Policies Regarding COVID-19
At Sonterra Dermatology, we continue to update our policies regarding COVID-19 based on the latest information available.
Although we have a 10,000 square foot facility with large hallways and exam rooms, we are also a high-volume practice. As such, for everyone’s health and safety, we would like to try to reduce the number of patients in the wait room over the next few weeks and have issued the following updated office policies until further notice:
First and foremost, if you have a fever, cough, or feel sick, please kindly cancel your appointment and call your family doctor.
If you have traveled to a high-risk area (domestic or international), please cancel your appointment with Sonterra Dermatology and reschedule for at least two weeks out. It is also recommended by health officials that you self-quarantine.
We may be calling patients we deem as non-urgent appointments to reschedule. This will depend on the ever-changing patient volume.
YES – We DO recommend that patients keep their appointments for skin cancer surgery, open sores, rashes that are symptomatic, spreading, or infected, or medicines that are being monitored such as Accutane, Biologics, and Methotrexate. These medical problems will worsen if left untreated. Hospitals do not want you in the emergency room for these dermatologic conditions.
If possible, do not bring guests to your appointment. Please have them safely and comfortably wait outside the building, preferably in a vehicle in the parking lot.
We will ask that you clean your hands in the waiting room and upon entering the exam room.
Sign-in will be verbal. Please bring your own pen for paperwork.
The waiting room will not have magazines.
The front door and exit door will remain open so that handles will not have to be touched.
We will have a one nurse – one patient – one exam room flow.
All surfaces in the exam room will be cleaned in-between patients.
Our Sonterra Dermatology team and providers will also wash our hands upon entry into the exam room. We will also wear masks and gloves with close contact.
We may ask that you put on a mask as well if we feel that you or our staff may be at any risk for contamination of any kind.
There will not be a penalty for the re-scheduling of appointments.
We understand that these are uncertain and challenging times for all. But please trust that your care, health, and safety remain our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation with the above guidelines and ask that you continue to follow any changes to these policies that may occur.
~ Dr. Annabelle Garcia and the Sonterra Dermatology Team