covid-19 protection
Because acupuncture is a procedure that pierces the skin, and in which the practitioner may be exposed to small amounts of blood and other potentially infectious materials, acupuncturists receive training in infection control and clinical safe practices beyond what many other physical medicine professionals do. Additionally, acupuncture, unlike many other physical medicine techniques, does not require the practitioner to spend extended periods of time in the treatment room with the patient. Together, these factors make acupuncture at a baseline the safest physical medicine option during this pandemic.
Moreover, I have done the following to make sure my clinic meets or exceeds all Department of Public Health and CDC recommendations for COVID-19 safety measures in ambulatory care:
I wear an N95 respirator, an ASTM-2 surgical mask, AND a face shield at all times while treating patients.
All patients are required to wear an approved face covering which securely covers the mouth AND nose at all times while in my facility.
Patient face coverings are subject to inspection prior to the patient being admitted for treatment and throughout the course of the treatment, to ensure both their physical integrity and proper use.
All patients are required to submit to temperature screening and a health questionnaire before being admitted for treatment.
Patients are required to text or call from their cars before entering the building for their appointments. Only one patient at a time is ever permitted in the corridor or waiting area of the clinic.
To give my patients an almost completely isolated path from their vehicle to my clinic, a private elevator from the first floor and a private restroom down the hall from the clinic have both been provided.
All treatment rooms in use are equipped with their own HEPA air filter, and exhaust fans are kept on constantly for optimal air exchange.
All cloth linens have been replaced with vinyl treatment table coverings, so that they may be sprayed down with hospital grade disinfectant and thoroughly cleaned between each appointment.
All high contact surfaces are cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant before and after each and every appointment.
Enjoy this lighthearted video tour of my clinic safety procedures…
patient protection
At the core of my mission at Silk Road Health is to maintain a safe space and the highest standards of professionalism and security for my patients. Therefore, as the patient, please be informed that you possess the following explicit rights under my care:
You may ask me to end the session at any time, for any reason, and I will end the session, step out of the room, and wait for you to dress and exit the treatment room.
Breasts and/or genitals will never, for any reason, be intentionally touched or exposed in the course of your treatment.
You may also designate any other area of your body that you do not wish to be exposed in the course of the treatment, and this area will remain covered at all times, with no questions asked.
You may also designate any other area of your body as off limits to contact in the course of the treatment. I will avoid this area. If avoiding contact with this area will seriously affect the treatment outcome, I will explain this to you, and you may then make your own determination as to whether you wish to maintain or to lift the boundary, as you see fit.
I will respect whatever decision you make.
If anything said or done during your time in our office causes you to feel unsafe or uncomfortable, we urge you to please bring it to my attention immediately and be assured that all possible measures will be taken to correct it.
If any additional steps may be taken to improve your sense of safety and comfort in my office, you are encouraged to bring them to my attention immediately and be assured that it will be considered with the utmost seriousness.