How We Are Keeping Our Patients Safe at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

As of May 1, 2020 Governor Ron DeSantis will be easing Stay at Home orders and allowing business to open in limited capacities. As a healthcare organization, per the Governor’s order, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is fully permitted to treat patients in our offices and, as of May 4, 2020, will commence elective surgical procedures.

It is important to note that our offices do not share building space with practices or physicians who specifically treat COVID-19 patients. However, we are certainly aware that many of our patients are concerned about returning to our offices and the potential risk of being exposed to COVID-19.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists’ top priority has always been the health and safety of our patients and staff and that will continue in the coming months. Below are some of the things our staff is doing to keep patients in our office safe and minimize their risk of exposure.

Telehealth Appointments

We are continuing to offer telehealth appointments to both new and existing patients. This allows patients who feel that they are at risk to be seen for an orthopedic injury by one of our Orthopedic Specialists from the comfort of their home.

Patient and Staff Personal Protective Equipment and Screening

We are now asking all patients and visitors to wear a mask upon entering our offices and throughout the duration of their visit to Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. Patients are screened for COVID-19 related risks upon check in for their appointment. Also, our entire staff will also be screened at the beginning of each day as well as required to wear a mask. All providers will be required to wear PPE during your visit to ensure that both patients and staff are protected.

Increased Sanitization Procedures

We have always placed a strict emphasis on sanitizing all patient areas and high contact areas. Now, we have increased these sanitization procedures to reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses. Below are some of the protocols we are using:

  • All contact surfaces are cleaned with hospital grade disinfectant after every patient encounter.
  • All lobby, reception and administration staff are required to sanitize their common areas and workstations multiple times a day.

Waiting Area Modifications

We will be continuing our policy of limiting the visitors that may accompany our patients to their appointments to the following:

  • Parents of minors
  • Caregivers
  • Translators

Additionally, we are modifying our waiting areas to ensure social distancing protocols are met and that there is the appropriate amount of space between our patients. We will also be adjusting our scheduling process to reduce the number of patients in our waiting rooms and bringing patients into the exam room as soon as possible.