With COVID-19 positive tests skyrocketing and hospitals throughout the country overflowing with inpatients, the demand for care has lately reached a level previously unseen, while providers are facing exhaustion, supply chain issues in some instances and a variety of labor force challenges.
Health care providers are busier than ever and Eskenazi Health wants you to know that due to increased patient volume and the constantly evolving situation with COVID-19, there may be a longer wait time to be scheduled for an appointment. All health systems, including Eskenazi Health, are facing similar situations with having a greater demand for care than the number of team members and appointments that are available.
It is also important not to go to an emergency room for a COVID-19 test unless you are ill. Emergency rooms across Indiana are very busy and there are many testing options that are available elsewhere. To find a testing location near you, please visit Coronavirus.IN.gov.
All of that being said, it’s important to not delay seeking care when needed for conditions including but not limited to high blood pressure and diabetes, and for mental health care needs.
Options exist to connect with your provider, including using applications like Eskenazi Health MyChart, where online you can request medication refills, schedule appointments, view all other patient medical data, and medication instructions and summaries from previous appointments.
To set up an Eskenazi Health MyChart account, please visit MyChart.EskenaziHealth.edu on a computer, tablet or smartphone, and click “Sign Up Now” in the “New User?” section.
For assistance with MyChart, please call 317-880-2273.
Patients with active Eskenazi Health MyChart accounts can securely send messages with their care teams and get support for medical questions and other health care needs that do not require an appointment.
The COVID-19 vaccine (or booster when appropriate) along with practicing other safety measures, remain of utmost importance and the most effective way to combat this terrible virus mainly because people who are vaccinated have milder symptoms and do not require hospitalization or to be seen by a medical provider.
It is critically important to receive the booster vaccine for the best protection and to reduce your risk of sickness and hospitalization. The booster can be received if your last Pfizer or Modern shot was more than six months ago, or your Johnson & Johnson shot was more than two months ago. Receiving the booster shot is recommended even if you have had the COVID-19 infection.
If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, please contact your health care provider for medical advice. Hoosiers can also get tested for free. Again, to find a testing location near you, please visit Coronavirus.IN.gov.
In addition, information will soon be available about COVID-19 at-home testing kits. Please be on the watch out for that information..
Mask wearing is still required among staff, patients and visitors in Eskenazi Health facilities and is recommended for time indoors in public spaces when social distancing is difficult to maintain.
For patients with upcoming appointments, please be advised that visitation restrictions are in place and you should plan to arrive to your appointment independently (by yourself). Please make arrangements for childcare if needed.
Pediatric patients and those requiring assistance will be permitted to have someone attend their appointment with them. This includes some vulnerable patient populations (e.g., patients with dementia, Down syndrome, autism, hearing impairment, etc.).
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialist at Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington