Since the start of the global pandemic, the number of outpatient clinic visits has decreased immensely. While this makes sense, due to the highly contagious virus, it can be a troubling sight.

Preventative care services have truly never been more important. Now, more than ever, patients need to be proactive about their health. How can you ensure you are being proactive with your preventative care during COVID?

What are the dangers of waiting for your routine appointments?

While visiting the doctor’s office during a global pandemic may seem unsettling, the risk associated with avoiding ongoing, preventative health care is high. Small health issues can turn into larger health problems if left untreated. Especially during this time, when the highest risk patients for contracting COVID-19 are those with chronic illness or worsening conditions.

Now is not the time to begin ignoring your wellbeing. 

Eating well, getting sleep, and exercising regularly is more important than ever before. Ensure you make your health a top priority during these uncertain, stressful times. Stressful situations, like the one we’re all experiencing right now, can lower your immune system. Take care of your mental and physical health to ensure your immune system is prepared for whatever comes your way.

If you feel you need to go into the doctor’s office, contact your doctor first!

If you feel unsure about returning to the physical doctor’s office, reach out to your doctor. See what precautions your provider is taking to ensure their patients remain safe. Most outpatient clinics are taking these measures to ensure their safety:

• Enforcing masks at all times
• Temperature checks when you enter the facility
• Limited number of patients allowed in the waiting room at once
• Reconfiguring their space to ensure proper social distancing requirements are met.

If you still are unsure about returning to a physical doctor’s office, book a telehealth visit!

Telehealth services have grown immensely since the start of COVID-19. There are many potential uses for telehealth services. Here are a few:

• Screen patients with potential COVID-19 symptoms
• Provide low-risk urgent care for those with non-COVID-19-related conditions
• Mental and behavioral health check-ins
• Chronic health condition check-ups and medication management
• Support for patients with chronic health conditions, like nutrition counseling
• Doctors can monitor clinical signs of some chronic health conditions
• Case management
• Follow-up appointments 

With a variety of options, it is important that you don’t put your preventative care on the backburner during COVID-19. Not only does it help ensure you don’t contract COVID-19, but preventative care can also help detect early signs of other diseases and illnesses. Do you have proper healthcare to cover your needs during this uncertain time? At SBMA, we understand that you need a health insurance plan that covers all your needs, visit the site today to learn more.