Zepick Cardiology COVID-19 Safety Measures
Protecting Wichita Heart Patients during the Coronavirus Pandemic
May, 2020
Zepick Cardiology is a trusted Wichita medical clinic committed to helping patients live better and longer. With the threat of coronavirus, we want to make sure our patients know that their health and safety remain our number one focus. We remain open and available to treat all current and new patients with enhanced protocols to ensure safety throughout your visit.
During the shutdown in Sedgwick County and across Kansas in early spring, Zepick Cardiology always remained open. As a medical facility, we are an essential business. Simply put, you can trust us to be here when you need us.
Ensuring Safety Inside our Wichita Clinic
The threat of the coronavirus has created sweeping changes for people and companies across the globe. Here in Wichita, our cardiology clinic has also adapted. Keeping the health and safety of our heart patients our highest priority, Zepick Cardiology quickly took necessary steps to ensure our patients and our staff would be protected in every way possible from the COVID-19 virus.
It has already been our routine to implement a variety of hygienic protocols. From protective gear to gloves and masks, our medical staff are always well equipped to maintain safe contact with our patients. But with the additional threat of COVID-19, other non-medical staff at Zepick Cardiology are also now wearing additional protective gear.
Additional Clinic Safety: From Masks to Disinfectant
As we mentioned, some safety procedures were already in place here at Zepick Cardiology. Some procedures have simply been increased. And even some new safety measures have been implemented.
Some steps we are taking to reduce your risk of catching the coronavirus include:
- All Zepick Cardiology staff wear masks
- All patients wear masks
- Rooms are disinfected before each new patient
- Doorknobs are wiped down after each patient
New Telemedicine Appointments for our Heart Patients
Zepick Cardiology now provides a new way for many of our heart patients to receive the care and information they need without leaving their home. Telehealth is a process for getting important care to patients at a distance. At Zepick Cardiology, sometimes a medical visit can be handled via a phone call.
If the appointment does not require a physical examination, patients may be able call in for a one-on-one office consult with one of our trained doctors or medical staff. Patients will receive the same attention and care in a telemedicine appointment with one of our cardiologists as they would in person.
Call us at (316) 616-2020 to learn more about this telemedicine visit with our clinic.
Heart Patients’ Vulnerability to Coronavirus
Does having a heart condition put you at a greater risk for illness or death if you catch the coronavirus? Unfortunately, yes. According to the Center for Disease Control, people with serious heart conditions may suffer greater if catching the virus.
Some of the heart conditions that increase your risk for serious complications include:
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Cardiomyopathies
Advice for People with Heart Conditions
The best thing you can do if you have an underlying heart condition is to continue your efforts to be healthy. Continue taking your medications as prescribed. Make sure you do not run out. It is best to keep at least a 2-week supply of any medications you need.
As people with cardiovascular conditions are at a greater risk for COVID-19 complications, you need to be sure that you are taking necessary precautions to avoid contact with others. Realize that many people without symptoms could be carriers of the coronavirus, so minimize how much contact you have with others and maintain a 6-foot distance. It is recommended you wear a mask, and ask that friends and family also wear masks to help protect those like you who are more vulnerable to the virus.
Questions About Your Heart Treatment?
A question some people may be wondering: Is it safe to see my doctor? The short answer is ‘Yes’. We have implemented additional safety measures beyond our already rigid procedures to further minimize contact and risk of catching the coronavirus. You do not need to reschedule your appointment or delay getting the care you need at our cardiology clinic.
Knowing that our patients are in this vulnerable group, Zepick Cardiology is doing everything possible to keep our heart patients safe and free from risk. Contact us online or call us at (316) 616-2020 with your questions or concerns about clinic visits or care.
You can learn more about other factors that put some people at greater risk of suffering from COVID-19 at the CDC’s website.