Coronavirus Update
Due to the current pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronovairus), we have implemented extra precautions to make your treatment at DFW Center for Fertility & IVF as safe as possible. The health of our patients and staff is always our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the guidelines reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), our local and State Health Department, the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) COVID-19 Task Force. This is an evolving issue with new information coming forth daily.
At this time, there is no recommendation for closure of medical practices, however the CDC has issued Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
At DFW Center for Fertility & IVF we are continuing to schedule office visits as well as procedures on an “as-needed” basis but have implemented some policies intended to mitigate exposure and spread of the infection.
DFW Center for Fertility & IVF staff members are receiving instructions and ongoing updates about COVID-19, hand hygiene and other safety measures to decrease the likelihood of contracting or transmitting the infection. We are sanitizing the office at least twice a day. We are also screening all patients and visitors to identify those who have traveled within the past 4 weeks, those who are having symptoms, as well as completing temperature checks in the lobby. Temperature checks for our staff is also performed on a daily basis at the beginning of each day.
For Office Visits:
- Please inform our office by phone if you are ill, have a cough, fever, shortness of breath or body aches. We will work with you to cancel your appointment and reschedule you to a later date. Also, please stay at home and consult with your primary care provider regarding next steps for your evaluation/treatment.
- Please also inform our office if you have been in contact with anyone with similar symptoms, and/or has traveled.
- All our patients and visitors will be asked to have their temperature taken and questioned regarding travel history and symptoms. In the event that you have a fever (>100.4) you will be asked to leave and your appointment will be cancelled and rescheduled to a later date.
- Hand sanitizer is available at the check in area. We will ask you to wash your hands as well.
- If you have been exposed to someone who either is suspected or diagnosed with Coronavirus, you should self-quarantine for 14 days. Please do not come to the office in this situation even if you are feeling well.
- If possible, please come alone to your office visit. Please do not bring children or family members.
- Prior to leaving the office please wash your hands.
For Patients Undergoing Treatment:
We know that pregnant women can contract coronavirus, but information on whether or not the infection can be transmitted to the fetus is less clear. In an abundance of caution, we encourage pregnant women to avoid large gatherings. When possible, this could include limiting some social activities, working from home rather than going to the office and participating in college courses online rather than in person.
Treatment Cancellation:
As you already know, we take your health and the health of all our staff very seriously. If you have concerning symptoms or have been exposed to anyone with the coronavirus please let us know immediately. We ask the same of our staff. If you have been exposed, you most likely will not be able to continue treatment in your current cycle. The cancellation of infertility care in your cycle may have negative medical and financial consequences. We apologize in advance, but we must be safe and follow the regulations set up by state and national agencies. In the event that your infertility care is discontinued, we will credit your account based on what stage you are in treatment so that you may proceed with your treatment in the future.
Telephone Consultation:
As a temporary measure, the Texas Board of Medicine has allowed for Telephone Only consultation as a form of Telemedicine. We will offer our patients this option for telephone consults rather than face to face visits. If you prefer this option, please let our office know and we will do our best to accommodate your request. These visits will either be billed to the patient or their insurance depending on available insurance benefits.
Given the evolving nature of the Coronavirus pandemic, all the above recommendations will be revisited periodically as we learn more information, with the aim of resuming usual patient care as soon and as safely as possible. In the meantime, we plan to follow regulations set up by public health authorities, state and national agencies. We pray for our families, patients, country & world. Please stay safe during these trying times.
Please contact us if you have any questions or need additional information.
