IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR PATIENTS

Click here for specific Foot and Ankle related care during the COVID-19 Pandemic ~ AOFAS article featuring Dr. Feinblatt

CURRENT NOTICE

Dear Patient,

We hope this update finds you and your family happy, safe, & well! As counties in Oregon slowly reopen, some guidelines still remain in place. We will continually review best practices for keeping our patients, staff, and providers safe.

Please follow the requirements outlined below.

Effective 3/4/2021, here are a few things you need to know:

• Mask, face covering, or face shield is required at all times while in the office.
  • “Mask” means a medical grade mask
  • “Face covering” means a cloth, polypropylene, paper or other face covering that covers the nose and the mouth and that rests snugly above the nose, below the mouth, and on the sides of the face.
  • The following are not face coverings because they allow droplets to be released: a covering that incorporates a valve that is designed to facilitate easy exhalation, mesh masks, lace masks or other coverings with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents.
  • “Face shield” means a clear plastic shield that covers the forehead, extends below the chin, and wraps around the sides of the face.
• Paperwork is to be completed via the patient portal: To assist us in our effort to maintain social distance, complete all New Patient paperwork via the Patient Portal. If you do not have your login information, please call us at 503-656-0836, option 3.
• Remain in Your Car & Check in via phone: When arriving for an in-office appointment, we are asking patients to remain in their cars and call: 503-213-1669. Once we are ready for you, a Medical Assistant will call you. Please note, the Medical Assistants will be taking your temperature.
• Only the Patient is Allowed to Enter the Clinic: We encourage patients to attend appointments by themselves; however, if necessary, we will allow 1 visitor to attend appointments with the patient. Both patient and visitor must remain masked at all times.
• Hours: Both our Oregon City and Tualatin office have resumes normal business hours. Both offices are open Monday – Thursday 7:30am-5pm and Friday 7:30am-Noon. Our phone lines will remain open Monday - Friday from 8am - 4:30pm. Telehealth appointments are still being offered.

We understand this past year has been difficult for everyone. We appreciate your continued willingness to help us keep you and our staff safe. We are also doing our part by requiring staff to wear masks, frequent disinfecting, social distancing, etc. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,
ROC Orthopedics
www,rocpdx.com
503-656-0836

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PATIENTS

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

Although we have a lot to learn about this virus, it appears to spread like other respiratory viruses ~ by people with the infection coughing and sneezing. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 are flu-like and include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, may develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia.

I have a scheduled appointment at ROC Orthopedics. What should I do?

If you currently feel sick, please reschedule your appointment and call your family physician. This is especially true if you have a fever, cough, sneezing, or shortness of breath. The same thing applies if you have had any of these symptoms in the last 48 hours.

Please also reschedule your appointment if, in the past two weeks, you have either been in close contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19, or have returned to the United States from an area affected by the coronavirus disease. Right now this list includes China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.  However, the list of countries continues to change, so it's a good idea to check this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for updates on the affected countries.

To reschedule an appointment or if you have any questions, please call our office 503.656.0836 > Option 3 > Option 3.

I have been calling the ROC Orthopedics and cannot reach anyone. What should I do?

If you have an appointment and feel sick, do not come in. Please leave a message and wait until you hear back from us. We are trying to respond to our patients' calls as quickly as possible, but under the current circumstances, our response may be delayed.

What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

If you have an appointment at the ROC Orthopedics, do not come in. You can reschedule your appointment by calling our office 503.656.0836 > Option 3 > Option 3.

If you do feel ill, don't panic. Most people who get the novel coronavirus disease have only minor symptoms and do not need medical care. However, you should contact your doctor to inform them of your symptoms and get advice.

If you have a mild case, your doctor may advise you to treat your symptoms at home. Staying home also helps prevent you from exposing other people to the disease.

For those who have a more serious case, call before you head to the urgent care or emergency room. That will help the medical team to prepare for your arrival, so you can receive the fastest and best possible care. It will also help them to protect other people from your infection.

Should I be tested for COVID-19?

Testing is typically conducted by taking a swab at a health care provider's office. Call ahead before visiting your health care provider.

According to Public Health ~ Clackamas, Washington & Multnomah Counties, there are currently no restrictions on who can be tested for COVID-19, and commercial testing is becoming more available. Health care providers may test any patient in whom they suspect COVID-19. While testing is becoming more available, there are limitations in health care providers' capacity to obtain samples and process lab results rapidly.

While there are no restrictions who can get tested, not everybody who feels ill needs to be tested, particularly if you have mild illness. If you are sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath, and are in a high-risk group, call your health care provider to discuss whether you should be tested for COVID-19.

What should I do to keep myself and those close to me safe?

The most important steps to take are the same as for every cold and flu season: Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot wash. Stay home if you are feeling ill. If you experience symptoms, call your doctor's office. They will help you determine if you need to be seen and provide you with instructions for seeking medical care.

Public Health ~ Clackamas, Washington & Multnomah Counties are recommending that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:

• People age 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant

Where can I learn more about COVID-19?

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health - Clackamas County, Public Health - Washington County, or Public Health - Multnomah County.

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