BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With Safer at Home orders lifted, area healthcare providers say patient volumes are returning to pre-COVID levels.
Bellin Health says it knows people are still nervous to go to the doctor, so it invited FOX 11 into its Bellevue clinic for an exclusive tour of what changes it has made to try to keep patients safe.
“Anywhere between one third to one half of adults seem to have been putting off visits during the pandemic,” said Dr. Rachael Vanden Langenberg, a physician at the Bellevue clinic.
“The scare with that is that a lot of these people do have chronic conditions that can be deteriorating over that time when they’re not being actively managed by their physician.”
Social distance markers start at the door of Bellin’s clinics, as everyone gets a temperature check before answering a series of questions upon entering.
“If they have any of these respiratory symptoms then they are asked to go back to their car and then we will have a triage nurse call them immediately to assess if they can be seen or if they need to go to a respiratory care,” said Clarissa McArdle, Bellevue’s clinic team leader.
The Bellevue location will be a respiratory care clinic starting Friday. A separate entrance has been installed so COVID-19 patients never mingle with those seeking other care.
McCardle tells FOX 11 you’ll still see new signs in the regular waiting rooms, separating healthy patients from patients who are sick but showing no signs of coronavirus infection.
“It is just an extra step to insure the patients feel comfortable and they know that there is a division.”
Extra deep cleaning is being done before patients are called to the exam room.
“Everything that anyone may have touched during that particular visit they are wiping down with strong disinfectant wipes,” said Vanden Langenberg.
The wipes aren’t just for the exam rooms. Any pen, waiting room chair, or elevator button that is touched gets wiped almost immediately.
“It takes a lot of effort, but as we say it is now our new normal,” said McArdle.
A recent patient tells FOX 11 he felt comfortable at the clinic, but understands if some people are still uneasy.
“I think they’re looking out for us,” said Troy Landers of Green Bay. “That has been my experience anyways. I think talk to your provider. Let them know what’s going on with your life and your concerns. I think they’re very happy to work with you.”
Bellin says that is true. It’s recommended you call your provider to come up with a plan that works for you.
Virtual care, either through online video or phone, is also still an option.
Bellin’s doctor also stressed just because orders have been lifted, doesn’t mean social distancing or other pandemic practices should be relaxed.
“I’m a little bit scared to see what is going to happen in the next two to three weeks with that change,” said Vanden Langenberg.
Vanden Langenberg says if there is a rise in COVID cases, people should still feel comfortable going to clinics for care.
