Have a routine 6-month doctor visit in about a month that I've already delayed once by a couple months. No significant changes in any of my medical issues over the last several years, but am in the high-risk (70+) virus category. Have to get lab work done prior to visit for historical comparison purposes.

Question - do I delay it again, or go?

I had an annual scheduled for 5/18 but of course they cancelled that. They were able to reschedule it for 7/1 and I took it. If they feel comfortable enough to be open I am comfortable enough to go.

Granted I'm a bit younger, but I have had several doctors visits during all of this and haven't been a bit worried. They are all taking extra precautions as far as keeping everything clean.

Go.

Life is full of risks.

Rather than ask us, maybe ask your doc?

There's the risk of catching the current crud, and there's the risk of losing track of what you already are dealing with. The best person to balance those risks, with full knowledge, is your doc.

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like a GO!

I'm in the same boat and I called my doctor's office and was told to get my bloodwork done and the doctor would call me to discuss the results. Works for me.

Jim

I had an appt. last week and decided to go. I’m in my 70s and have autoimmune issues.

They were very careful. I waited in the car until they called to enter the blding. They opened all doors so I didn’t touch any surfaces.

I also asked about an upcoming dentist visit for routine cleaning. Dr. Said no problem as long as they use masks etc.

So, from my perspective, no reason not to go.

My Doc offered a video meeting...brief checkin to get refills on scripts.

I saw one of my Docs 1-2 weeks ago, and have an appt. with another for next month. I plan to keep it also.

I've got my yearly physical in two weeks. I'm going.

quote:

Originally posted by Patriot:
My Doc offered a video meeting...brief checkin to get refills on scripts.

Mine is doing this as well.

As for the actual question, why not? Just don't sit next to anyone and use the hand sanitizer on the way in/out. While there try not to touch things then you face. Don't kiss anyone.

GO

I messed up my knee.

My GP diagnosed my problem by video chat on the IPhone.

He sent me to a specialist that I saw in person to drain the knee.

The Doctors office was empty except for one other patient and the staff, and everyone that didn't need to get close did social distancing.

I'm 64 and have heart/lung issues. I go every two weeks now for INR checks. Numbers not as consistent as they used to be so more frequent testing is required. Glad to see my doctor. Business is down for them because many people like you are concerned and staying home.

I had a telephone conference last week. Had my blood work the week before. The blood work was OK because I didn't have to wait in an "aging room" with other sickies. I wouldn't have gone had that been required. I have another that was supposed to be Friday. They just called and delayed it until June. OK with me, but the same conditions. If there's nothing new wrong with me, I see no gain except to get all the prescriptions renewed.

I have a feeling that most doctors visits are to pad their income. If I have a problem, then I see a reason to go. The problem not being payments on his new Mercedes. I want the visit to benefit me, not him.

I skipped my yearly physical. Turns out the doctor's office is deserted these days. But I've been wanting to do a "reset" for a while now, and start the process in January.

I had a scheduled visit about 3 weeks ago with my Primary Physician, during which several routine tests were done and blood was drawn for lab work. There was only one other person in the waiting room when I arrived and we both had been given masks to wear. I sat about 10 feet from her until called (about 10 minutes). My doctor said thet he'd had only 2 patients with COVID-19 and that they were taking serious precautions for sanitation in his office. The blood analysis came back a few days later and it was all good -- my A1C had actually dropped a smidgen, from 6.9 to 6.8, and the doctor was pleased.

A couple of days after that I had a phone appointment with my Nephrologist (kidney doctor), who had been sent a copy of the blood work. He was also happy with my progress.

I am still asymptomatic.

quote:

I have a feeling that most doctors visits are to pad their income. If I have a problem, then I see a reason to go. The problem not being payments on his new Mercedes. I want the visit to benefit me, not him

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I am sure that your doctor is Really delighted to see you. I assume you have Medicare as your primary payer. Many physicians no longer accept Medicare because of their low payment and difficult bureaucracy. Primary care doctors have not been big earners for a long time. If you feel that he is just padding his income, let him know. Let us know how that discussion goes.

 
Just had my 6 months regular visit. The local clinic has adopted a policy of minimizing (or eliminating) the number of people in the waiting area. You pull into the parking lot, call the desk and tell them you are there for your scheduled appt. One person comes out and takes your temp, and takes care of any necessary paper work/scanning of cards, etc. Then the Dr.'s nurse comes and gets you when they are ready with an open exam room. The Dr. and I exchanged a "virtual" hand shake when I left.