The Home Page Network

Dr. Kyle Ungvarsky from Laurel Health Centers provides us with some advice for those who are sick and injured at this time. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many are nervous about going to the emergency room for things like a possible broken bone. But, in some instances, it’s necessary. Addressing it promptly can prevent future problems from occurring.

Sara had her own experience with this on Saturday, April 18th. It was snowing quite a bit outside on Sara’s beautiful tree in her backyard. Knowing the tree couldn’t handle a lot of snow on its branches without breaking, Sara quickly came to its rescue. She ventured outside with a tall broom handle, hoping to have the snow fall down, but poor Sara fell down instead! She was led to call the Laurel Health Centers, where she was in good hands…(figuratively!)…because an x-ray revealed that she had fractured her left distal radius.

“A broken wrist—specifically a distal radius fracture—is one of the most commonly experienced fractures in the body. Studies have shown that it accounts for up to 25% of fractures in children and about 20% of fractures in older adults.* ”

Sporting a blue cast to represent the colors of Movin’ Together, Sara is on the road to recovery. Thankfully, she responded when she did – otherwise she could have needed surgery.

Dr. Ungvarsky recommends having our vitamin D and calcium levels checked regularly to keep our bones strong and prevent against arthritis and other conditions.

If it is necessary for you to come to the emergency room at this time, here are some tips:

1. If you are a little early for your appointment, wait in your car rather than the waiting room.
2. Wear a mask. Laurel Health Centers provides a mask to their patients, and all healthcare providers also wear masks.
3. Take advantage of the soap, water, and hand sanitizer that are offered.
4. Use “Telemedicine” – a program that allows for a video call appointment rather than an in-person appointment.

Thank you to all the healthcare professionals who are caring for us during this time to keep us safe!

The following information is from the Laurel Health Centers:

The Laurel Health Centers understand that your health concerns weren’t put on pause during the pandemic and are working hard to get patients back to needed services safely. In Tioga County, we are fortunate that our COVID-19 cases have remained manageable—thanks in large part to the community’s diligence in staying home, social distancing, and masking to slow the spread. As we begin to look ahead to the next phase of our COVID-19 response, we encourage you to talk with your family provider about when you should reschedule postponed health screenings, follow-up care, and treatments.

Laurel Health has both in-person and telemedicine visits available to:

• Evaluate symptoms and answer your health questions
• Diagnose health issues and recommend treatments
• Order lab work, x-rays, or other tests
• Prescribe medication or specialist referrals
• Manage chronic conditions or follow-up care
• Provide preventive health screenings like women’s health exams, vaccines, and physicals
• Discuss wellness goals and progress

Yes, It’s Safe to Come to the Clinic

Until an effective vaccine and COVID-19 treatments are developed, you can expect a visit to your Laurel Health Center to look a little different. One thing that hasn’t changed? Patient safety and satisfaction are Laurel Health’s number one priority. Laurel Health is dedicated to COVID-19 prevention and caring for you and your family throughout this “new normal” and beyond. 

Here are some of the many ways Laurel Health is committed to protecting you during your visit: 

• Call ahead scheduling to pre-screen all patient symptoms, exposure risks, and concerns
• New pre-registration processes to eliminate onsite check-in
• Thorough patient and staff screenings at each entrance
• A parking lot waiting room model to maintain social distancing and reduce time spent in the clinic: patients wait in their car until their provider is ready then are masked and escorted directly to the exam room
• Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures are followed around-the-clock
• All patients are provided a mask before entering
• All staff and patients are masked at all times
• Increased telemedicine usage as appropriate (virtual visits by phone and video)
• Ongoing patient education and signage featuring clear instructions

If you have a health concern, don’t press pause—call your family doctor. The Laurel Health Centers are available 24/7 to answer health questions, review symptoms, advise your care, and schedule appointments at 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354). To learn more, visit laurelhc.org or facebook.com/laurelhc.

* https://www.sports-health.com/sports-injuries/hand-and-wrist-injuries/broken-wrist-distal-radius-fracture