COVID-19 Policies
In North Carolina acupuncturists have always been considered essential workers. Because of the current pandemic situation I didn't feel comfortable practicing again until recently, however. Now that the state is loosening restrictions, contact tracing is in place, free community-based testing has restarted in our county, masks and other protective equipment are more readily available, and local labs are offering both COVID-19 and antibody tests, I have reopened my office. I will continue to follow all federal, state, and county regulations as well as the regulations of my profession. Please understand that COVID-19 is not considered a Chinese medicine diagnosis and I that my licensure does not permit me to diagnosis or treat this disease.
Here are the precautions I have put into place:- I have moved my office to a smaller space with only one treatment room so there can only be one patient in the office at a time.
- I will be be seeing fewer patients per day and staggering appointments, reserving 30 minutes in between patients to clean all high touch surfaces.
- I will be cleaning all floors weekly.
- I will be wearing a mask and ask that all patients wear one as well. I will have masks on hand if you need one.
- I will have hand sanitizer available and a no-touch thermometer for temperature screening.
- I will not be accepting cash payments at this time.
- I am now offering telehealth/virtual consultations for established patients.
- If you need refills of an herbal formula, no need to come in. I can set you up with my distributor's simple online patient fulfillment program so you can order them directly. You are also welcome to pick them up curbside.
- As required by my licensure, I have been certified in Clean Needle Technique since 2007, a course that covers hygiene and safety standards and the prevention of disease transmission.
- Since acupuncture does not involve direct contact with any mucus membranes it is considered to be a very low risk medical procedure.
- Please wear a mask to your appointment. If you do not have one I can provide one for you.
- Please do not bring anyone with you to your appointment as I can only have one person in the office at a time. If you do please have them wait in the car or on the porch.
- Please understand that even though I have implemented all of the recommended preventive measures intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19, your treatment may create circumstances under which COVID-19 can be transmitted.
- Please consider delaying your appointment if you are immuno-compromised, have an autoimmune condition, or are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
- Please do not come in if you have traveled outside the US in the past 14 days or if you have traveled within the US in the last 14 days by bus, train, or plane.
- Please do not come in if you have been recently exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or any of its symptoms.
- Please do not come in if you have any of the following symptoms of COVID-19: fever, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, nasal congestion, aches, or diarrhea.