The main concern we are dealing with is that patients who are on Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) are concerned they will not be able to get their medicine because the drug is being used in the treatment of COVID-19.
Q: How is the pandemic affecting you and your staff personally?
I seem to be the most anxious person in the office. New York frightened me. I am doing my best to reassure staff and patients, which is difficult because I’m a negative person in daily life.
My staff has been wonderful through everything so far. That may change as more people get the virus and die, but they are making patients as comfortable as they can. They have really stepped up. We, of course, are checking temperatures, asking medical questions, etc. every day on every staff member.
My biggest concern is that insurance companies will not pay the amount for telemedicine visits as promised. If the payments are delayed or paid incorrectly, we will need to lay off employees.
With everything in the world being so fluid on a daily basis, everything [I’ve said here] could change completely tomorrow. [Our staff members] are doing everything they can do to deliver quality medical care to all of our patients, and hoping we all stay healthy and get through this.
Susan Bernstein is a freelance journalist based in Atlanta.
