We hope that this message finds that you and your family are healthy.  The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all and we look forward to continuing to serve your health care needs. This pandemic has changed the landscape of healthcare and enhanced infection control measures will be implemented. We plan to re open the office for routine pulmonary care effective June 1, 2020. Our goal is to create a safe environment for our patients, our staff, our families, and the community. You can expect to find the following changes when you come to the office:

All patients will be screened for COVID19 symptoms and temperature checked prior to their appointment. All patients with acute respiratory infectious symptoms will be scheduled for a telemedicine visit first to determine if COVID19 testing is indicated. We do NOT have COVID19 testing available at our office and patients will be referred to a testing center if needed

Any patient reluctant to come into the office may still schedule a telemedicine visit

New patients are asked to download registration and privacy forms from our website (www.pulmonary-associates.com)  and fill them out prior to the office visit to minimize contact.

All patients MUST wear a mask or face covering while in the office. We ask you to use your own. Our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment

All patients must wash or sanitize hands upon arrival into exam room or prior to testing

Additional physical barriers will be installed at the front desk & in PFT lab

Continued physical distancing of at least 6 feet will be maintained except during physical exams

We ask that companions wait in their car unless needed to assist the patient. We ask that you wait in your car upon arrival to the office and call us to let us know that you are here. When it is time for your appointment we will call you and meet you at the front door to bring you directly back to the exam room.

Surfaces are disinfected regularly and magazines will no longer be available. If you bring reading material with you, we ask that you take it home with you and not leave it in the office

Pulmonary function testing has always carried a low risk of infection.  Each test is performed with single use bacterial-viral filters that prevent cross-contamination between patients. Equipment is thoroughly disinfected before and after each patient. Testing will NOT be performed on any patient with infectious symptoms or active COVID disease/exposure

We want you to feel rest assured that we are doing everything necessary to ensure your safety as we move forward.  If you have any concerns, please let us know

Robert Herscowitz, MD and Juliette Wohlrab, MD and the Pulmonary Associates Staff.

up-to-date information regarding Coronavirus (COVID 19) is available at the CDC website. www.cdc.gov If you think you may have been exposed AND are exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath please CALL the office or the Alexandria Health Department (703-746-4951) for advice and proper triaging to avoid potentially infecting others.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas! Our office will be closed Mon 12/24 through Wed 12/26. We will re-open Thurs 12/27. Enjoy time with your family and friends and hope your days are filled with holiday cheer.

National Drug Takeback Day is OCtober 27th. Visit the DEA website to find a location near you to discard any expired or unwanted medications

https://youtu.be/4O17ihuRIUM

There has been a recall on one Lot of montelukast (singulair).  Lot #17384, NDC #31722–76–30 (expiration date 12/31/2019).  Please check your prescription at home to see if it is included.  If so return it to your pharmacy.

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm619174.htm

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/influenza/preventing-influenza.html

The World Bronchiectasis Conference is being held in Washington, DC this year. There is a patient session available if you are interested in learning more about bronchiectasis. You can find information about the session and how to register at the following link https://worldbronch.com/patient-session/

Springtime DC is a beautiful time of year with the Cherry Blossoms blooming, however, it also brings spring allergy season.  Approximately 7% of US adults have seasonal allergies. Typical environmental allergens including trees, pollens, grasses, dust mites, mold, and ragweed. Experts predict that this season may be shorter  and delayed due to the prolonged winter in the Northeast but it may be more intense. Typical allergy symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and itchy watery eyes.  It can also exacerbate asthma symptoms. Common measures you can take to decrease your allergy symptoms include avoidance such as limiting your time outdoors when the pollen is heavy or using a mask to filter particles.  Treatment options include over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal steroids.  Immunotherapy is another option  to reduce your allergy symptoms long term. You can track the pollen forcast at:

http://www.accuweather.com

http://www.pollen.com