The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way our world functions. Many Americans found their routine appointments and checkups for vaccines, mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies, or chronic disease management put on hold. We recommend discussing any care questions with your primary care physician. Please note that while it’s important to avoid exposure to COVID-19, it is also important to make sure your blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol are controlled (as examples) so you lower your overall risk in case you do get COVID-19. 

While the state and federal governments are configuring their reopening plans, it is essential to understand that the coronavirus is here to stay for some time. 

In this scenario:

• Is it necessary to consider annual tests during COVID-19 pandemic?
• How prudent is it to avoid doctor visits amidst the pandemic?

These are some questions that many Californians are asking in the new normal.

Now, more than ever, staying healthy is crucial. In addition, you will need to follow safety precautions when you visit your family general practitioner’s office during these times. 

As a physician who specializes in family medicine and primary care, Dr. Arun Villivalam offers the following pointers for our patients. 

• Get comfortable with technology: Telemedicine might seem like new technology for most patients. But, it is the current reality. At Los Gatos Doc, you can consult Dr. Villivalam over the phone or by scheduling video calls. 
• Take charge of your health: Being proactive about your health is a good thing. You can call us if you are due for flu shots, screenings, or consultation for any emergency or chronic disease management and we will be able to guide in the best possible way. 
• Cooperate with healthcare providers: You can help keep the healthcare clinics safe and hygienic. Be cooperative with standard procedure protocols such as temperature checks and screenings at the clinic entrances. Many clinics are now offering contactless registration and e-check ins. Comply with those requests. Most healthcare offices are also limiting the number of patients at their clinic. Maintaining physical distancing with others at the clinic will help us reduce the spread of illness.
• Follow directives from your local and state health departments:  California Public Health Department suggests that you wear a cloth face mask when you are outside your home and maintain a social distance of 6 feet. Be sure to stay tuned in to changing recommendations from your county and state public health departments.
• Inform your physician: Please inform your physician or healthcare provider’s office, prior to your appointment, if you are experiencing any of the following: a fever, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath, or if you have been in contact with a patient diagnosed with COVID-19.

How Los Gatos Doc is adapting to the COVID-19 world?

At Los Gatos Doc, we have been making the optimal use of technology for doctor appointments via phone or video conferencing. Dr. V and his team have been working hard to keep our patients healthy during the pandemic. We anticipate that our telemedicine services, covered by most major insurance companies, will continue, alongside as needed in-person visits (which will be decided on a case-by-case basis). 

We also continue to offer Chronic Care Management for patients with chronic health conditions and offer in-person nurse visits in certain situations. Call us at 408.502.6040 for more details

Final Thoughts

Prevention is better than cure, and hence, please do not postpone vaccinations, physical exams, screenings, and chronic disease management. 

Simple screening tests like blood and urine exams can detect early diabetes, hypertension, and various other conditions. Most of these conditions also put you at risk of developing complications from COVID-19.

Together, we can learn from the coronavirus pandemic’s first wave. One lesson we have learned is the critical value of primary care physicians in maintaining our community’s health. Our future holds a lot of uncertainty, as well as promise. All we need to do is to be adaptable as healthcare providers and patients. 

Visiting Dr. Arun Villivalam, your primary care doctor in Campbell, CA, Los Gatos, and Saratoga CA, is a key step that will bring you and your family immense health benefits. For consultations, click here: https://visitlosgatosdoc.com/