Going To A Walk-In Clinic During COVID-19: What You Should Know
When it comes to getting medical care of any kind, including that from a walk-in clinic, everything is impacted by COVID-19 and the precautions that need to be taken because of this dangerous virus. Things are different now. And if you haven't been to a walk-in clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering what you can and should expect from the process. Get to know some of the things you should be aware of when going to a walk-in clinic during COVID-19. Then, you can be sure you are prepared if and when you need walk-in clinic care.
Expect to Have to Wear a Mask
When you go to a walk-in clinic during the pandemic, just be prepared and bring a mask with you to wear. In any medical environment these days, masks are basically universally required. This is to protect you and those people around you.
So, don't be surprised or offended when masks are required. There could be patients in the clinic with COVID-19 symptoms that need care or need to be tested. This is just the reality of medical care today. Wear a mask even as you approach the building to provide yourself with maximum protection from the viral infection.
Call Ahead If Not an Emergency
If you are actively bleeding, have a significant burn, or are otherwise in an emergent state (meaning the situation is dire and requires immediate treatment), call ahead to the walk-in clinic before you go in.
Many clinics are not allowing people to wait in the waiting room area because they do not want any germs to be spread between patients. This may mean that there is a significant wait time for appointments that are not emergencies that need to be treated right away.
So, call ahead and ask them what their protocols are. Get your name on the waiting list to be seen. Then, you can wait at home or go and wait in the parking lot until you are called for the appointment if necessary.
This will help you get seen as soon as possible and will also get you the information you need from the clinic itself as every clinic is different in their exact procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now that you know a few of the things you should be aware of when seeking care from a walk-in clinic during the pandemic, you can be sure you take the necessary steps to get the healthcare you need from your nearby clinic.
If you have additional questions, reach out to a local walk-in clinic.