We would ask that, if possible, do not bring other family members with you other than children or elderly who need assistance.
Gaughf Dermatology is carefully monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and is working hard to protect our patients, providers, and staff. We are closely following the recommendation and updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
We would kindly ask that all patients and their guests who are experiencing symptoms of a fever or an upper respiratory infection, or who have been exposed to a person with coronavirus or flu, please reschedule their appointments and surgical procedures. In such cases, we would recommend seeking medical attention with your primary care provider, urgent care facility or local emergency room.
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. You can take steps to help protect yourself by washing your hands with soap and water often for a least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Visit www.cdc.gov for more information.
We care about the health and well being of our patients, and we will take every measure we can to keep our facility clean, disinfected, and up to date with the latest recommendations from the CDC
As an additional precaution, if a patient feels uncomfortable waiting in the lobby, paperwork can be filled out in the car and returned to the receptionist. The patient can then wait in the car again to be called when the chart is ready.
Established patients can request to wait in the car after signing in as well. We would also encourage patients to bring their own pen to use for paperwork.
Update April 15
American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for biologics and Corona
- Patients on systemic immunosuppressive agents who have not tested positive or exhibited signs/symptoms of COVID-19: There is insufficient evidence to recommend discontinuation of systemic immunosuppressive agents at this time. Physicians should use their clinical judgments to stop or continue the patients on these drugs.
- Patients on systemic immunosuppressive agents who have tested positive for COVID-19 or exhibit signs/symptoms of COVID-19: We recommend physicians discontinue or postpone the systemic immunosuppressive agents until the patient recovers from COVID-19, consistent with guidelines on the management of patients with active infections on systemic non-biologic and biologics therapy.
- Patients who have halted systemic immunosuppressive therapy after testing positive for COVID-19: We recommend physicians can re-initiate the systemic immunosuppressive therapy after ensuring the patients have completely recovered from COVID-19.
- Patients being considered for systemic immunosuppressive agents: We recommend physicians assess the risk vs. benefits in lower-risk patients before initiating immunosuppressive agents on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that anyone may develop serious complications from COVID-19 infection.