Going to the Doctor During COVID-19

FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY
Information on this page is displayed for historical purposes only and is no longer being updated. As such, it may be out of date with recent developments or scientific research. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance.

Going to the Doctor During COVID-19

Getting Routine Medical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Going to the Doctor During COVID-19 Staying on top of your health needs is one of the keys to good health. Unfortunately, many non-urgent health care needs were paused during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. For people with chronic conditions, this was particularly challenging. As we manage through the next many months of this pandemic, returning to regular care, seeing your doctor and following care advice, will be more important than ever.

National Jewish Health has put in place many safety measures to help you feel confident as you return for regular care.

Managing health conditions lowers risk of worsening health

If you have a chronic condition, your body is already working hard to stay healthy. Adhering to a care plan and managing your condition can help keep your illness from getting worse, and improve your body’s ability to fight off other potential illnesses like COVID-19.

COVID-19 particularly targets the lungs. If you have asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis or another respiratory condition, it’s very important that you take medication as prescribed and let your doctor know if your condition gets worse in any way.

Use these tips to help manage your health:

Keep your prescriptions refilled – contact your pharmacy about auto refills and mail-order service so you don’t run out.
Stock up on over-the-counter medications that you use regularly.
Make sure you are up-to-date on vaccinations.
Ask about video or telehealth appointments if you are unable to leave the house.
Keep phone numbers for your doctors and pharmacy in your phone and in a central place for a caregiver to access.
Don’t wait; contact your doctor if you have questions about symptoms that are new or worsening.

Keep your doctor’s appointments and stay safe

It’s important to stay in contact with your health care team during the pandemic. When you visit your doctor’s office, just like other public places, there are steps you can take to help ensure your safety.

1. Ask questions

When you call to make an appointment, ask how the health care facility is preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping visitors safe.

Learn more about the safety precautions at National Jewish Health.

2. Wear a mask

Although CDC masking guidelines are not as strict for fully vaccinated people, health care settings such as National Jewish Health still require masks. Use these tips from our experts to safely put on and take off your mask, as well as care for cloth masks. Wash your mask thoroughly once you are home from your appointment.

3. Keep socially distant

Remember to keep six or more feet between you and others wherever possible. At a doctor’s office, this may mean choosing to stand in the waiting room, instead of sitting, to be farther away from other patients. Learn more about social distancing.

4. Wash hands

Wash or sanitize your hands after touching surfaces and objects such as credit card readers or door handles. Follow this step-by-step video to see the most effective way to wash your hands. Here is a fact sheet on how to properly use hand sanitizer. Remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, moth or face. Bacteria from your hands easily enters your body through these areas.

5. Don’t touch your face

Germs can easily enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. If you have to touch your face, thoroughly wash your hands before and after to prevent the spread of germs.

COVID-19 has given all of us an even better reason to make our health a priority. Make an appointment to see your doctor to address any health concerns or manage existing conditions. With the proper precautions, visiting your doctor is a part of a healthy lifestyle.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Lisa Maier, MD and Rosine Angbanzan, MPH (February 2022)

The information on our website is medically reviewed and accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, information may have since changed. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance.