Health care providers implement changes to services
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Mark Georgeff said, Friday, he found out his medical appointment was pushed out two months. "I know they're trying their best, but they're just simply looking at the data happening with this virus. They're looking at the statistics," said Georgeff.
With more people falling ill by the day, Montage Health is cutting back on a number of non-emergency and non-urgent services. In some cases that has meant limiting hours and closing doors.
"We will be reaching out that any patients that are scheduled. We will let them know if that service is suspended, if we will offer that service in a different way or in a different location," said Monica Sciuto with Montage Health.
Sciuto said providers are now exploring visits with their patients through video chat and other online platforms. This is new territory for health care providers as they adjust to changing times.
"Anyone that has flu, allergy or COVID-like symptoms can go to our e-visit program for free and fill out a questionnaire. A doctor will review their symptoms and get back to them with recommended treatment," said Sciuto.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is also making changes to their practice by incorporating more online options for patients and providers.
Natividad Hospital said they are scaling back on some services that don't fill an emergency need.
Montage Health stressed that the changes do not mean their patients will be abandoned.
The Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) and the emergency department will stay open. Important sanitary measures are being implemented around the clock to keep both patients and staff safe.
"If someone feels like they have a certain health condition and they want to be seen, or screened, and it's starting to worry them, they should definitely contact their doctors office. They can talk to them about whether or not they can hold off on that particular service or if they need to come in to fill an emergent need," said Sciuto.
