DERMATOLOGY in the AGE of COVID-19

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At Farmington Valley Dermatology and Surgery, the health and safety of our patients and employees is priority. During this coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we continue to operate so that patients have access to dermatologic care in a safe setting.

Telemedicine

• Appointments by secure video: The dermatologist can consult with you by secure video ("telemedicine") for certain skin conditions.
• Simple, secure technology: You will need a computer or smart phone that has a camera, microphone, Chrome/Firefox/Safari web browser. No special software download is required. Our telemedicine service is HIPAA-compliant, encrypted, and secure. Alternatively, we can use Apple FaceTime or Google Hangouts Meet.
• Available if covered by insurers: Some private health insurers may stop covering telemedicine as more communities open up and reduce stay-at-home orders.
• Endorsed by Medicare and private health insurers: Telemedicine allows patients to social distance themselves and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
• NOTE: Insurers consider a video visit to be like an office appointment. Therefore, Farmington Valley Dermatology and Surgery will bill your insurance and your insurance may require a copay. 

In-Office 

• In-office appointments Monday - Friday: Starting May 4th
• Masks required for everyone's protection: Staff will be wearing masks/faceshields. We require patients and visitors to wear masks, too. We will give you a surgical mask if you didn't bring your own mask. Make sure your mask tightly covers your nose and mouth.
• Prescreening: Staff will phone you prior to your appointment to confirm the visit and inquire about any recent COVID-19 symptoms. 
• Social distancing: We are reducing our patient schedule, spacing chairs out in the waiting room, allowing only patients (and a single caregiver) into the clinic. To keep patients moving through the clinic and not backing up at checkout, we may ask you to skip in-office checkout and allow staff to phone you to arrange any follow-up.
• Please reschedule if feeling sick: Please contact the office to reschedule your appointment if you have signs of respiratory illness (fever, cough, flu-like symptoms), have recently traveled to areas of active coronovirus infections, or have recently contacted persons with COVID-19.