05/16/2020
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic emergency orders and directives from my governing body, I have been forced, like many other primary health care practitioners, to severely limit my practise to emergency patients only. I feel frustrated that I have not been permitted to be there for those of you who have reached out to me for help. I miss seeing you all and being of service tremendously.
People are experiencing spinal pain, musculoskeletal disorders and foot pain just as they did before this crisis. As you know, my care for you as a patient has involved educating you about self-care at home and stretches to do to keep you well. Nevertheless, sometimes we can feel anxiety when pain arises and we may not remember how to deal with symptoms, without my support.
As well, many people are dealing with fear, anxiety and depression that may be worse now. I know of patients who live alone, some of whom have not seen their family and friends at all for more than 2 months. It is no secret that we are all suffering in many ways.
If you are experiencing panic attacks, uncontrollable fears or depression, please reach out to mental health professionals for help. It IS possible to venture out of our homes in a safe way. We need to educate ourselves on how to do so.
Ontario has not yet published re-opening directives for community-based health clinics that include Chiropractic clinics, I hope that Ontario’s plans to reopen businesses will allow me to see you as soon as possible.
Telehealth Patient Visits:
I will be introducing Virtual Chiropractor, my new portal for offering Telehealth or virtual consultations by the end of May, that I will explain in my next newsletter. It will be offered on a safe, secure and private platform.
Virtual visits can be helpful for patients who need support in performing their at-home exercise and rehabilitation and self-help routines. For new injuries, the Consultation part of an initial visit or re-evaluation can be done online, thus minimizing the need for physical contact. coming months to also offer Lifestyle and anxiety relief sessions/workshops including stress management counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Activation related to Fear of Reinjury Mindfulness meditation.
Updated Office Pandemic Policy
The world has changed – it is not the way we knew it and until we get back to a comfortable new normal, SAFETY IS the new norm and will be for some time to come.
I want to reassure you that I have all the necessary PPE (personal protective equipment) in place.
At Toronto Orthotics & My Toronto Chiropractor, we are aiming for the highest standards of protection by keeping up with Toronto Public Health guidelines. Guidelines will be revised as additional evidence becomes available.
Our Pandemic Policy considers “Routine Practices” which is based on the premise that all patients/health-care providers are potentially infectious, even when asymptomatic, and that the same safe standards of practice should be used routinely with everyone.
Our safety measures consider multiple potential means of COVID-19 transmission. These include direct (touching patients) and indirect (touching objects) contact transmission, as well as droplet transmission (when a person talks, coughs or sneezes).
Changes in the Clinic:
Once we can start seeing patients at the clinic again, you will notice new safety measures we are striving to put in place like reminders on signs including:
• Books, magazines, brochures, business cards, and products for sale are removed from the waiting room
• Seats in the waiting room will be spaced 2 metres (6 feet) apart from others
• A garbage bin will be visible in the waiting room so patients can dispose of tissues right away
• A HEPA filter will be used in the office to improve air quality
In-Office Treatment Guidelines & Scheduling Changes:
• I ask that you use my online booking site, https://toronto-orthotics.janeapp.com/ or ONLINE BOOKING choices on Toronto Orthotics or My Toronto Chiropractor Websites, to set up your appointments, rather than making them in office after your appointments.
• Do NOT visit the clinic if you feel ill, have flu-like symptoms, a cough, or a fever. Instead, you may book a Virtual Chiropractor appointment, once I am set up for them, or book an in- office appointment once you are better.
• Patients will be actively screened ahead of their appointments and on entering the clinic.
• Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 may NOT make an appointment until ALL of their symptoms have passed, including shortness of breath, fever gone for at least 3 days (without the use of medications), and cough. *
• Patients are obligated to notify Dr. Horowitz if they subsequently test positive or become exposed and must quarantine.
• A signed disclosure will be required to be signed as to your COVID-19 status
• Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days should self-quarantine upon return from travel and should not attend the office.
• Ask all friends/family to remain outside of the clinic during your appointment. (An exception is given to parents bringing children in for treatments and when a translator is required for communication).
We will be minimizing the need for patients to wait in the waiting room by spreading out appointments and staggering the times when associate practitioners are in the office.
Upon Entering the Office, Please:
• Remain outside the clinic or in your car until 5 minutes before your appointment time. You will be brought into the treatment room upon arrival.
• Wear a mask/face covering that covers your mouth AND nose.
• Enter through the front door only.
• Remove all outside shoes, even if it is not raining or wet out.
• If you must sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with tissue and turn your head into your elbow.
• Immediately dispose of tissues into a waste bin after use.
• Disinfect your hands immediately upon entering and exiting the office and as needed.
• Strive to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others (2 meters) as much as possible.
• When being treated face-down, you may remove your mask but replace it immediately if you are treated face-up on your back.
• Once you leave the treatment room, do not linger once payment is made. You may book your next appointment online or ask Dr. Horowitz to call you later in the day to arrange your next appointment.
• We are discouraging the use of Cash payments at this time. VISA and Debit are accepted. Alternately, you may pay AHEAD of your appointment by e-transfer to mytorontochiro@gmail.com.
Clinic Sanitation:
High-touch areas such as medical equipment, door handles, light switches, washroom facilities, toilet handles, counters, work surfaces, cell phone, creams, pens, iPads will be sterilized after each patient and on a more frequent basis.
In addition,
• Treatment tables will continue to be sterilized after each patient.
• Garbage bins in each room and in waiting room will be emptied daily
I want to thank you for your patience, trust and confidence in how we are doing things during this difficult time.
Please watch for my email for updates, check out my websites Toronto Orthotics & My Toronto Chiropractor and check out my reviews on Google to share with friends and family.
If you have questions about this email or suggestions, please email me at mytorontochiro@gmail.com.
Stay Safe!
Dr. Leslie Horowitz
Toronto Orthotics & My Toronto Chiropractor
647-444-4909
https://toronto-orthotics.janeapp.com/
