The Corona Virus: 5/17/2020 update

COVID 19 Update: Please read this revised whole section whether you are new to our practice or a current patient.

As of May 7, 2020 Governor Hogan allowed "non-urgent" medical visits and procedures to resume, with guidance on how to proceed.  We have been busy instituting changes at our office to allow for a broader re-opening by paring down our rooms, adding new safety equipment, and outlining new procedures and schedule changes for patients to assure a safe environment for everyone. These changes are all in accordance with CDC, OSHA, the Maryland Board of Acupuncture, the Maryland Society of Acupuncture and our insurance companies recommendations.

You can make appointments with Laura or Nancy at the present time. Allyson cannot currently be in the office because of school closures affecting her children, and hopes to be seeing patients by the end of June.  If any of her patients would like to be treated PLEASE don't hesitate to schedule and we can, hopefully, have her speak with you to get an update, while Laura or Nancy provide a treatment during these unusual times.

Ideally, we will be reviewing your status prior to your appointment over the phone, to be able to minimize time in the office.  This may even be from your car in the parking lot.

We ask that no visitors, including children, accompany you for your appointments.  We require that patients wear a mask at all times, have their temperatures and pulse oximetry readings checked, and sign a consent reviewing questions each time you come for an appointment.   

If you are experiencing acute respiratory or digestive symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, or abdominal pain or diarrhea, as well as fever, cough, chest tightness, acute significant fatigue, loss of smell or taste, or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 please call to reschedule.  There will be no fee associated with late cancellations concerning COVID.

We at Point Well Taken are all in the higher risk group, and have many patients who fall into the high risk group as well, so we ask for your honest and conservative consideration in this regard. We would all rather be safe than sorry, so please do your part.
If needed we offer Telehealth sessions via FaceTime or Zoom conference and would encourage this option if you are getting sick.
Once again Laura will be available via phone or FaceTime etc. for consultations and herbal advice if you are concerned or feeling symptomatic. This is different than a cold or common flu, and Chinese Medicine is uniquely poised to help; and so are we.

Please read through the emails with appointment confirmations for more specifics and don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Please call us directly vs using our office number as our reception service costs for each call.
Laura Coleson-Schreur - 410-370-5858
Allyson Jones - 443-802-9639
Nancy Smith - 410-733-8850.

And we will continue to assess as this situation progresses and will keep you informed further here.  

If you are out of herbs or supplements that you normally take, please let us know as we can arrange for them to be sent to you. We have set up a Fullscript page to order supplements like Vitamins and probiotics at a discount directly. (See button to the right =>).  If you need guidance on ordering, feel free to reach out and we can assist you.  We can do the same with some herbal formulas.

We can also still do remote counsel, recommendations for immune support, guided meditation, perhaps even a FaceTime Qi Gong practice to help!  We can guide you on acupressure or have herbs delivered to you.  Some patients have taken advantage of this and it has been a welcome option.  

Again, if you have any questions about COVID or guidelines for care or physical distancing feel free to contact Laura as she is well versed in the recommendations and information regarding this illness.

Chinese medicine is uniquely poised to deal with this illness, not just because of it's origin and therefore, their experience, but because Chinese Herbal Medicine has been dealing with infectious disease for thousands of years!  Laura is researching what formulas to use when, and for what presentation. We will stay up to date on the latest information and advice moving forward so that we can serve our patients best.

Attached is an excellent article on this "Damp plague" by a colleague with links to other resources.  

​https://www.liveoakacupuncture.com/covid-19-is-a-damp-plague/?fbclid=IwAR0vJk10XnQKR6DM1_JpQII_oW-s1f0neIhGqxMNfvjC_3jfGw14VUBnMcM

Please check our fb page at Point Well Taken, and here regularly for updates.  

Please call to ask any questions, don't panic, wash your hands and hopefully we will all be fine!

​"Anything said in advance of a pandemic seems alarmist. After a pandemic begins, anything one has said or done is inadequate."

- Michael Levitt former Director of HHS