Two COVID-related Reasons You Might be Putting Off Imaging – and Why It’s Time to Reconsider

Putting off a family holiday gathering is one thing. Putting off needed medical attention is another. If you’ve been delaying trips to the doctor or needed medical procedures since the pandemic began, you are not alone.

According to a 2020 survey, nearly one-third of Americans had postponed routine care during the pandemic. In another survey, 48% of adults in the U.S. said they had a family member who delayed care because of the risk coronavirus posed. And one in ten said that the decision to delay care had resulted in their family member’s condition getting worse.

Here are two reasons why you may be postponing appointments — or not scheduling them at all:

Reason #1: Avoiding Public Places

With all the warnings to isolate at home as much as possible, going to an appointment seems to contradict that advice. And if you are facing a medical issue of your own, you’re doing everything you can to keep your distance.

At RAYUS Radiology, we offer medical imaging services in an outpatient setting. Whether you need an MRI, CT, X-ray, mammogram, ultrasound, or pain injection, we have safety precautions in place at our centers.

Reason #2: Minimizing Exposure Risk to the Virus

Catching the coronavirus is a real concern for everyone. Those fears are not unfounded. After months of hearing that you should avoid being around anyone other than your immediate family members, it seems logical to cancel appointments where you know you will come into contact with strangers.

According to the American Medical Association, “Continuing to postpone care will inevitably lead to a surge in hospitalizations for chronic conditions and put lives needlessly at risk. And it will further tax a health system already stretched impossibly thin by this pandemic response.”

Getting “Essential Care” Back on Track

When it comes to your safety, we’re following the most up-to-date CDC guidelines so you don’t have to delay your appointments any more.

Thomas Gilbert, MD, RAYUS Radiology Chief Clinical Officer says the extra steps should make you feel safe. “You’ll see that throughout our centers, we’re going the extra mile to thoroughly clean all surfaces — from our front desk and waiting areas, to the changing rooms, to the scanning and technologist areas. These areas are being cleaned after every patient, all day, every day.”

Two Tips for Reducing Risk

Along with the extra things we’re doing, we ask that you consider a few things you can do to help. First, register online to complete paperwork before your appointment. And, of course, if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please call and reschedule.

“It’s a challenging time for everyone,” says Gilbert, “but by taking these extra steps and precautions, we can make sure you get the answers you need when you need them – safely.”