Dear Patients,
We hope this finds you and your family in good health during these difficult times. For those who may have suffered a loss, we extend our deepest sympathies.
As many of you know, we decided to shift our practice almost entirely to telemedicine when the COVID-19 pandemic started. Being located in the heart of New York City, we felt this was a necessary decision to help keep you and our other valued patients safe. We want to thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the last few months as we navigated the new and unique challenges that this health crisis has thrust upon us.
We are happy to announce that we have resumed seeing patients for consultations, office procedures (including Botox and fillers), follow-up appointments, and elective surgeries. Please know that, as always, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the safest possible environment. With our own NYS registered and fully accredited operating room, we are able to perform all procedures in an environment that is clean, safe, and secure. Our office is following all recommended guidance from public health authorities, both local and federal, including best practices for hygiene, infection control, and office staff health. As a result, our office might look a bit different than it has on previous visits. We are implementing numerous new protocols, including limiting the number of patients we see each day, minimizing the number of people in our waiting room, and continually and thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and exam rooms to sanitize between patients. Please know that our staff will be utilizing the appropriate PPE to protect patients and themselves.
In order to keep our office a safe space for both patients and staff members, we are asking for your cooperation with the following:
- Every patient must complete a screening questionnaire for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms prior to their appointment. We will be discussing these questions with you when we call to confirm your appointment. If there are any concerns, we may need to change your visit to telehealth.
- All patients must wear a mask when entering the office (cloth or homemade is fine). Upon arrival to the office, we will ask you to clean your hands with sanitizer and will provide you with gloves.
- Anyone entering the office, including staff, will have their temperature taken with a non-contact thermometer. Therefore, upon arriving to the office, please ring the doorbell to be properly screened prior to entering.
- Patients should come alone for their appointment if possible. If you would like to bring a spouse, caregiver, parent, or friend, we must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment to make the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors, and friends.
Sincerely,
Darrick E. Antell, MD, FACS