As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some members of the community are weary about visiting healthcare providers. Ozark Radio News spoke with a West Plains resident who regularly sees a specialist. She stated she “worries about getting COVID-19 each time she sees her doctor.”
Ozark Radio News spoke with Dr. Ryan Roberts with Ozarks Healthcare Pain Management Clinic and asked,” should patients consider rescheduling or canceling appointments due to COVID-19 concerns:
Audio trascript:
“Absolutely not. We assure all of our patients and the public that we were taking every precaution against COVID-19, while continuing our services. Sanitation, masking, and other internal procedures are in place. Delaying being seen for your condition can lead to intensified levels of pain, effects on other body systems and can worsen your condition overall, as well as worsen on the outcome or reduce the chance of getting a positive outcome from treatment.
When surgery could be avoided you might actually cause yourself to need a procedure by avoiding an appointment. We are looking out for our patients always. We want them to understand their safety and well-being is at the top of our mind always. As we head into colder weather that can especially have an effect on some of our patients conditions we want to emphasize the importance of not delaying your appointments with us.
