COVID-19 Information & Updates
COVID-19 Update: Protecting Our UBMD Family
April 7, 2022
Consistent with recent changes to NY State and CDC guidelines related to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are happy to announce that effective Monday, April 11th, UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine will move to a mask-optional policy for all staff, patients, and visitors at all locations except ECMC. Our ECMC clinics remain subject to the masking requirement imposed by the hospital. Additionally, patients, staff and visitors to the Summit Healthplex will still be required to wear masks in common areas of the building however in our suite, they will become optional.
We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience & cooperation during this very challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blank
What are the main symptoms?
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
What else in my history could mean I have been exposed to COVID-19?
- If you have been in contact with a person who is in quarantine or tested positive for COVID-19
- If you have recently returned from
- China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Europe or South Korea
Do you think you may have Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Take these steps
- Call your primary care provider, stay home and limit contact with family members until advised otherwise. Together with the Erie County Department of Health, you’ll be advised on recommended next steps.
- Call ahead before going in person to any healthcare facility.
- Don’t go to your local emergency department for COVID-19 testing. The emergency department is only for those who need the most critical care.*
*If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath or other potentially life-threatening problems, call your closest emergency room to notify them of your pending arrival or call 911*
What if I have a pre-existing appointment?
If you do not have these symptoms, when coming to the office, we are asking that you come to your appointment alone. If a minor has an appointment with us, we ask that one parent accompanies them. If medically necessary, patients can bring one assistant.
Blank
What if I need an appointment? Are you still seeing patients?
Our practice is still seeing patients. If you need care, please call 716.204.3200. A representative will work with you and your provider to determine what type of appointment is right for you. We are now offering Telemedicine. Appointments can be conducted through video or phone calls. For certain cases, an in-person visit may be required. Additionally, our UB OrthoCare service is seeing patients for urgent care of broken bones, strains, sprains, concussions and any other emergent orthopaedic needs.
Are you offering telemedicine?
Yes, we are now offering telemedicine. It provides the access to the vital care you need without having to come to the office. For each visit, your provider will determine if the appointment can be done by video call, phone call or if an in-person visit is required.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our offices are reviewing upcoming, pre-existing appointments to determine if they are eligible to be offered through telemedicine. If so, the office will reach out to you prior to the appointment. You can also call your provider’s office in advance and ask in advance if your appointment can be changed to telemedicine.
What steps are offices taking to protect my health?
As your healthcare provider, we take serious care maintaining the safety of our patients, team and offices. Below are some ways we’re working to safeguard health and safety:
*The CDC recommends that all people wear protective masks while occupying public spaces. Our staff will be wearing masks to protect our patients , and we will be asking all patients to do the same. If you come to one of our facilities without a mask, we will be happy to provide you one. *
- Screen patients before appointments and at check-in
- Reducing population density at offices by limiting patients who are minors to one parent/guardian and recommending adults come alone, unless needing assistance**
- Increased cleaning frequency of high-touch surfaces
- Hand sanitizer and tissues available in all main areas
- Updating our employees on new protocols and procedures
- Screening our employees before they enter the offices
- Encouraging social distancing of at least 6′ feet between all patients and team members
All of these measures and more are meant to reduce the risk of exposure to our patients and team.
What can I do to maintain my health?
Stay home
- Stay home as much as possible, limiting your exposure to others.
- Leave home only for necessities, such as groceries, the pharmacy, medical care or essential work.
- When you do leave, maintain six feet between you and anyone else.
Practice good hand hygiene
- Wash your hands often: wet, lather, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse and dry.
- If soap and water are not around, or your hands are not visibly dirty, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or more).
Practice good respiratory hygiene
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue.
- Use the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use.
- Perform hand hygiene after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.
Avoid touching your face – especially eyes, mouth and nose
Sanitize high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, appliance handles and cellphones. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a list of cleaning products shown to kill the virus causing COVID-19.
Keep your immune system strong by maintaining healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of liquid and staying active
Maintain six feet of separation between you and anyone coughing or sneezing
Stay home when you’re sick, but call ahead before seeking medical care
Follow travel guidelines provided by the CDC, NYS Department of Health and Erie County Department of Health
We thank you for taking steps to ensure our community’s safety and for working with us during this time as we take extra precautions to ensure the health of the entire UBMD family.
This information may be updated at any time to adhere to recommendations from the CDC, NYS DOH and Erie County DOH.