What is the procedure for screening patients?

Begin the patient screening process with standardized questions when the patient calls for an appointment. All appointment reminders for routine care should include a check-in with patients regarding their health status and reminders to reschedule if they do not feel well, are running a fever or believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 and are waiting through the two-week incubation period.

Include temperature readings as part of your routine assessment of patients prior to performing chiropractic procedures.

CDC recommends healthcare facilities, including chiropractic offices, screen patients before proceeding with an appointment. Information to take note of:

• Any individual who exhibits or reports signs of acute respiratory illness such as coughing, fever and shortness of breath.
• Recent travel to any locations that have a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for COVID-19. Verify when the patient returned to the United States. If the patient reports that at least two weeks have passed since their return from one of the identified regions and no symptoms have presented, the chiropractic office can proceed with the appointment. When local, state or federal public health officials declare the disease is at the community level, screening for travel is not necessary.
• Close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19.

Chiropractors may also send a notice advising patients who are experiencing acute respiratory illness to remain home and reschedule appointments.