May 2021 Bulletin: COVID-19 Office Practices – A Balancing Act

May 6, 2021

Dear OMIC Insureds:

COVID-19 has caused practices to make many adjustments, including limiting the number of people who can accompany a patient to an appointment or, in some cases, prohibiting anyone from accompanying a patient. While this sort of policy may help reduce the risk of virus transmission, it can also have unintended consequences. Patients with mobility difficulties risk injury from falling; in fact, OMIC’s Claims Department has seen a recent uptick in fall-related claims. In addition, practices are contacting the Risk Management Hotline for advice about handling caregivers who behave rudely or disruptively because they can’t accompany a patient.

Although office policies should be instructive and foster consistency, building in flexibility will help you navigate challenging or unexpected circumstances. For example:

• Rather than an absolute refusal to allow anyone to accompany patients, your policy could take a “tiered” approach in which persons assisting a patient can be in designated areas of the office (e.g., waiting room, hallway, exam room). Or, you can try to schedule the patient for an early or late appointment. A person accompanying a patient who doesn’t require assistance may need to wait outside.
• Ask patients ahead of time if they have mobility issues and need a caretaker to come with them. (Review OMIC’s risk management resource, Fall Prevention, for guidance on screening patients for fall risk.) Let the patient know that the caregiver needs to follow certain rules (e.g., COVID screening questions, wearing a face covering, etc.).
• If a patient arrives with a caregiver without having discussed it in advance, consider allowing the person to accompany the patient, but communicate expectations for safe and courteous behavior in the office (i.e., patient and visitor “responsibilities”). Reinforcing these rules helps you achieve COVID-safe objectives while improving patient safety relative to falls.

This kind of flexibility allows you to practice good infection control while ensuring your patients receive necessary eye care. You’re also reducing the chance of fall-related injuries (and potential claims) and encouraging calm interactions with family members and others during a stressful time.

If you have questions, contact us for confidential risk management advice at riskmanagement@omic.com. Or call us at 1-800-562-6642, enter 4 for Risk Management.

Sincerely,

Jane Mock, CPHRM, OMIC Risk Manager

Chris Albanis MD

Chris Albanis MD

Chris Albanis, M.D. is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Arbor Centers for EyeCare and serves as Chief Medical Officer of Ocular Partners.  She has a passion for teaching her patients and their families about their eyes.

Her interest in medicine developed at a young age while admiring her dad, a practicing Pediatrician, and his commitment to patients.  Dr. Albanis completed her training at The University of Chicago.  In addition to studying, many sparks started flying there, including developing a strong interest in leadership, questioning the norms of healthcare delivery and public policy, and meeting her husband, Greg.  Upon graduation from residency, she joined Arbor Centers for EyeCare in 2004.

When asked, “Why ophthalmology?” she responds:  “I have a passion for all things visual.  I love people-watching, natural beauty, art, and seeing this beautiful world we live in.  What motivates me daily is the ability to give the gift of sight (or help prevent its loss).”

Dr. Albanis enjoys educating her patients, their families and future generations of doctors.  She teaches residents at The University of Chicago as a Clinical Assistant in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science.  Her pleasure in teaching extends to her colleagues, which has earned her several invitations to lecture on various ocular diseases nationally and internationally.  She also serves as the Chair of Ophthalmology at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Dr. Albanis serves in many leadership roles with the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where she advocates for the needs of doctors and patients of Illinois.  Further she hopes to encourage interest amongst the younger generation of doctors on the importance of understanding their role in our healthcare system.

In addition to caring for her patients, Dr. Albanis enjoys sailing, dancing, photography, and painting. Dr. Albanis is fluent in Greek, and speaks conversational Spanish.