In the Corona crisis, we should limit our contacts and visits to the doctor. But can I keep my appointments despite Corona? What about check-ups, physiotherapy and psychotherapy? And what do I have to consider if a doctor’s visit is unavoidable?
Table of Contents
doctor visits
Patients should only see a doctor in acute situations or medical emergencies. Numerous doctors now offer video consultations, even if the patient has not previously been treated by the doctor. The online portal Doctolib , which can be used to book doctor’s appointments, now also offers video consultations. Patients book an appointment via the platform as usual and only select the appointment type “video consultation”. Before the appointment, the patient receives all the necessary information and requirements so that the video consultation can run smoothly.
More information about the online consultation is available in this video:
Sick leave
In the case of mild cold symptoms, doctors can give patients sick leave for up to 14 days over the phone. The certificate of incapacity for work will then be sent by post. Even paediatricians can use this. Follow-up prescriptions, follow-up prescriptions and referrals can also be sent by post . The prerequisite for this is that the patient and doctor already know each other.
group therapy
As with normal doctor visits, video consultation hours are also provided for psychological treatment. Group therapies can take place in this way or be temporarily converted into individual sessions. The regulation applies until June 30, 2020.
midwives
For midwives and mothers or mothers-to-be, I was set up the opportunity to receive advice and support by phone or video call.
Physiotherapie, Ergotherapie, Podologie & Co.
Treatments at the physiotherapist as well as in occupational therapy, speech therapy, podiatry and nutritional therapy can be taken, but also interrupted for a longer period of time. If the therapy was issued after February 18, it no longer has to be redeemed within 14 days. For podiatry and nutritional therapy, the period was 28 days. If, on the other hand, treatments can be carried out via video call, this is possible with the patient’s consent.
underground investigations
Screening for children has been lifted until September. The U2 to U5, which take place within a few weeks, can be held or omitted. Likewise the U6 to U9: These can be made up for at a later date. There may be deviations depending on the state.
dentist
A visit to the dentist is possible, but patients should consider whether the appointment can be postponed, as the risk of infection is very high. Dental cleaning, prophylaxis and other standard treatments are canceled or postponed by the practices.
Mammography-Screening
No mammography screenings are currently being carried out and no invitations are being sent out. Women found to have abnormalities continue to be treated.
You have to keep this in mind when you visit a doctor
In general, if patients are unsure whether they should make a doctor’s appointment or not, a call to the doctor’s office is full. The doctor himself still knows best which appointment is necessary or not. However, anyone who has acute symptoms should never hesitate and consult the doctor directly. Only patients who are suspected of having corona are exempt from this recommendation – they also need to pick up the phone first.
If a doctor’s appointment is pending, patients should of course follow the usual rules of distance and hygiene and avoid any contact with other people on the way to the practice. When you arrive at the practice, signs point the way. There are often separate entrances or waiting areas to protect patients from each other as much as possible. Some doctors even schedule appointments in specific time slots to avoid patients bumping into each other. Before and after a doctor’s visit, you should of course wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly.
