Physicians at San Antonio Regional Hospital are treating COVID-19 patients, but they are also concerned about patients who are delaying care during the pandemic. This includes those who may need emergency care, as well as people who have put off routine screenings and visits to their doctor.
Emergency room physicians know there are patients who may be experiencing signs of a serious non-COVID medical condition, but are reluctant to go to the ER during the pandemic. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, signs of a stroke, or another medical emergency, don’t delay.
For heart attack and stroke victims, time is of the essence. The faster your time to treatment, the better your odds for a complete recovery.
“Often, patients begin experiencing mild symptoms at home, but wait until they are severe before they come in,” commented Steven Ernst, MD, Emergency Department Medical Director at San Antonio Regional Hospital.
“Waiting too long makes their situation much more lifethreatening once they get to the ER. People should not be afraid to come to the hospital. Staying away when you need care actually places your health at a higher risk.”
Hospitals have taken extra precautions during COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all patients. At San Antonio, patients are screened for COVID-19 when they arrive at the entrance to the Emergency Department. If COVID-19 is suspected, the patient is placed in an isolated COVID unit.
If COVID patients need to be hospitalized, they are placed on separate units equipped with negative pressure isolation rooms. Negative pressure technology prevents air from flowing from the patient’s room into the hallway.
More routine health issues can also turn into a serious medical condition if tests and treatments are delayed too long. Keep up with your prescriptions, lab tests, and routine screenings.
If you have a chronic health condition, it is especially important to regularly stay in touch with your doctor and maintain your treatment plan so complications don’t arise. Those with health conditions that affect the lungs, like COPD and asthma, should be seen to ensure inhalers and medications are functioning at optimal levels.
Physician offices are taking precautions to make sure patients are safe and can be seen in whatever way they are most comfortable. While some patients need to be seen in person, many physician offices have arranged “virtual visits” so you can still see your doctor, but remain in your own home. Some offer visits by phone, or a telehealth appointment through videoconferencing.
Finally, don’t neglect your mental health. If you are experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety, don’t be afraid to reach out to your physician. If left unchecked, your mental health can take a toll on your physical health too.
While many aspects of our lives have been put on pause during COVID-19, make sure your health isn’t one of them.
