COVID-19 Coronavirus and Lung Health: What can you do?

I am around your age and a retired Licensed psychotherapist who is considering returning to practice part-time. So, Have been thinking of your question and were I you, I would see your patients with the precautions you have mentioned above. I don't think I'd wear gloves but definitely would avoid hugs, or handshakes with them. I would explain why so as not to hurt their feelings. I'd use hand sanitizer after each appointment and spray the room with a disinfectant like Lysol room spray. Also, I'd wipe down surfaces that have come in contact with your patients--couch, chairs, tabletops, and doorknobs. If the use your bathroom I'd wipe that down as well. I found maks through Amazon, but don't know if they are still available. We who are not ill are advised by the CDC to not wear masks. If you are still uncomfortable you could do phone appointments, or skype with your patients. However, I would still see them as your practice is small and you know your patients. You could advise them to be open with you about ANY illness they have and hopefully, they would be truthful with you. Also, sit a decent distance from each patient. You are doing a great job in working with those who are disabled. The good lord knows they have emotional issues as well. I was the mother of a child with disabilities who was greatly helped by a mental health professional through the years she was alive. Whatever you decide I"m wishing you the best.

Thank you for your reply. I will let you know how it all turns out. Would cancel if it wasn't so important. The CT. has been niggling at the back of my mind for a long while. As it is with you, in the last two weeks it is much more front an center.

Hope this question is appropriate for this group. I am a psychologist in private practice and part of my practice involves disability applicants and in many cases, these individuals have a multitude of health issues as well as psychological issues. Sometimes patients also don't want to disclose if they are physically ill because they want to complete their appointments. I am 72 years old, only in office two days weekly. Am trying to figure out how much risk I will be in to continue seeing claimants. I also don't want to fully retire yet but want to be safe. I have controlled hypertension and had knee replacement last year, but no other chronic health issues. I have hand sanitizer, nitrile gloves but don't know if I need to wear them, I don't have masks and cannot find any. I have Clorox cleaning supplies for surfaces and of course will wash hands religiously. I will be speaking with my primary care provider next week. If anyone has any thoughts, I would like to hear them. Thank you.

Yes my wife also shops off peak hours she likes real early in the morning like 5 am. Plus in Arizona in the summer its cooler also

Its an Arizona thing, even at midnight in the summer it can still be quite warm around 90, it takes to early morning to drop to its lowest temp. Like the old military saying I've heard,
we do more before 9 am than most people do all day. Lol

@alamogal635- Good morning. What about calling the person who schedules testing for your doctor and ask her to call the CT dept and request if you can wait somewhere less crowded than the waiting room because of your compromised immune system?

My "advise" depends upon your financial situation. If your finances allow, I would suspend your practice until the threat passes; the threat of losing your clientele is real, but also is the threat of contracting the virus.
If continuing, as in the past, I suggest that you obtain a mask at any cost, and try to protect yourself.

Good luck,

John

@alamogal635- Good morning. What about calling the person who schedules testing for your doctor and ask her to call the CT dept and request if you can wait somewhere less crowded than the waiting room because of your compromised immune system?