Concerns Regarding Coronavirus COVID-19

Dear Valued Patient,

As concerns regarding coronavirus COVID-19 spread and increase, we wanted to personally reach out to update you on what we are doing to care for both our patients and employees during this time.

Our plan is as follows:

Your health comes first: We are requiring everyone to wash their hands, and encouraging them to socially distance, and follow best practices to protect the health and well being of themselves, their family, and our community at large.

 Kansas City Foot and Ankle is implementing the following:

• We are monitoring, reviewing and improving our response as the situation evolves.
• We are keeping all employees updated with any new recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
• We are requiring sick employees to stay home.
• We are increasing awareness of our staff to be alert for signs/symptoms of COVID-19.
• Our practice employs proper environmental cleaning techniques.
• We are practicing safe hand hygiene in all of our offices.
• We are requiring patients who are ill, exposed to COVID-19 or those who have recently visited high-risk countries to reschedule appointments.
• Employees who travel to areas identified by the CDC with a “Level 2-3 Travel Health Notice, as well as any cruise ship trips will be required to voluntarily extend their time away from work by an additional 14 days for home self-monitoring.

Continued care: Our immediate goal is to keep our office open to take care of you and all of your foot and ankle concerns.  Even in the face of COVID-19, your podiatric health will still need to be treated. We know you depend on us for this reliable and needed care, and we are here to support you.

Patients with Upcoming Appointments

If you have traveled internationally, traveled on any cruise ship, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, we MUST reschedule your appointment for a future date.

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. The elderly (over 60), and others who have existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease may be at higher risk of serious illness. This is similar to what is seen with other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.

Elderly and higher-risk patients should consider changing any routine, non-urgent visits to a later date.

Potential Disruptions to Our Regular Schedule

• Depending on community trends with COVID-19, offices may reduce patient load or close with short notice.
• We will notify you if it is necessary to temporarily close an office.

Practice Everyday Prevention

Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection. CDC and WHO recommend following the standard precautions for avoiding respiratory viruses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
• Stay home from work, school, and public areas if you’re sick.

As the situation evolves, we are keeping up with and following the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, state and local health departments.  Please stay tuned to our social channels for up-to-date changes. We all know this is a rapidly evolving situation, and our efforts to provide you the safest and most effective care will not stop. We are confident that we will be able to work through these next weeks together as a caring community.

Stay safe.  Stay calm.  And wash your hands!

Yours in Health,

Kansas City Foot and Ankle

Heel Pain Center of Kansas City