More than 40% of Americans have delayed or avoided medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But if you have a bleeding disorder, healthcare delays can have serious consequences.
Peter A. Kouides, MD, medical and research director at the Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center in Rochester, New York, answers some frequently asked questions about care during the pandemic.
What should I do if I have a regularly scheduled clinic visit?
Call your hemophilia treatment center to find out if you can schedule a telehealth visit. If you do need to be seen in person, you can rest assured that adequate safety measures are in place
to protect both patients and providers.
Should I still go to the ER if I have a bleed?
Absolutely. The benefit of being treated quickly for a bleed far outweighs any risk of contracting COVID-19, especially because emergency departments have strict protocols in place to isolate anyone who is suspected of having the disease.
Should I go to the dentist?
Yes. If you’re due for a routine dental cleaning and visit, the last thing you want to do is put that off, because preventive dental care is vital for people with bleeding disorders.