COVID-19 — OUR RESPONSE

There is no doubt that by now you are all well aware of the current situation that we have here in Washington State as well as throughout our country concerning COVID-19. As a practice, we take our social responsibility to the local community seriously. Dermatology and Allergy Specialists of Olympia feels it is vitally important that we continuously evaluate our current operations with the best interest of our patients, our staff, and our community always in mind.

Our hospitals are pushed to their limits with unprecedented numbers of critically ill patients. Caring for this influx of patients has caused shortages in space AND supplies. In an effort to do our part in allowing the hospitals to focus on their patients and to limit medical supply consumption for the critically ill, Dermatology and Allergy Specialists of Olympia are taking the following steps:

1. In our General Dermatology office, non-urgent established and new patients have the option to reschedule or schedule a telemedicine appointment unless you feel you have an urgent lesion or urgent problem.
2. We welcome all patients to our practice, regardless of vaccination status.
3. In our Mohs surgery center, we will focus on urgent cases giving them the highest priority. Non-urgent cases may be rescheduled for a later date.
4. In our Allergy office, routine appointments for patients considered high-risk for COVID-19 will not be made until next month. Such patients currently on the calendar may be asked to reschedule. Patients for acute visit/sickness are directed to see their primary care providers.
5. Allergy shot patients can wait in the car in our parking lots after shots but need to return for arm check after 30 minutes. Patients staying in the waiting area must be at least 6-feet apart.
6. Our practice is currently working diligently on increasing our telemedicine capabilities so patients can continue to be seen without the risk of traveling and coming into the office.
7. Patients will be screened for symptoms and risk factors of COVID-19 upon entering the practice.
8. Patients may have one caretaker or visitor for their appointment if needed. This person will be asked to remain in the waiting room during the appointment to help limit exposure. Please do not bring young children along to appointments at this time.
9. Our practice will be triaging appointments in an effort to limit the number of patients that we have traveling to the practice.
10. We will still be monitoring our usual phones for your questions, concerns, and requests to reschedule.

Lastly, we would like you to know that high-quality care is always our goal. We understand that arranging appointments and surgery dates for you is a big deal; we do not take the need to cancel and reschedule appointments to a later date lightly. Currently, as a community and as a country we are navigating uncharted territory. Ensuring the safety of our patients, our staff and our community is our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation and patience while we all work together to do our part.

Sincerely,

Physicians, Physician Assistants, and all of the staff

Dermatology and Allergy Specialists of Olympia PLLC