04/28/2020
Our beaches are starting to open and so is our schedule! 😊
Since we have successfully flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases in New Hanover County in the last two weeks, we will now begin scheduling some Wellness Annual Exams and non-urgent procedures beginning May 4th.
As we phase into reopening our preventative visits, we will be taking the following precautions to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and the community.
Our May appointments will be staggered so that only one patient will enter the building at a time. We ask that all patients wear a mask or cover their nose and mouth. All patients who are seen in the office should have had no signs of illness in the previous two weeks. We will not be utilizing our waiting room so we ask that you wait in your car. At the time of your appointment, you will be escorted directly into your private exam room.
A word or two about time ⏰....
We don’t want to keep anyone waiting. In order to stay on schedule it is imperative that all patients arrive on time for their appointment. If you have not arrived by the time of your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule.
Often when patients schedule Annual Wellness exams they also want to talk about an issue or issues that they have been having. In order to stay on schedule and limit time in the exam room, we will now have to insist that problem visits not be combined with Annual Wellness exams. Many insurance plans no longer allow combining problem visits with Wellness exams anyway. Insisting on separate visits will ensure that we are able to stay on schedule and that nobody is kept waiting. It will also ensure that your Annual Wellness exams will be fully covered by your insurance.
If at the time of your Wellness exam it is determined that you need additional face to face time with Dr. Antonelli, we can always schedule a separate telemedicine visit for further consultation. This second visit can take place in the comfort of your own home.
We will still schedule telemedicine appointments for patients who do not require a physical exam or, due to their personal risk factors, prefer to continue to stay at home. We encourage you to take advantage of this option if an exam is not needed through the month of May.
We are looking forward to seeing some of your smiling faces in person again! 😊
Enjoy this beautiful weather! All New Hanover County Beaches are now open for exercise. Go get some of that Vitamin Sea!
Be well,
Your Seashore Family
#}