What we are doing to keep our patients safe?

At all our Leaf Medical offices, our team is trained on the appropriate care for patients with flu-like symptoms and are wearing masks and using protective equipment when appropriate. We are following CDC and Department of Health guidelines to limit the spread of the virus, including how we isolate patients with symptoms and how we disinfect rooms between patients.  There will be little to no wait time.   We follow a strict policy of social distancing.  As an extra precaution, we are separating visit types, which is detailed below. 

Telemedicine Visits:
Can be booked any time during office hours.
Now taking new patients

In-Office Visits:

8:30AM - 3:00PM: Well Visits Only

(Annual Physical, Gynecologic Exam, Follow-up Visits, Child Well Visits, General Consultation, Mental Health, Diabetes, Hypertension and more. Please call if you're not sure)

3:00PM -  5:30PM: Sick Visits Only

(Experiencing Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath)

CORONAVIRUS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can present with a range of symptoms from mild, cold-like symptoms to more serious illness like pneumonia.  A new type was recently identified called COVID-19.   Since then, it has been confirmed in many countries including the United States and our own state, New York. 

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

The most common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste and muscle aches.

The majority of patients will have mild symptoms and experience a complete recovery.  Because it is still cold and flu season, and allergy season is starting, our offices continue to see a significant number of patients with these symptoms.  Right now, if you’re feeling ill, it is still much more likely to be a cold or flu rather than the coronavirus.  

How does Coronavirus spread?

The virus is spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets from an infected person who sneezes or coughs. 

Who is at most risk?

As the outbreak expands, the risk of exposure will increase in the community. The Elderly, particularly those over 60 years old and individuals with chronic health conditions, like chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes and/or a weakened immune system are at greater risk of serious illness.

Can the coronavirus be treated?

Because it is a virus, there are no antibiotics available to treat it.  Mild symptoms are treated the same way as the common cold or flu with supportive medications to relieve symptoms. 

How can I protect myself and others from Coronavirus?

1. Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Generally, 20 seconds is enough time to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

2. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands. 

4. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 

5. Do not shake hands.

6. Monitor your health more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms. 

7. Get the flu shot. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu, which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.

8. Practice social distancing and keep a reasonable distance from others:

9. Wear a mask.

• STAND - 6 feet away from the front desk. 

• SIT - 6 feet from other patients in the waiting room when possible. 

What should I do if I feel sick?

• If you are in respiratory distress (extreme difficulty breathing), please call 911 immediately.

• If you have fever, cough, or sore throat, then schedule a telemedicine visit for a evaluation about next steps.

• If you are advised to come in for an appointment, as a precaution, please wear a mask if possible and limit exposure to others. Please immediately notify the staff of your possible illness upon arrival.

• If you have been to location defined by CDC as Level 2 or 3 OR have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person OR have COVID-19 symptoms like shortness of breath, fever, loss of taste or smell, muscles aches or sore throat, schedule a telemedicine visit for a evaluation about next steps with a Leaf Physician.

• Leaf Medical is now testing for COVID-19. We are performing COVID-19 antibody blood testing for past infection to check possible past infection or exposure and COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swabs for active infections among ALL SYMPTOMATIC patients, exposed patients and for those in congregate enclosed settings like nursing homes or assisted living. Schedule a telemedicine visit first to help determine which tests are appropriate for you.

• Avoid going out in public and stay home.

What’s next?
We encourage patients to remain calm and use the following resources from the New York Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to prepare and prevent the spread of infection.

NY Department of Health:

Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065

Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Thank you for being a loyal Leaf Medical patient.

Be well and grow healthy!

Leaf Medical

HELPFUL VIDEOS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES SAFE: