Health, Hygiene and Safety Tips for living under Coronavirus quarantine

[anneg]

My sister's Medicare plan allows her to get over $125 a quarter of stuff that is medical such as those. A longggggggggggg list. She sends me the list and orders some stuff for me.

Yes, mine is like $35/month and each month I survey my stash and my kids - ok, what haven't we chosen yet and what does everyone need? We ordered thermometers so everyone has their own now.

^^RSBM for focus
I wonder if these plans offering a monthly allowance for medical supplies are Medicare Advantage plans? My traditional Medicare plan doesn't offer such a benefit, at least that I'm aware of.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

^^RSBM for focus
I wonder if these plans offering a monthly allowance for medical supplies are Medicare Advantage plans? My traditional Medicare plan doesn't offer such a benefit, at least that I'm aware of.

DH and I have a similar feature with our BCBS Medicare PLUS Blue PPO. We each have a $25 quarterly allowance for OTC products. The catalogue is extensive, and we've been able to get many items through the plan. We can place our 4th quarter orders this week and have both made lists of things we might eventually need (nothing urgent at this time).

 

[PayrollNerd]

^^RSBM for focus
I wonder if these plans offering a monthly allowance for medical supplies are Medicare Advantage plans? My traditional Medicare plan doesn't offer such a benefit, at least that I'm aware of.

Yes it’s part of a Medicare Advantage Plan. I have Part D and basic Argus Dental.

It is almost time to pick a 2021 plan. I got my book in the mail last week. I flipped thru it and will go online and do the comparison. I may see what Vision plans they have. I need new glasses.

I thought I had done my Sept order but I hadn’t! So I just ordered more alcohol wipes, some toothbrushes, a nasal spray for allergies, etc. They were out of gloves this time but I have a new box. They were also out of thermometers.

 

[anneg]

^^ that’s a nice feature of your plans

 

[CSIDreamer]

We have Anthem BCBS. My husband retired from the USPS a year ago. He kept his Anthem because I don't have insurance except his plan. It's an excellent plan so he kept it for my benefit. I'm so curious.

 

[Tabirey]

We have Anthem BCBS. My husband retired from the USPS a year ago. He kept his Anthem because I don't have insurance except his plan. It's an excellent plan so he kept it for my benefit. I'm so curious.

I have anthem also. From what I can see on their website, if you have medicare with them, you can request a otc card to cover otc meds at Walmart. Looks like you can only use it to purchase them at the pharmacy counter, not through the regular cashier lanes though. If non-medicare they will cover otc meds that are prescribed.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

DH is due for a colonoscopy (10 years) and scheduled the procedure for Monday, December 14. Most medical/dental facilities in Michigan closed in mid-March and began reopening in late May. None of these medical offices/outpatient surgical units, etc. have been through a COVID winter yet, so the protocols currently in place for the surgical center where DH will have his colonoscopy will require some revision.

Only the patient is allowed into the outpatient surgical facility. Responsible party/driver must remain in their car in the parking lot for the duration of the procedure (approximately 2.5 hours). On December 14, the calendar might not reflect that it's winter, but it will definitely not be warm enough in southeastern lower Michigan to be outdoors in my car for two and a half hours! DH inquired about this practice that might have been acceptable through the summer months, but it is not going to fly when winter comes. The gastroenterology group has not planned ahead, it seems, so DH was told that I might be able to sit in the foyer of the building, but I definitely won't be allowed into the surgical suite. Hopefully, they'll have this figured out by mid December. DH will be advised about what time to arrive and other details regarding the procedure in the coming weeks, and he will be required to have a COVID test three days prior.

 

[anneg]

DH is due for a colonoscopy (10 years) and scheduled the procedure for Monday, December 14. Most medical/dental facilities in Michigan closed in mid-March and began reopening in late May. None of these medical offices/outpatient surgical units, etc. have been through a COVID winter yet, so the protocols currently in place for the surgical center where DH will have his colonoscopy will require some revision.

Only the patient is allowed into the outpatient surgical facility. Responsible party/driver must remain in their car in the parking lot for the duration of the procedure (approximately 2.5 hours). On December 14, the calendar might not reflect that it's winter, but it will definitely not be warm enough in southeastern lower Michigan to be outdoors in my car for two and a half hours! DH inquired about this practice that might have been acceptable through the summer months, but it is not going to fly when winter comes. The gastroenterology group has not planned ahead, it seems, so DH was told that I might be able to sit in the foyer of the building, but I definitely won't be allowed into the surgical suite. Hopefully, they'll have this figured out by mid December. DH will be advised about what time to arrive and other details regarding the procedure in the coming weeks, and he will be required to have a COVID test three days prior.

Good heavens! I wouldn't be able to sit in the car for that long down here in NC, where it would likely be warmer than in Michigan. For one thing, I'd definitely need to use a bathroom at some point...

 

[mickey2942]

DH is due for a colonoscopy (10 years) and scheduled the procedure for Monday, December 14. Most medical/dental facilities in Michigan closed in mid-March and began reopening in late May. None of these medical offices/outpatient surgical units, etc. have been through a COVID winter yet, so the protocols currently in place for the surgical center where DH will have his colonoscopy will require some revision.

Only the patient is allowed into the outpatient surgical facility. Responsible party/driver must remain in their car in the parking lot for the duration of the procedure (approximately 2.5 hours). On December 14, the calendar might not reflect that it's winter, but it will definitely not be warm enough in southeastern lower Michigan to be outdoors in my car for two and a half hours! DH inquired about this practice that might have been acceptable through the summer months, but it is not going to fly when winter comes. The gastroenterology group has not planned ahead, it seems, so DH was told that I might be able to sit in the foyer of the building, but I definitely won't be allowed into the surgical suite. Hopefully, they'll have this figured out by mid December. DH will be advised about what time to arrive and other details regarding the procedure in the coming weeks, and he will be required to have a COVID test three days prior.

I have been able to go to medical appointments with my husband. But when he was in the hospital I couldn't visit him. So, they will probably allow you to stay in the reception area downstairs at the clinic.

Winter is going to change a lot of processes that they are doing now. I went to a medical appointment the other day, you call the clinic on arrival, a receptionist comes to your car for your paperwork, asks you questions, scans your forehead for temp. Then, you are called in for the appointment when the doctor is ready.

I don't see that process working well in the winter.

 

[charminglane]

DH is due for a colonoscopy (10 years) and scheduled the procedure for Monday, December 14. Most medical/dental facilities in Michigan closed in mid-March and began reopening in late May. None of these medical offices/outpatient surgical units, etc. have been through a COVID winter yet, so the protocols currently in place for the surgical center where DH will have his colonoscopy will require some revision.

Only the patient is allowed into the outpatient surgical facility. Responsible party/driver must remain in their car in the parking lot for the duration of the procedure (approximately 2.5 hours). On December 14, the calendar might not reflect that it's winter, but it will definitely not be warm enough in southeastern lower Michigan to be outdoors in my car for two and a half hours! DH inquired about this practice that might have been acceptable through the summer months, but it is not going to fly when winter comes. The gastroenterology group has not planned ahead, it seems, so DH was told that I might be able to sit in the foyer of the building, but I definitely won't be allowed into the surgical suite. Hopefully, they'll have this figured out by mid December. DH will be advised about what time to arrive and other details regarding the procedure in the coming weeks, and he will be required to have a COVID test three days prior.

BDE-
I was told last year that if I wanted to start a colonoscopy exam that I would be able to get a take home test. Maybe this is an option for this year and a more thorough test could be set up for your DH when we go back to our old, boring, carefree, healthy lives?

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Good heavens! I wouldn't be able to sit in the car for that long down here in NC, where it would likely be warmer than in Michigan. For one thing, I'd definitely need to use a bathroom at some point...

Ditto

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

BDE-
I was told last year that if I wanted to start a colonoscopy exam that I would be able to get a take home test. Maybe this is an option for this year and a more thorough test could be set up for your DH when we go back to our old, boring, carefree, healthy lives?

Neither one of our primary care physicians espouse the self-tests. It's been 10 years since DH's last colonoscopy, so he wants to do it and get the procedure over with ASAP. Mine is due in four years. Hopefully, Covid will be behind us by then.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I have been able to go to medical appointments with my husband. But when he was in the hospital I couldn't visit him. So, they will probably allow you to stay in the reception area downstairs at the clinic.

Winter is going to change a lot of processes that they are doing now. I went to a medical appointment the other day, you call the clinic on arrival, a receptionist comes to your car for your paperwork, asks you questions, scans your forehead for temp. Then, you are called in for the appointment when the doctor is ready.

I don't see that process working well in the winter.

This is similar to the protocol at my PCP's. During the winter, I can't see nurses going in and out of the medical facility to the parking lot for paperwork and screening. It wouldn't be in their best interest or that of their patients. Most medical/dental offices in Michigan closed in mid-March and started reopening in late May. We haven't been through a Covid winter yet, and adjustments in protocols will have to be made for the health and safety of patients and staff.

 

[JDG]

This is similar to the protocol at my PCP's. During the winter, I can't see nurses going in and out of the medical facility to the parking lot for paperwork and screening. It wouldn't be in their best interest or that of their patients. Most medical/dental offices in Michigan closed in mid-March and started reopening in late May. We haven't been through a Covid winter yet, and adjustments in protocols will have to be made for the health and safety of patients and staff.

I was down at a major Toronto hospital last week and they have screeners/security just inside the doors.
You answer the COVID questions, they give you one of 'their' masks and you proceed to line up for the elevators.
The patient must wear a mask throughout any/all tests, so I have cancelled a liver scan. Decided to wait until symptoms appear before being scanned as its been okay for a few years.

BDE, can you not run the heater in your car and take along a blanket or second coat for the wait time?
As for the washroom being a problem, perhaps dont have too much coffee/tea until after his test?
I would also find a 'public' washroom nearby and use it long before the end of the 2 1/2 hours is up, then return to the car.

I think COVID is here to stay for quite some time, adjustments will have to be made to everything.

Some Toronto theatres are considering reopening, not sure I'd be going to live theatre, just not worth the risk IMO.

 

[JDG]

Neither one of our primary care physicians espouse the self-tests. It's been 10 years since DH's last colonoscopy, so he wants to do it and get the procedure over with ASAP. Mine is due in four years. Hopefully, Covid will be behind us by then.

Our GP is having people do the 'at home' test and if its clear, they are not going for the colonoscopy.
If you are symptomatic, then you go but not for regular checks.

 

[PayrollNerd]

I have anthem also. From what I can see on their website, if you have medicare with them, you can request a otc card to cover otc meds at Walmart. Looks like you can only use it to purchase them at the pharmacy counter, not through the regular cashier lanes though. If non-medicare they will cover otc meds that are prescribed.

I was in CVS on Sunday and saw a section with signage for those who want to buy their items in person instead of online. You have to pick from that section. It's a good way to inspect the items on the website if you're not sure if you want something. Otherwise, at least with CVS, there is a bigger selection online.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I was down at a major Toronto hospital last week and they have screeners/security just inside the doors.
You answer the COVID questions, they give you one of 'their' masks and you proceed to line up for the elevators.
The patient must wear a mask throughout any/all tests, so I have cancelled a liver scan. Decided to wait until symptoms appear before being scanned as its been okay for a few years.

BDE, can you not run the heater in your car and take along a blanket or second coat for the wait time?
As for the washroom being a problem, perhaps dont have too much coffee/tea until after his test?
I would also find a 'public' washroom nearby and use it long before the end of the 2 1/2 hours is up, then return to the car.

I think COVID is here to stay for quite some time, adjustments will have to be made to everything.

Some Toronto theatres are considering reopening, not sure I'd be going to live theatre, just not worth the risk IMO.

I think protocols for the outpatient surgical center are going to have to be amended to accommodate patients/ responsible party when it turns cold and snowy. I'm 70 years old and would not feel comfortable sitting alone in my closed car with the heat on even for short periods of time. I always have a blanket in my trunk and can wear warm clothing, but that still doesn't sound like a good idea for someone my age. The main floor lobby of the medical building is very nice with comfortable seating and restrooms. During the winter, the gastroenterology practice is going to have to allow patients' responsible party to wait in the lobby - masked and socially distanced, of course - for their health and safety.

 

[CSIDreamer]

I just saw this for outdoor spaces. They had me at "outdoor hot chocolate bar".

Stay Warm When Socializing Outdoors During COVID

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I just saw this for outdoor spaces. They had me at "outdoor hot chocolate bar".

Stay Warm When Socializing Outdoors During COVID

Not for kids, but an "outdoor hot toddy bar" would be nice, too Cheers!

 

[JDG]

I think protocols for the outpatient surgical center are going to have to be amended to accommodate patients/ responsible party when it turns cold and snowy. I'm 70 years old and would not feel comfortable sitting alone in my closed car with the heat on even for short periods of time. I always have a blanket in my trunk and can wear warm clothing, but that still doesn't sound like a good idea for someone my age. The main floor lobby of the medical building is very nice with comfortable seating and restrooms. During the winter, the gastroenterology practice is going to have to allow patients' responsible party to wait in the lobby - masked and socially distanced, of course - for their health and safety.

I'm older than yourself and dont mind sitting in the car as long as its not in a parking garage or similar.
I've often sat in the car listening to the radio or reading while waiting for someone, usually hubby, to finish a medical appointment. I dont like stuffy waiting rooms (now they're not being used but used to be crowded).

When daughter had her colonoscopy, I picked her up and just left the car flashers going while I met her in the 'recovery area' and walked her back to the car. Luckily, it was in a nearby medical building, so washrooms were not a problem as I came home to wait for her to be done.