The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. Our office closed temporarily for the past two months to support physical distancing, flattening the curve, and for the safety of our patients and providers. Based on compliance of local, state, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, we are beginning a soft reopening of our acupuncture practices for in person appointments.
The safety of our patients and providers is of the highest priority. In order to begin seeing patients for in person appointments, we have created additional office policies and are taking significant precautions to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These safety protocols have been written to be in compliance with best practice guidelines from our acupuncture medical professional organizations, San Diego County and Carlsbad public health ordinances, California state health guidelines, and CDC infection control protocols.
Please observe the following procedures to help us minimize exposure risk and promote a safe space for all of our patients and providers.
Screening questionnaire
- Along with a text reminder the day before your appointment, you will also receive a screening questionnaire to check for possible COVID-19 symptoms.
- Please fill out the form and email or send a photo of the completed form back to us.
- If the form cannot be filled out ahead of time, we will do the screening over the phone.
New check in procedures
- Upon arrival at the office, please remain in your vehicle and text us that you have arrived.
- If you need to use the restroom before your appointment, please text us so you can come in and get the bathroom key.
- When we are ready for you, we will text you to come into the office.
Temperature check
- Once you enter the office, please clean your hands using the hand sanitizer provided.
- We will follow up on the screening questionnaire and also take your temperature using a contactless thermometer.
Face masks
- All patients must wear a face mask while in the office and during the treatment.
- If you need a mask, we can provide one for you.
- All providers will also wear a face mask while in the office at all times.
Payments
- We are now using contactless payments as much as possible.
- We will email an invoice that you can pay online, or you can leave a credit card on file.
- If a credit card must be used at the time of service, the payment station is sanitized after each use.
Promoting physical distancing
- Appointments are now staggered so only one patient will be seen at a time.
- To minimize the number of people in the office, please come into the office by yourself, and if possible, have other family members wait in the car.
- We are offering curbside pickup or shipping of herbs and supplements.
- Virtual telemedicine appointments are available upon request.
Cleaning procedures
- All treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines after every patient visit. This includes, but is not limited to, treatment table, face cradle, pillows, chair, countertops, light switches, door knobs, heat lamp, and sink faucets.
- All linens are changed after each patient visit. Linens are cleaned according to best practice guidelines using hot water and approved laundry detergent.
- All high touch surfaces in the lobby are cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines throughout the day and after every patient visit. This includes, but is not limited to, light switches, door knobs, bathroom key, contactless thermometer, water station, hand sanitizer pump handles, payment station, pens, clipboards, and front desk.
- EPA registered hospital grade disinfectant is used in the cleaning and disinfecting of treatment rooms and high touch surfaces.
- Cupping and gua sha tools are cleaned and disinfected according to Clean Needle Technique guidelines.
- Hand sanitizer, tissues and non-contact trash cans are provided in each treatment room and lobby.
- HEPA air filters are installed in the lobby.
Provider safety
- All providers will wear scrubs, a face mask, and gloves during treatments.
- All providers follow proper hygiene protocol when washing hands.
- All providers follow strict Clean Needle Technique per the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Referrals
- Patients who present with symptoms of COVID-19, including but not limited to fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, or been exposed to or in contact with someone else with these symptoms, will lead to immediate referral to biomedical care.
- If you or anyone accompanying you are experiencing these symptoms, please stay at home and reschedule your appointment for a later date, and refer to your biomedical provider.
Appointments
We are currently booking a limited number of appointments, and priority will be given to existing patients and conditions that need immediate care.
It is advised that you continue to stay at home, unless it is an emergency, if:
- You are over 65 years old
- You have a chronic underlying health condition
- You have a compromised immune system
- You are feeling unwell with a fever or cough
We understand for some of you acupuncture is essential. For others, acupuncture might be more of a self care luxury and is something that can continue to wait until conditions are more stable and safe. Whether you’re in one camp or the other (or somewhere in between), please know that we are here for you – both at the office and online. Online virtual telemedicine appointments are still available so that you can safely access the support you need, in whatever way you need it.
We are proud to offer a safe space for healing and wellness, and we are here to help you navigate this new normal. Our mission to serve our community is now more important than ever. Please feel free to call or email us if you have any questions or concerns, and we look forward to reconnecting with you soon.
Yours in health,
Dr. Jennifer Tom, L.Ac. and Jennifer Lyons, L.Ac.