If patients want to know how many COVID-19 cases our practice has had, what can we share with them? What do we tell our patients who don’t want to come to the office?
Remind the patient that the practice’s policy is not to release information related to PHI. Focus on the steps the practice is undertaking to keep patients and employees safe.
Assess the condition the patient is being seen for and make a decision as to whether the patient needs to be seen immediately or reschedule for later date.
For non-essential visits, offer to reschedule the patient’s appointment if they are uncomfortable with keeping the current appointment or see via telehealth if available.
Additionally, take the opportunity to educate the patient on personal steps to be taken to keep them and their family safe.