For people all over the world, nothing seems the same as before the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic came onto the scene in early 2020. That includes changes to primary care medicine and how it’s provided to patients.
Most doctors have reduced the number of patients they see every day in an effort to reduce having lots of people waiting in the waiting room – which would potentially lead to easy spreading of the coronavirus. This means that it’s harder to make a timely appointment with a doctor.
Something that hasn’t really changed in primary care during the pandemic is concierge medicine. This type of medical practice has only one patient at a time, so it’s a more controlled and more personalized service. A concierge practice never has lots of people sitting around in a waiting room, because they’re already seeing the doctor.
Let’s talk about primary care, concierge medicine, and how you could benefit from this one-on-one specialty medical service – which doesn’t change much despite the circumstances happening around the world.
How Has Primary Care Changed During the Pandemic?
Primary care providers always strive to respond accurately and efficiently to pressing health problems presented by patients. However, during this pandemic, an extra level of urgency pervades each appointment. That is because the stakes are high: COVID-19 continues to present a real and deadly health threat, and no one wants to put their life in peril just to have a regular checkup.
But people who have done the right thing and have kept their regular health appointments have noticed a number of changes, including the following:
- Considerably fewer people in the waiting area
- Everyone wearing masks
- Chairs spaced apart in general areas, or sections marked off
- Everyone maintaining social distancing
One thing that hasn’t changed a whole lot is the fact that medical practices have always maintained top-notch sanitation. They may now wipe more surfaces more frequently than they did before, but otherwise, that actually hasn’t changed very much.
Telemedicine Visits Are Common
Most primary care medical practices have used little to no videoconferencing before the pandemic. Today, medical practices of all sizes and specialties employ telehealth more and more.
Personalized Concierge Medicine in Eatonton, Georgia
One type of primary care medicine that hasn’t changed much during the pandemic is concierge medicine. Concierge medicine practices have always offered 24/7 access to the primary care doctor, so you can count on consistency and accessibility at all times for your healthcare. You never need to worry about being exposed to too many people, because personalization and VIP treatment are at the very heart of concierge service.
Here at Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine, husband-and-wife team Dr. Eddie Richardson and Dr. Jameelah Gater-Richardson offer the finest in primary care and concierge medicine in the Eatonton area. We provide a wide range of medical services in a no-rush atmosphere, and as always, our entire staff treats all patients with respect, dignity, and compassion.
If you’d like to find out more about personalized concierge medicine and primary care that takes care of the body, mind, and spirit – during a pandemic and beyond – schedule a consultation with us. Contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (706) 484-9824 or by filling out our complimentary meet-and-greet request form online now. We look forward to being your partner for a lifetime of optimum health!