Digestive Disease Associates of Rockland

COVID -19 ADVISORY

 DIGESTIVE DISEASE ASSOCIATES OF ROCKLAND WILL BE OPENED DAILY THROUGHOUT THE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PANDEMIC.  WE HAVE TAKEN MANY PROACTIVE STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF. THE MAJORITY OF OUR STAFF ARE WORKING FROM HOME.  WE HAVE A SKELETON CREW IN THE OFFICE EACH DAY TO MINIMIZE POTENTIAL EXPOSURES. OUR DOCTORS AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SAME OR NEXT DAY TELEHEALTH VISITS AND CONSULTATIONS. NO-COPAYS WILL BE CHARGED! WE ARE DOING URGENT-ONLY PROCEDURES AND INFUSIONS IN OUR OFFICE BUT ON A MODIFIED SCHEDULE. WE ARE DEFERRING ALL ROUTINE SCREENING AND SURVELIENCE PROCEDURES UNTIL LATE MAY AND JUNE. 

 WE HOPE THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES STAY SAFE THROUGHOUT THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME!                                                                                                         

Here are Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is DDAR adapting to Covid-19 changes & challenges?

A. We continue to monitor new information and adapt our practices to reflect the latest recommendations from the CDC, DOH and other regulatory authorities.

 Q. Have additional safety measures been implemented?

A. We have implemented additional safety measures which includes enhanced cleaning & disinfection protocols, modified scheduling to minimize traffic in the office; screening of all patients to assess for their Covid-19 risk, the rescheduling of all non-urgent procedures and the continued use of telehealth visits. 

 Q. How are you pre-screening patients?

A. All patients are assessed for their Covid-19 risk via phone prior to being allowed into any clinical areas. Patients will have their temperatures taken and be required to answer additional Covid -19 specific questions before coming to the office for a procedure.  Patients will have a telehealth visit with their doctor and receive pre-procedure and post-procedure assessments.

 Q Does DDAR test for Coronavirus on-site?

A. We do not have the capability to do Coronavirus testing or Rapid Antibody testing at this time. We can provide you with a script to have it done at the Health Department or a Local Reference Lab. 

 Q. What are the guidelines I must follow before my scheduled procedure?

A. A telehealth visit will be done with your doctors to determine the urgency for an in-office colonoscopy or upper endoscopy.  During the telehealth visit, your doctor will updated your medical history, medication list, etc. If there is a need for a procedure, you will be given an appointment by our secretarial staff and emailed all necessary paperwork & prep instructions.  Forty Eight (48) hours before your scheduled, you will receive a call from our staff to assess your Covid-19 status.  On the day of your procedure, you will arrive 15 minutes before your appointment and have your temperature checked by our staff.  Your driver/escort will be asked to wait in the car during your procedure.

  Q. How are you ensuring the safety of your more vulnerable patients?

A. Patients over 65 are given special consideration as to whether their problem warrants leaving their homes at this time to come to the office. Most problems can be handled effectively with a telehealth visit with their doctor.