COVID-19
At Melville Medical Care, PC, your health and safety are our number one priority. Which is why we have taken steps to keep you and your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Melville Medical Care is open and operating under normal business hours. We are continuing to care for our patients. We are taking precautions to keep our staff and other patients safe. If you have a scheduled appointment, please plan to keep this appointment unless you are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath.
If you are a patient who is experiencing these symptoms, please call our office at (631) 271-3075 to be triaged weekdays, 9 am - 5 pm and Saturdays, 9 am - 2 pm.
We are now offering telemedicine (video calls) via Doxy.me. Patients will be given a video chat invite when necessary.
Below are frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 as it relates to our patients and community.
Can I bring children and family members/caregivers to my appointment(s)?
Please avoid bringing children under 12 to the office. We also ask that you bring only one additional person to your appointment(s).
What should I do if I have cold or flu symptoms?
If you must see your team and have active symptoms, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms, including congestion or runny nose, please call us at (631) 271-3075 before your appointment. Our staff will provide guidance on whether you should come to the clinic or wait until your symptoms are gone.
Are patients screened for respiratory symptoms?
Yes, all patients are being screened for symptoms of respiratory illness during phone conversations and at the entrance to the office.
Should I wear a mask in the office?
You should wear a mask in the office only if directed to do so by the staff. When you enter the office through the front door, you will be screened for respiratory symptoms. If the staff determines you have symptoms, they will give you a mask and tell you how to wear it properly. If worn correctly, masks can help decrease the spread of respiratory viruses and bacteria.
Should I be worried about getting infected with COVID-19 at Melville Medical Care?
Melville Medical Care has extensive and thorough infection control procedures, and we will do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our community. We have protocols and systems in place to keep all patients and healthcare workers safe.
Is Melville Medical Care testing patients for COVID-19?
Melville Medical Care now has the ability to test patients who exhibit COVID-19-related symptoms. Our providers will decide which patients need to be tested.
How long does it take for results to come back?
Generally, we can get COVID-19 test results back in 5 days. Any patients with suspected COVID-19 will be asked to self-quarantine until results are available.
Is there anything I can do to keep myself as well as my family and friends safe?
The most important steps to take are the same as for every cold and flu season:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Practice good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Plan how you will take care of sick family members. Make plans for childcare if you are sick or if your child is sick. Have a thermometer at home, so you can check for fever if you or a loved one feels ill.
- Try to get a few extra months’ worth of your prescription medications, if possible.
- Stay informed – check the CDC site regularly for new updates.