Good News — We're Back!
Onsite Appointments Resuming May 17th
Dear Friends of Orchid,
It is with great joy that we announce the re-opening of our office for all in-person care! In the weeks following our closure, not only were we busy with our planned relocation, but also in formalizing the protocols and policies that allow us to confidently welcome you back for a safe, comfortable experience at Orchid.
Ironically, so many of these same pieces that felt foreign weeks ago are now part of society’s widely accepted new normal. As individuals and a society, we have spent a good deal of time analyzing the circumstances unfolding, and how best to proceed in light of so many continued unknowns.
As we paused care, many of our decisions were informed in part through recommendations from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and in tandem with the direction local fertility treatment programs were taking in light of the unknown risks during conception and pregnancy.
In looking to re-establish onsite care for acupuncture, we again have looked to keep clinic operations in line with these external resources in evaluating our plans. The ASRM’s COVID-19 Task Force has concluded the following in their 4th, most recent update:
“Over time, it has become apparent that the ebb and flow of COVID-19 is not accurately predictable despite the use of multiple models. It is not clear, for example, whether a sustained plateau might be followed by a gradual resolution or by a resurgence of new viral cases. Given this, decisions regarding patient care must remain flexible.”
“Data suggest that COVID-19 will remain a factor to be managed in our lives and practices for a prolonged period of time. Scientific data should continue to guide disease treatment and optimization of the response to the pandemic.”
Update #4 also notes that:
“Due to the stress involved in returning to reproductive care while the pandemic is still ongoing, as well as the potential for risks associated with reproduction during the COVID19 pandemic, practices are advised to ensure that every patient is provided with a list of resources for support and counseling, including but not limited to, a referral list of mental health professionals, who specialize in fertility/infertility counseling in reproductive medicine.”
As stress often responds well to acupuncture treatment, this can be a great time for integrative support options!
Given these statements, combined with the time-sensitive nature of our specialty focus in fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care, we have made the decision to resume in-person care for follow up acupuncture visits. This also comes as many of our patients are beginning to prepare for upcoming fertility procedures such as IUI and IVF cycles. (Note: For new patients, a telemedicine consult will allow a safer, socially-distanced opportunity to discuss your medical history and develop a treatment plan, with the ability to then schedule acupuncture appointments as an established patient.)
While we are re-opening, however, please be assured that a great deal of time and effort have gone into ensuring we can responsibly provide your care. For the time being, in-office visits will be aided by a new set of procedures and policies that comply with recommendations from the CDC and industry groups such as the American Society of Acupuncturists. Here is a small sampling of some of the newer features currently associated with your visit, which we continue to review daily:
Physical distancing: Modified methods of consultation for new and follow up care, decreased staff presence during clinic shifts, and a decreased patient load to minimize additional contact.
Source/engineering controls: Asking patients to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer upon entering, having all providers wear PPE while onsite, and screening all persons for symptoms ahead of clinic entry. Disinfection of clinic space before and after patient appointments with an EPA-approved cleaner for use against SARS-CoV-2.
When state restrictions initially outlined the parameters for Safer at Home, acupuncture was included in the list of essential services allowed to stay in operation. (Hey, we couldn’t agree more!) Now that we are resuming onsite care, however, we do strongly advocate for everyone to continue social distancing for the foreseeable future. (Essential activities and travel still permitted, of course.) This is especially important for those who are currently or wishing to become pregnant in the near future, given lack of long term data on outcomes related to exposure.
It is also vitally important to continue prioritizing elements of a healthy lifestyle, such as whole food nutrition, ample water consumption, adequate rest, stress management and fresh air whenever possible. Continuing with professional-grade supplements can also help a great deal to build immunity and support the body in navigating new stressors.
In times like this, we look forward to the opportunity to offer you a physical space and familiar respite from the current circumstances we each find ourselves navigating. While some pieces may look a bit different since we’ve seen you last, the care and connection you’ve come to expect from each of us remains. And on that note, we welcome you to our brand new space!
