Local Physician Discusses Healthcare's Response to Pandemic

The past two months have presented numerous challenges in administration of healthcare as the system works to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Elective surgeries have been on hold and routine office visits for preventive care or chronic conditions delayed. The transition to a more regular clinic schedule begins now along with efforts to ensure that care is provided in a manner that protects both patients and providers, with telemedicine playing an important role going forward. We sat down with Advocate Condell Medical Center chief of surgery, Gregory Caronis, M.D., MBA, to discuss how these changes are evolving.

What measures have been taken at Advocate Medical Group to ensure that patients can safely return to the office for needed care?

We have always been available in the office to see our patients post surgery and to take care of those experiencing acute pain. We are transitioning into a more regular clinic schedule with multiple measures in place to ensure that both patients and staff are protected from possible COVID-19 transmission. Virtual check-in, mandatory masking of both patients and providers along with vigilant cleaning has allowed Advocate Medical Group to extend a Safe Care pledge announced last week. This allows us to continue patient care while respecting the continued, important need for social distancing and minimizing clinic traffic.

What role do you foresee telemedicine playing in the future?

Telemedicine has been utilized on a limited basis for some time – particularly in rural areas where there are shortages of health care providers. The pandemic has expedited implementation of telemedicine in the clinic setting. With a MyAdvocateAurora account, patients now have the ability to contact us through the patient portal which is a direct email format to their provider. Telephone visits and video visits are also available and allow patients to “meet” with their provider in the comfort and safety of their own homes. I regularly utilize the portal to communicate with patients and find it a quick and effective way to promptly answer questions and to provide follow up guidance. I have also enjoyed the video visit option for many of my follow up visits with patients as we can discuss progress and even do a “virtual exam” in a face- to- face encounter. In some ways, video visits are reminiscent of the traditional physician house call in terms of ease and comfort for the patient. I can see a variety of options for utilizing these methods of communication in the future, and they are particularly helpful now as we build confidence among our patients in a return to office-based care.

How do you see medical practice changing as we all adjust to the “new normal” of living?

COVID-19 has undoubtedly altered the way we approach healthcare and our lives, in general. As clinicians, however, our responsibility is to our patients – providing the care that they need for illnesses and conditions across the medical spectrum. We are working together to implement smart, effective ways to provide that care while we continue to treat those suffering from COVID-19 and to work against community spread of the virus. When I was in training, I never thought I would be practicing under pandemic circumstances, but I am first and foremost an orthopedic surgeon and fully intend to honor my responsibility to my patients. I believe that most of my colleagues share that view. I feel confident that our patients can continue to safely receive the care that they expect from Advocate Medical Group physicians, and we will utilize all of our resources, including telemedicine, to make that happen.

Gregory Caronis, MD, MBA is an orthopedic surgeon with Advocate Medical Group Orthopedics. He sees patients in Libertyville and Gurnee (847) 634-1766. He also serves as Chief of Surgery for Advocate Condell Medical Center.

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