Interventional Pain Management and COVID-19: What You Should Know

You’re rightly concerned about the coronavirus. The pandemic has changed the way you go about your normal business. Whether you have to self-quarantine because you have an autoimmune condition, or whether you're primarily worried about a vulnerable relative, friend, or community member, you may be reluctant to step inside a health care facility or other public space, for fear of picking up the virus.

Louis J. Raso, MD, PA — a pain-management specialist in Jupiter, Florida — always considers your safety first. The town of Jupiter has allowed elective medical procedures and surgeries since May 8, 2020. All health care workers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), follow safe practices, and have adequate space to allow for social distancing.

Our entire team follows the guidelines laid out by the town as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop the spread of coronavirus and the illness it causes, known as COVID-19. Here, Dr. Raso shares some of the ways in which your pain management reflects the new reality, and why it’s safe to get the treatment you need and deserve.  

What you should expect

Although our team always followed safety protocols and used disposable gloves, single-use syringes, and regularly disinfected surfaces and equipment, you’ll notice quite a few changes when you come into the office. All staff members are now required by the state of Florida to wear PPE: gowns, gloves, and masks, and — in certain situations — protective eye gear, as well. This keeps you safe and keeps the staff safe, too, so they can give you the care you need.

When you call for an appointment, we also ask you about any symptoms you may have that could be related to COVID-19 and give you a time slot that allows you sufficient time and space away from other patients.

Once at the office, you should wear a mask, if you have one. If you don’t have a mask, our team provides you with one. 

You may notice there are fewer chairs in the waiting room available for use. If you are positive for COVID-19 or symptomatic, or if you have an autoimmune condition, you’ll be directed to a separate waiting area where you don’t come into contact with other patients. Our staff also regularly disinfects the public areas and examination rooms, and clean after each patient leaves.

The kinds of procedures available

All of the procedures that we provide to reduce or eliminate pain are covered by Florida’s re-opening plan. That means that you can get spinal and facet-joint injections, or even undergo Phase I or Phase II of spinal cord stimulation procedures to control your pain. We currently treat:

Our team may administer a COVID-19 test before you undergo any surgical procedures.

You can call us, too

Depending on your needs, you may not come to the office to get the care you need. If you have a question, or if you simply need a refill of your prescription, simply call our friendly staff at 561-264-2929. Dr. Raso may even be able to consult with you over the internet or phone.

Don’t let fear stop you from getting the pain relief you need. Contact us by online form or call 561-264-2929 to set up an appointment or phone consultation today.

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