected by this unprecedented crisis and fell heartened by our communities’ concern for each other’s health and safety.

We consider our patients to be our extended family. Accordingly, we recognize that our patients look to us for guidance and reassurance during this challenging and unprecedented moment. As a service to our patients, we will stay connected as events progress and will communicate with you through updates via email and posts to our Facebook page.

Lastly, I hope that during the frenzied rush to supermarkets to stock up on food, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and other supplies, we keep those in mind who may not be as nimble or able as us — such as the elderly and the disabled. Extend a smile, reassurance, and generosity to them as they are at greatest risk and have the greatest fear during this time and, ironically, often have the least amount of resources to stay ahead of the curve.

Rest assured, myself, as well as my team, are all committed to serving our dear patients. Until we are mandated to suspend our clinic operation, we will be here through this crisis to serve you. With full certainty, as a community, we will survive this and become stronger because of it. Think positively and stay strong!

Yours in health,

Michael Kowalski A.P., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)