We are committed to reducing risk associated with spread of Corona Virus and the related symptom complex of Corona Virus Disease known as COVID 19. While we all hope to remain healthy, our best strategy for this is to practice social distancing, shown to dramatically decrease infection and fatality rates during an epidemic. To learn about why social distancing works, you may read this article from the Washington Post on Why Outbreaks Such as Coronavirus Spread Exponentially, and How to Flatten the Curve (https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/). While we engage in social distancing, social and emotional connection are more important than ever. We are committed to continuing our work together as much as we can during this time of anxiety and uncertainty. Here are our policies about our appointments during the pandemic.
For vast majority of our appointments we are using telehealth videoconferencing via the doxy.me platform. This can be accessed from your regular web browser on a Windows-based PC or Apple Mac or using the browser on your smart phone. If you are using a phone, we would ask that you find a way to stably support the phone so you are not holding it, otherwise the image can move too much making it difficult for us to catch the subtleties of expression.
Doxy.me is a HIPPA compliant on-line platform for video appointments. Our experience has been that these virtual platforms work well if we both have a good internet connection. You do not need to download anything to your computer or phone; you simply click on the link that we text to you. Follow the link, enter our virtual waiting room by typing in your name, and we will connect the session. Please be sure to complete the online Telehealth Consent Form at this link. Should any technical difficulties prevent the connection, we will call you by telephone and either solve the technical problem or do your appointment by telephone.
In certain instances, we will see low risk patients in person when procedures are required and with prior arrangement. We wash our hands and wipe down hard surfaces between any patient seen in-office. Furniture is placed in such a way that we will remain the recommended separation while sitting. When you walk into the office and as you leave, we will maintain the proper distance. No more handshakes until this all passes; if we reflexively offer out of habit, please decline.
If you or anyone in your immediate circle develop any symptoms of corona virus, please do not come to our office. Follow the instructions on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) website (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus). Your primary care provider (PCP) may order a coronavirus test and send you to the drive-through testing site, but only if you meet specific criteria. If you don’t have a PCP, I assist in the process of ordering the test if you meet the criteria specified by the CDPHE.
If you are too sick to have an on-line session, we can reschedule your appointment. We are happy to discuss any of this with you and work together to get through this.
With care and concern,
Andrew Leifer, M.D.
Jenny Bridges, L.C.S.W.
For vast majority of our appointments we are using telehealth videoconferencing via the doxy.me platform. This can be accessed from your regular web browser on a Windows-based PC or Apple Mac or using the browser on your smart phone. If you are using a phone, we would ask that you find a way to stably support the phone so you are not holding it, otherwise the image can move too much making it difficult for us to catch the subtleties of expression.
Doxy.me is a HIPPA compliant on-line platform for video appointments. Our experience has been that these virtual platforms work well if we both have a good internet connection. You do not need to download anything to your computer or phone; you simply click on the link that we text to you. Follow the link, enter our virtual waiting room by typing in your name, and we will connect the session. Please be sure to complete the online Telehealth Consent Form at this link. Should any technical difficulties prevent the connection, we will call you by telephone and either solve the technical problem or do your appointment by telephone.
In certain instances, we will see low risk patients in person when procedures are required and with prior arrangement. We wash our hands and wipe down hard surfaces between any patient seen in-office. Furniture is placed in such a way that we will remain the recommended separation while sitting. When you walk into the office and as you leave, we will maintain the proper distance. No more handshakes until this all passes; if we reflexively offer out of habit, please decline.
If you or anyone in your immediate circle develop any symptoms of corona virus, please do not come to our office. Follow the instructions on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) website (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus). Your primary care provider (PCP) may order a coronavirus test and send you to the drive-through testing site, but only if you meet specific criteria. If you don’t have a PCP, I assist in the process of ordering the test if you meet the criteria specified by the CDPHE.
If you are too sick to have an on-line session, we can reschedule your appointment. We are happy to discuss any of this with you and work together to get through this.
With care and concern,
Andrew Leifer, M.D.
Jenny Bridges, L.C.S.W.