Dear valued patients,
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones well and safe during this difficult time. We are currently facing uncharted challenges world-wide with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
First and foremost, the health and safety of our patients, staff, and providers is of upmost importance. Our office remains open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We are committed to the health and safety of all and we are following the CDC recommendations set forth to protect you and your loved ones. Please click here for more information. To better understand our office policies, please review the policies and procedures on my website.
I am happy to announce and institute a Telemedicine program. This service is now available to new and established patients. Second opinions are also welcome. This service provides a safe and convenient alternative to being seen in the office (although, telemedicine may not be recommended for all patients depending on the problem). Other benefits include:
- Convenience of not having to leave home or work
- No travel time or costs
- Remote access for patients not able to leave their dwelling or geographically not accessible to the office (not living in the local area)
- Flexibility of scheduling and less time waiting in the the office waiting room
- Remote review of follow up studies including imaging (MRI/CT) or labs
Currently, I am using the HIPPA compliant platform Doxyme.com (although this is subject to change after a trial period with different platforms). The consultation will be scheduled as a "virtual visit" so that an appropriate amount of time can be spent just like if you were in the office.
These visits are billed similar to a regular office visit with co-payment and deductibles applicable. If this service is not a covered benefit through your insurance (to be determined upon scheduling), a cash charge will be applied and must be paid prior to the virtual consultation. This service is also available to CASH PATIENTS (uninsured and insurance’s not accepted at the office). All new patients or established patients that have not been seen within 1 year will need to fill out/sign the appropriate patient forms and TELEMEDICINE CONSENT. We can text or email you these forms to be filled out online (device or computer). You can then submit them back to the office online for your convenience. If you do not wish to fill out these forms online, you must down load these forms and send them back to us via email at: scheduling@kramerorthopedics.com You can find these forms under the "PATIENT FORMS" tab on this website or TELEMEDICINE service tab. This paperwork will need to be in your chart prior to your scheduled virtual visit. YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE/ID AND YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (when using your insurance) AND EITHER TEXT OR EMAIL THEM BACK TO THE OFFICE WITH THE REST OF YOUR PATIENT FORMS.
PATIENT FORM CHECK LIST FOR TELEMEDICINE VISITS:
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All new patients and established patients that haven’t been seen within 1 year:
- New Patient Form
- Telemedicine Consent
- Picture of Driver’s license or ID
- Picture of Health Insurance Card
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Established patients within 1 year of their last visit
- Telemedicine Consent
- Picture of new Health Insurance Card (when indicated)
These virtual visits can be scheduled through our front desk. Please contact a receptionist at (949)720-1944 or BOOK AN ONLINE APPOINTMENT to Schedule a virtual visit or inquire further.
If you have any questions or concerns, we are always available by phone. We wish you and your family well during this difficult time and we appreciate your understanding and patience.
Warm regards,
Ryan S. Labovitch, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE
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Message to Patients
The providers at Kramer Orthopedics will continue to care for orthopedic patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus within our local community, we ask that everyone practice good judgement and self-monitoring. Anyone with symptoms associated with COVID-19 should STAY HOME and contact their primary care physician for instructions on what to do.
The symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection are:
- Fever of 100.4 F or greater
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
For the safety of all patients, providers and staff, we ask that if you have any of these symptoms or been in contact with someone else who has had these symptoms, PLEASE CANCEL YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH OUR OFFICE.
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Office Visits:
The recommendations for in-person appointments will give preference to new patients and existing patients that meet the following criteria:
- Surgery: post-op patients or if you are due to have surgery in the near future
- Severe pain
- Recent fracture, dislocation, nerve injury, tendon injury or possible post-operative infection
Office patient’s that have any of the above listed symptoms within the last 14 days, have traveled within the last 14 days, or was recently exposed to someone who is sick, please contact the provider for whom the appointment is being made for instructions.
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What other patients can be seen in the office?
- New or existing patients with fractures or dislocations that have occurred within 4 weeks
- Existing patients who feel they would benefit from a follow up physical assessment
All other existing patients should be offered a telephone (or soon to be implemented, telehealth) consultation
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Who should have a telephone/telehealth consultation?
- Existing patients who are sick or who have immunosuppressed family members at home
- Existing patients with chronic problems
- Existing patients who do not need x-rays
- Existing patients with chronic pain
- Existing patients with questions or concerns about their ongoing condition or recovery
- Existing patients with questions or concerns about their labs or diagnostic imaging results
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Outpatient procedures:
The recommendations for outpatient procedures and surgery within an ambulatory treatment facility will give preference to "Essential cases", which is defined as conditions for which timely surgery is the "standard of care." All other elective cases are to be postponed until April 20, 2020 at this time (date is subject to change).
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For the latest updates, monitor
Thank you for your patience and understanding along with your contribution to limiting the impact of this virus within our Medical Office and the local community
Ryan S. Labovitch, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon