Office visit changes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Office visit changes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pathway Pediatrics is taking precautionary measures to decrease the exposure and spread of COVID-19, while continuing to provide the best care to our patients. To help decrease unnecessary exposure we are temporarily changing our appointment policies and office flow. The health and well-being of our patients and families is important to us. Information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing.  For now, here are all the things you need to know.  We will continue to provide you with updates as they become available.

Good news: COVID-19 usually causes just mild illness in children.  The most common symptoms are fever and cough.  Many children have no symptoms at all.   Like all viruses, there is no treatment that our clinic (or emergency rooms/urgent care clinics) can provide to speed the healing process. Even if you think your child may have COVID-19, you probably WILL NOT need to visit our clinic.

Before Your Next Visit

Please call the office to schedule a visit to Pathway Pediatrics. You will be able to speak to our nurses to discuss whether you should come into the clinic.

Here are some guidelines for determining if your child needs medical evaluation. 

  • Children 2 months and younger that have a fever (>100.4F) should be taken to Children’s Hospital Emergency Department for further evaluation
  • Children 2 months – 12 months old that have a fever (>100.4F)
  • Children older that 1 year that have a fever of 102 for more than 3 days or fever that is difficult to control
  • Respiratory distress, including a barking cough, increased work of breathing, or cough that interferes with sleep or play
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry, cracked lips, inability to make tears, or decreased urination
  • Sore throat in the absence of cold symptoms

Well-child checkups may be postponed. Children 18 months and younger should still have their well visits, as vaccines continue to be important. Children over 18 months who are up to date on vaccines can be rescheduled if you prefer.  If you call us, we can help you decide when to schedule a visit.

All appointments will follow new clinic visit guidelines outlined below.

At Your Next Visit

  • We ask that only one parent/guardian accompany the child during the visit. If you have other children, it would be best to leave them with someone at home or have them stay with an adult in the car during the office visit. This will help us to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • When you arrive at our office, do not come inside. Please park in the parking lot, stay in your car, and call our office to let us know you have arrived.
  • When you call, please tell us the patient’s name and date of birth. If you are coming in for a well-child checkup or a consult, please let us know if your child has symptoms of fever or cough.
  • Remove all extra clothing and leave unnecessary bags/toys/other belongings in the car.
  • We will call or text you when a room is ready. We will tell you the room number where you should go. The room numbers are located on the exam room doors and there will also be signs to follow in case you get lost.
  • If you have a copay, you will pay at the front desk first and then go to your room number. Otherwise, just walk straight back into the your assigned room. 
  • The triage assistant and provider will visit you in the exam room. After your visit is over, the triage assistant can schedule a follow-up visit while they are in the room with you.  
  • When you are finished, you and your child can walk directly out of the office back to your car.  You do not need to stop at the front desk on your way out.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please call or send a message through our patient portal at https://pathwaypeds.patientmedrecords.com/.

Our office hours are not changing; we will be here during all regularly scheduled clinic hours if you need to be seen in the office.  

These changes are designed to keep all our patients and staff safe and we will continue to work to provide you with the very best care!