Overcoming challenges: Podiatrist approaches COVID-19 with ‘can do’ attitude
For Dr. Franklin Harry, podiatrist at Best Foot Forward in Festus, treating patients in the era of COVID-19 has proved challenging, but doable.
Take face masks. While it is important for physicians and patients to wear a mask to help in stopping the spread of the virus, masks make communication more difficult.
“I work with a mostly older population, and it can be really frustrating,” Harry said. “In people who have trouble hearing to start with, the muffling effect of the masks just adds to the problem.”
But there’s a solution.
“You just have to slow down, speak more clearly, articulate and enunciate,” he said.
“And it works both ways. I’m not afraid to say, ‘Excuse me?’ to a patient if I didn’t understand them. It’s just a matter of all of us being patient and understanding.”
Other work-arounds are also in play.
Harry said his office – 1455 Hwy. 61, across from Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City – has decreased the number of days it is open, but has extended hours on those days.
“We’ve spaced out the chairs in our waiting room to keep social distance,” he said. “We installed shields between the front desk staff and patients, and we’re cleaning every surface that comes in contact with patients.”
Harry said telemedicine has allowed him to perform some patient services over the phone.
“Things like prescription refills, answering questions,” he said. “But it’s hard to give an injection for tendinitis or do wound care or remove an ingrown toenail over the phone.”
Harry said he is concerned people may have delayed getting vital medical care.
“If you put something off long enough, now you’re going to the hospital instead of to the foot doctor,” he said. “If (patients) have a question on whether they need to come in, give us a call.”
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 636-224-8297.
