Likewise, if the patent needs to
come into a doctor’s office, Dr.
Dixon said that all patients will be
kept away from known COVID-19
patients.
When the patent comes into the
doctor’s office, they will have their
temperature taken to check for
a fever. Dr. Dixon acknowledged
that some people who have been
infected with coronavirus do not
run fevers, but it is still a good
indicator of whether a person may
have the virus.
Then, the patient is given a mask
to wear while in the doctor’s office.
Still, an in-person visit is the last
resort for a patient with chronic
illnesses at this time. It’s much
better to clear up any questions
through video consultation.
In addition to using a smart
phone’s built in apps, Dr. Dixon said
he recommends using Doxy.me,
a free video conferencing service
created for the medical field.
Dr. Dixon
acknowledged that
some people who have
been infected with
coronavirus do not
run fevers, but it is
still a god indicator of
whether a person may
have the virus.
Patients who are willing to use
the app can call into the office (or
their medical provider’s office) and
ask for an appointment, just like
scheduling any other appointment.
When it is time to see the doctor,
a link will be texted to the patient.
That link sends the patient to a
“virtual waiting room” where they
wait until their doctor is available.
Once the two connect, they can
see each other on screen and
communicate any needs or changes.
Dr. Dixon said that system has
been running “very, very smoothly”
and they have had no real problems.
In fact, the system was getting the
kinks worked out of it even before
the coronavirus outbreak hit.
Dr. Dixon said there was a plan in
place to put the system into local
schools.
The plan was to still have a school
nurse on site, but if that nurse
determined that a student needed
to connect with a doctor, the nurse
could set up a telemedicine chat
between the student and the doctor.
“If school ever starts back up,
plans are still in place to do that,”
Dixon said.
Bluegrass Senior Living invites residents to live
life on their own terms in a comfortable setting
that feels like home. Amenities such as restaurant-
style dining, housekeeping, laundry services,
transportation, and maintenance-free apartments
allow residents the freedom to enjoy an active and
independent lifestyle.
•
•
•
•
•
Studio & One-Bedroom Apartments
All Utilities Included
24/7 Caregivers
Pet Friendly
Enriching Activities & Entertainment
For more information, call Allison at 606.679.4578.
145 TOWER CIRCLE • SOMERSET, KENTUCKY • BLUEGRASSLIVINGKFB.COM • 606.679.4578
22 • I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky
M ay 2020