For EmergeOrtho, the region’s largest orthopedics and spine group, providing exceptional care goes well beyond treating bones, muscles and joints. The practice’s overall focus on patient care and safety is at the heart of their daily operations, and that emphasis became central in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well.
Consistent across all of their offices in southeastern North Carolina, EmergeOrtho’s safety measures include screening patients with temperature checks and asking questions about possible exposure before they enter the building. They have designed floor decals placed six feet apart to help people maintain a safe distance from others, implemented social distancing in the waiting room areas, and are scheduling patients at well-spaced intervals to keep the number of people in the building down.
To further limit potential contact, patients are given the option to wait in their car, and visitors are asked to wait in the car unless the patient is a minor or depends on their assistance.
Telemedicine visits have also increased significantly as the practice encourages that option whenever practical.
In addition, EmergeOrtho has implemented enhanced cleaning measures that follow CDC guidelines throughout all buildings, and placed additional hand-sanitizing stations in all of the offices and numerous areas of the waiting rooms.
“Because of all the precaution measures in place, I felt safe the minute I entered the building,” stated one patient. “My temperature was checked, and everyone was wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. Both check in and out were fast and easy, and Ms. Rose was kind and patiently helped me with upcoming appointments. I left EmergeOrtho with a smile, even after getting a shot in my knee.”
EmergeOrtho has launched a communications campaign to reassure patients of the precautions they are taking to maintain a safe environment, and to remind them that they, too, play a role in stopping the spread of the coronavirus and keeping each other safe. Banners at the entrance of each location alert patients that they are required to wear a mask, asked to sanitize their hands regularly, and maintain the recommended social distancing of six feet away from others. EmergeOrtho is providing masks for those who do not have one.
“Every decision we make is driven by what is best for our patients,” said Stephen DeBiasi, chief executive officer of EmergeOrtho. “We have simply applied our usual standard of going above and beyond in patient safety to our operations during this unprecedented time.”
