COVID-19

Keeping MVFM Safe

Our top priority has always been to provide safe, timely, medically appropriate care to all of our patients. We are working hard to ensure that our office continues to be a safe place for all patients to access appropriate ongoing medical care, not just coronavirus-related care.

Our office is open. We are employing a variety of precautionary measures to reduce the risk of exposure to patients being seen for other health reasons.

To help with this effort:

  • If you experience respiratory or flu-like symptoms, we strongly encourage you to call ahead for an appointment.
  • After regular office hours, please call our office to speak with the provider on call prior to seeking care at an urgent care center or emergency department. We are often able to assess symptoms and provide guidance over the phone to avoid unnecessary visits.
  • If you arrive at our office with respiratory or flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, etc), please do NOT immediately enter the waiting room.  Instead, please wait in your car and call the office to let the staff know that you have arrived.  You may be greeted at the main entrance of the office by a staff member who will assist with this process. 
  • While in your car, you may be screened by our triage staff to gather more medical information on your condition. 
  • If you are asked to come into the office, you may be asked to wear a mask and escorted through an alternate office entrance. Select patients may be evaluated outside or in their cars.

You may see more staff in personal protective gear (face masks, gowns). Please do not be alarmed. This is done as a precaution to protect patients and staff, so we can continue to safely see patients in our office for other health concerns.

COVID-19 Basics

  • COVID-19 is a new strain of a respiratory coronavirus.
  • The main symptoms are cough, fever and shortness of breath
  • Most people (80%) who are infected experience a minor illness that does not require medical attention 
  • The people at greatest risk of severe illness are those with underlying conditions and the elderly.

If you are experiencing flu-like or respiratory symptoms:

  • Most viruses can be adequately cared for from home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.
  • If you have questions about your symptoms or if your symptoms worsen (increased fever, persistent fever that stays above 100.4F and/or shortness of breath) please call us and we will advise you on the best course of action.  
  • If it is determined that you need to be seen at our office, you will be asked to call when you arrive and remain in your car.  Staff may evaluate you outside or in your car.  
  • Testing for flu and/or COVID-19 will be based on protocols provided by local health agencies.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing continues to be limited by available supplies. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether COVID-19 testing is appropriate. In general, it is not recommended to test people who don’t have symptoms.  We understand that many of our patients are anxious to get tested. MVFM is currently following CDC recommendations to prioritize testing to patients in high risk groups with fever, cough and suspected exposure. 

To reduce the spread of disease:

  • Restrict your activities outside the home and avoid all non-essential public interactions with other people.
  • Limit and/or cancel family gatherings, parties, children’s play dates, etc.
  • Limit non-essential travel
  • Practice social distancing & keep at least 6 feet from others in public areas
  • Cover coughs and sneezes by using the crook of your arm or with a tissue that is thrown away in the garbage
  • If you are sick, stay home (except to seek medical care)
  • Wash hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water
  • Use hand sanitizer

Please be assured that MVFM follows stringent protocols for cleaning and decontamination in all areas of our office.

We recommend the following resources for current, trustworthy information about COVID-19:

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Maryland Department of Health: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/

Frederick County Health Department: https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/614/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19Call 211 Maryland or 866-411-6803 to reach the local 211 center for questions about COVID-19 and to find mental health and health resources http://211.org/services/covid19

Reach Out: Middletown Valley Family Medicine
300 South Church Street
P.O. Box 20
Middletown MD 21769 301.371.9000 301.371.8905
Disclaimer: You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.