Dear Friends,
The HOPE team is closely monitoring all of the information and recommendations to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Orthotics and prosthetics are considered to be an essential service and we want you to know that we are here to help. For that reason, we have remained open and continue to service the patients in our community. While providing this necessary service, we have a responsibility to our patients, employees and the communities we serve to act prudently during these challenging times.
We acknowledge that many of our patients are among the population of individuals at risk for more serious health complications if exposed to COVID-19. Public health officials encourage everyone to take steps to avoid unnecessary exposure to public spaces and large groups in order to decrease the chances of exposure to the virus. We are taking every precaution we can to protect you when you see one of our clinicians for your prosthetic or orthotic care.
Beginning in March, Horizon Orthotic & Prosthetic Experience, Inc began taking steps to increase the cleaning and sanitizing of our offices with particular focus on all high-touch surfaces. Policies and procedures related to infection control and contact precautions have been reinforced with all staff. We will continue to make every effort to ensure the sterilization and cleanliness of our facilities. CDC guidelines and recommendations have been distributed and consistently implemented at all HOPE facilities.
To protect our patients and team members, we have implemented monitoring and isolation protocols for any symptoms of, or known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 among our team and will require any staff to remain at home where appropriate based on current CDC recommendations. To date, no HOPE employee has met criteria for isolation or been diagnosed with COVID-19. We also ask that any patients or caregivers with respiratory symptoms, fever, known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 who are scheduled to be seen in our offices please call to make other arrangements for your appointment.
In addition to seeing patients in our clinic on a daily basis, we have the ability to conduct certain patient encounters remotely using tele-health systems. Members of our team already have experience with remote patient encounters. If you need to be seen for follow-up, basic trouble-shooting, or replacement of prosthetic supplies and are unable to come to our office, we may be able to accommodate your needs using a remote visit or phone consultation with your HOPE practitioner. Some of the routine services that HOPE provides (such as replacement of prosthetic gel liners, sealing sleeves and prosthetic socks) may be able to be provided through phone or tele-health consultation and shipping items to your home for your use. These items are generally recommended to be replaced every 6 months or as medically necessary, for continued use of your prosthesis.
HOPE is here for you and committed to do everything we can to support the needs of our patients and referring providers. Our focus at the present time is to protect the health and safety of our patients and our team, while taking specific steps to ensure the ongoing care of our patients. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate through this with you during these unprecedented times. Your physical function and health-related quality of life is our mission. Our purpose is to connect you to the technology and resources you need to do the things you need to do. Please reach out if we can help.
Warmest Regards,
Mike Schultz, BS, MBA, CPO
President and CEO
Horizon Orthotic & Prosthetic Experience, Inc