Queens

Doctor visits are essential for your health -- and our offices are safe for your visit.

Staying healthy. It’s been at the forefront of everyone’s minds during the COVID-19 pandemic, with infections and deaths taking a serious toll in our country and around the world. Staying healthy not only involves the dictates of our new normal, including face masks and social distancing, it also means taking care of our other health care needs as well — which some people may have postponed during these last few months.

Seeking care for non-pandemic issues is important for everyone, and particularly important for people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Dr. Demetrios Paidoussis, a Family Medicine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Queens, explains “If left unmanaged, conditions like these will compromise the immune system, putting patients at a higher risk for more severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19.”

As the pandemic runs its course, the national conversation has been changing, with less focus on the disease itself and an increased focus on the gradual reopening of the country — something made possible through self-quarantine measures, increased testing and monitoring.

“For all of these reasons, it’s important to keep regularly scheduled appointments and to seek care when necessary,” says Dr. Paidoussis. “Medical offices and hospitals have a host of new protocols in place to maintain patient safety and peace-of-mind.”

The key role of telehealth

Telehealth is not exactly a new phenomenon. Doctors have been using it as early as the 1950s, dispensing medical advice to their patients via the telephone. But as technology has advanced — and as the need grew during this pandemic — it has become a popular way for patients to discuss symptoms, medical issues, and more with a healthcare provider in real-time via mobile phones and tablets. Feel free to call our office and we can let you know whether a telehealth or in-person appointment is appropriate for you.

In-Person Appointments

There are times when an in-person visit with a physician is necessary. “If you have troublesome symptoms that require a physical examination or specific tests, there is no substitute for an in-person appointment” says Dr. Paidoussis. “We have taken extra measures at all our offices to ensure your visit is safe. The health and safety of our patients and staff is our number one priority.”

At the forefront of patient care — and safety

NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group has instituted new policies so that your in-person visit with your doctor assures safety and security. We want you to feel comfortable visiting our offices, so that you can get the care you need — when you need it. Here’s what you can now expect:

• Disinfection and Cleaning: All of our offices are repeatedly disinfected every day, and exam rooms are meticulously cleaned between patients. 
• Personal protective equipment: We follow strict CDC guidelines and our staff wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Eliminating time in the waiting room: Forms and co-pays are processed remotely before your office visit. Therefore, when you arrive at the office, you will skip the front desk and waiting room and proceed directly to the exam room.
• Pre-screening for COVID-19: Prior to your appointment, you will be pre-screed over the phone for coronavirus symptoms, and then again once you arrive.
• Spacing out Appointments:  We limit the number of patients being seen every day to further ensure safety.

As we move forward in our fight against COVID, restoring life as we’ve known it in a pre-coronavirus world will take some lifestyle compromises along the way. Your health needs, however, can never be compromised.  Says Dr. Paidoussis, “Do not place yourself at risk by putting off doctor visits. Our goal is to ensure your health and well-being at all times — even during the pandemic.”

Learn more about Dr. Demetrios Paidoussis, a family medicine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Queen, or to make an appointment now, call (718) 732-1550.