House Calls

House Calls Started This Year

House calls are meant for patients who are temporarily or permanently home bound, or for other good reasons can't make it into the office.

To schedule a house call: Tel (203) 853-1919; email istaw@drstaw.com

Saturday, August 29, 2020

To My Patients,

Emailed 8/16/2020

Hope all is well. COVID-19 is still with us, but life must go on. I don't expect any miracles, but a good COVID 19 vaccine will go a long way toward easing the problem - we'll be sure to keep you updated on any new recommendations when they are available.

** Office Visits - Virtual and In-Person
We are still on "COVID schedule." We see patients (who are not COVID-suspects) on Tuesdays, and usually also during part of Thursdays. The rest of patient-care time is spent doing virtual visits using FaceTime or Zoom.

Medicare announced that they will continue to support virtual visits and phone follow-ups until the end of September. Most insurance companies have followed suit.

Please give us a call if you need a virtual or in-office visit, we don't want separation to be the cause of any unnecessary illness - (203) 853-1919.

I hope that insurance carriers, including Medicare, will come to their senses and realize that virtual visits, as an aid to, and sometimes a replacement of, the traditional office visit does work. There is no doubt in my mind that, done correctly, this can help reduce the cost of medical care, and in many cases improve the quality of medical care.

** More Insurance Accepted
Good news for our ConnectiCare patients who are on the Access or Exchange program (that's the Affordable Care Act side of ConnectiCare insurance). We now participate in that program. All you are responsible for is the copay, deductible and, in rare cases, uncovered services.

** Back to Medicine
While staying home much more of the time these days, I hope you didn't fall into the trap of reduced exercise, consuming more unhealthy foods than you should, and gaining weight. There's so much you can do for yourself even if you feel bored staying home. As I have mentioned in the past, the Canadian Royal Mounted Police exercises have stood the test of time, and much of it can be done at home. The internet is loaded with appropriate demo's and instructions.

But for some people there could be a different reason for weight gain, and that is the medication you may be taking. Examples include some antidepressants, epilepsy and blood pressure medications, steroid hormones (e.g. prednisone), birth control pills and insulin. Don't just stop taking any of these medications, but knowing about this potential side effect may motivate you to do more to control excess weight, and to discuss the possibility of a medication change with your physician.

** Back to COVID
While some people in our patient community did contract the disease, many were mildly symptomatic. None required hospitalization, and we haven't lost anyone. I hope you're watching yourselves carefully, and help maintain the good statistics. If you have any questions, feel free to call!

Until next time, stay safe and stay well!

Igal Staw, Ph.D., M.D. 

To My Patients

Emailed 7/19/2020

Hope all is safe and well.

COVID 19 is still with us; it has changed everyone's life, and I believe that it will continue to make a life-changing impact for years after its defeat.

It has also changed the way medicine is practiced throughout the US and the world and, of course, in our practice.

We have been doing telemedicine, or virtual office visits for close to 4 months, seeing non-COVID patients in the office as the need arose.

Beginning this Tuesday, July 14, we will begin to see patients on a more regular basis on Tuesdays, staying in the office as long as necessary. We may soon add another day. Janine will be with us during open days.

We expect that most visits will be for complete physical exams with emphasis on health maintenance and the reduction of health risks.

Needless to say, you always want to be is in the best health you can be, but especially so at the time of the pandemic.

To reduce your risk of COVID exposure, whenever possible we'll draw blood in the office; you will not have to go to the lab for blood testing.

At this time, we will not be able to see in our office patients suspected of active COVID 19 infection.

Safety above all. At appointment time, don't come directly to the office. Call us from the parking lot, to make sure that the exam room is ready for you. You'll be reminded to come through our back entrance, bypassing the waiting room and not contact with other patients. The number to call is 203-853-1919 (our regular office number).

Virtual visits will continue as before. They are by paid for by Medicare and commercial insurance (usually minus the copay and deductibles).

As of the time of this letter, telemedicine is expected to continue through September 2020.

Until I see you in the office or on the phone, keep a safe distance, stay safe and stay well!

Igal Staw, Ph.D., M.D.

Twitter / Dr. Staw