ALANA POLLACK HAMMER
MS, Dipl.OM, LAC
COVID 19
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Due to COVID-19 and Statewide Safety Guidelines Please read the following NEW POLICIES that I will begin implementing upon opening on July 18th:
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I am excited to re-open on July 18th! Before your appointment, I'd like you to familiarize yourself with my new policies and changes in operations. While your experience at the clinic may feel a little different than you are used to, I want you to know that I will still provide you with top-notch, individualized care, and greet you with warmth and undivided attention. I am excited to see you soon!
REDUCING RISK OF EXPOSURE
Please do not come to your appointment if you have, or have had, any cold or flu symptoms in the past 14 days, have traveled recently, or have any of the symptoms that are associated with Covid-19. This applies if you have a household member with any symptoms. I know that there are many silent carriers, but my goal is to minimize any exposure to known causes. Instead, call me to reschedule or discuss other options.
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Patients will not be allowed to be accompanied by anyone during their visit and should arrive alone for their appointment.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT: THE PRE-TREATMENT CALL
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When you make your appointment, please also choose a time for a pre-treatment call some time in the 24 hours prior to your appointment.
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I cherish the time spent talking with you in person before your treatment and feel this is the best way to maintain that connection — allowing us to see each other’s faces as we talk, and reduce the time spent together in the treatment room.
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I will conduct your Initial intake and follow-up intakes via telehealth. This is the time to tell me what you’d like to work on, any changes since your last session, and for me to ask any diagnostic questions I need to plan your treatment.
MAKING YOUR APPOINTMENT:
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You can make your acupuncture appointment online or contact me via email or phone. I will initially be open fewer hours than usual; please let me know if you don’t find a time that works for you, and I’ll do my best to accommodate your needs.
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I am offering HIPAA-compliant telehealth services, including herbal appointments, health consults, and remote sessions using self-treatment with acupressure. Please call or email to schedule.
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I am happy to talk with you at any time about whether a telehealth visit or an in-person acupuncture treatment is the best choice for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT
Before each appointment at the office, you will receive a quick pre-screening questionnaire about any recent symptoms or COVID exposure. Please complete this screening prior to your appointment. Additionally, each patient is required to sign a COVID-19 acknowledgment waiver. (one time only)
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The waiting area will be closed so please do not arrive too early for your appointment. At the time of your appointment when you arrive (a few minutes prior) I ask that you wait in your car or outside and text or call to let me know you are here. I will text you when your room is ready and you can go directly to the treatment room.
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I ask that once you enter the building you utilize the hand sanitizer stationed inside the door. Additionally, I have also placed hand sanitizers throughout the clinic.
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I will meet you at my suite door to do a quick contactless temperature check. If you are over 100.0 F, you will be asked to leave and call your doctor. Temperature checks will be done at each visit.
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All patients are required to wear a face-covering of some kind the entire time you are in the office, for the duration of the treatment. Masks are available if you need one.
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Please limit the amount of personal belongings you bring with you to your appointment. I will provide a bin for your belongings which will be sterilized between patients.
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I will require “touchless” payments for all patients. Credit card payments will be taken remotely and a receipt will be emailed to you.
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Follow up appointments can be scheduled online. You may also email info@acupuncturebyalana.com to set up your next appointment.
WHAT I'M DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE
I am doing everything I can to reduce risk for my patients. I already followed very strict infection control protocols, but have taken extra measures during this pandemic, as well. These include:
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I will be wearing a mask and clinic-only clothes and shoes. This means you may see me in scrubs, since they handle daily industrial washing better than my normal clothes do!
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All patients and staff are required to wear masks at all times.
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Temperature checks upon entrance for patients and staff
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HEPA air filter in the treatment room, as well as having special air purification devices installed in the buildings HVAC system.
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Increased time between appointments to allow for a more thorough cleaning of the treatment space.
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Increased frequency of cleaning all surfaces in the office including bathrooms, call buttons, light switches, door handles, etc.
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I have removed all linens from the acupuncture room and now have special table covers and pillow case covers that are easily cleaned with approved disinfectants.
I understand this “new normal” will take some getting used to, but I assure you that these new changes are crucial in maintaining the health and safety of everyone. Therefore, I ask for your cooperation while we adjust to this new way of operating and understand that my policies are non-negotiable. With these safety measures in place, I feel confident that I can provide you with a safe environment for your treatment.
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As always, I will ensure the clinic is cleaned and sanitized before, during, and after hours of operation. It is my job and also required by state law for me to instill and uphold these new policies, leaving no room for ANY exceptions. If you are averse to abiding by these protocols, please feel free to contact me. Together, with full cooperation, I can ensure the safety of my patients. I'm happy to welcome you back!