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Seeing your dermatologist or plastic surgeon during COVID-19
We have reopened all services and locations
Welcome to the Vanguard Skin Specialists. You’re going to notice some changes in our dermatology and plastic surgery practice during coronavirus. We’re the same people, but we’re making the changes needed to keep you safe. We value your trust in us, so we commit to taking care of you the way we would take care of a family member during this time.
Your Vanguard dermatologists and plastic surgeons are available both virtually and in office. All of our offices are open in Colorado Springs, Canon City Pueblo, and Woodland Park.
Preparing for an in-office visit: COVID 19 policies
Welcome to patients only
Vanguard normally welcomes companions, but during this time, only patients, parents/guardians of minors, and POAs are allowed on site. We allow companions for breast cancer consultation. We ask all allowed companions to wait in the car until the time of appointment.
Pre-check
We can email forms in advance to reduce the time spent in the office. If you complete before your visit, we can provide a “no contact” check-in and registration process.
You may also download forms and bring them to the office. Forms for adults are here and forms for minors are here.
Running on Time
It important for us to run on time during social distancing. If you have multiple conditions to be evaluated, please inform us when scheduling so that we can schedule a longer appointment. Otherwise, we may ask you to schedule a separate visit to address additional concerns.
Also, please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early for your appointment, because we must limit the number of patients on site. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we will kindly request that you reschedule your appointment.
Check-in
Upon arrival, you may call us at 719-355-1585 and press “1” to check-in. If you completed your forms in advance, we will simply meet you as you enter and take you straight to your room.
If you need to complete forms onsite, pens and clipboards are disinfected before we hand them to you, by a front desk receptionist who is sanitizing hands between patients.
Wear a mask
Please wear a mask to your visit, in accordance with state guidelines. We will have smiles under our masks as we greet you.
Patient health screening
Your safety is important to us, so we will be reviewing your medical history and asking some questions prior to your visit. In certain situations, we may postpone your in-office visit for your protection. We will discuss options with you to receive the best care possible.
Stay home if you are sick
If you have any signs of illness (fever, chills, cough, runny nose, sneezing, or loss of smell), please stay at home and consider a Virtual Visit. We will ask you to reschedule if you are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick.
Travel policy
If you have traveled to a state with a high degree of community transmission, we ask that you wait 14 days before seeing us for an appointment. We evaluate states and regions on a weekly basis, based on 30 new cases per day per 100,000 in a 7-day rolling period. As of November, much of the U.S. is at or approaching this level so most out-of-state travel will require a waiting period before you see us.
A different medical office environment
We have increased the deep clean frequency of all our spaces, and you will notice a new, immaculate appearance in our offices.
Waiting Areas
Social distancing is practiced throughout Vanguard. Every chair in the waiting room is spaced at least 6 feet apart. We are also disinfecting public spaces every two hours and exam rooms between every patient.
Exam rooms
Exam rooms are thoroughly disinfected between every patient including chairs, doorknobs, light switches, and all counter surfaces.
Our Team
We have modified our team environment to protect our patients:
- We are symptom checking daily. We also have a generous time off policy to encourage team members to stay home at the sign of any symptoms.
- We are quarantining and COVID-testing everyone who travels out of state.
- Many have moved off-site to reduce the number of staff members in the office.
Seeing your provider
If it feels quiet in our offices, it is because our medical providers are seeing less patients per hour to provide social distancing. We are working longer clinic days so we can keep you distanced from other patients.
