An Update from us on the Virus & Firefighter Physicals
Posted On: May 141, 2020

An Update from us on the Virus & Firefighter Physicals

 

Orginal Message Sent 05/20/2020

Trustee Elections

Before we get on to the updates, I would like to take a moment to congratulate District Chief Anthony (Tony) Tozzi for retaining his seat on the Board of Trustees for the Benefits Fund. Tony consistently strives to represent all participants of the Fund, never shy about asking questions, or offering his opinions. It is always a pleasure to work with Tony to protect and foster the best interests of the participants and the Fund, and we look forward to continuing that work with him for the next 5 years.

Thank you to all who took the time to vote in this very important election.

Covid-19

The number of patients seeking treatment and testing for Covid-19 related symptoms continues to drop off significantly. The last actual positive test from a nasal swab has been almost a month ago. We continue to run numerous IgG antibody tests daily, feel free to come in and get yours done. It takes only a moment and a simple blood draw with a tiny needle.

Firefighter Physicals

First off thank you from all the staff for your patience, timely arrivals, pre-appointment blood draws (this has helped tremendously) and just overall good moods.

Only 2 appointment slots remain for the balance of May, March birthday are required to complete their physicals by the end of May.

All April, May and June birthdays are required to have their physicals completed by the end of June. To date only 90 of the 300+ appointment slots created remain available. If your birthday falls in one of those three months it is recommended that you call today or you may find what is available is not at all convenient for you.

July birthdays are required to complete their physicals during July. Currently only July birthdays may book during July and while there are plenty of slots still available they are filling up fast.

As a reminder we are not accepting any walk-in's for firefighter physicals. If you walk-in you will be offered a remaining appointment slot and asked to return at that time.

Also it is very important to be on time, patients arriving more than 15 minutes late may be required to reschedule. The scheduling is extremely tight in order to catch up with all the missed physicals and the providers will not be rushed with your medical care and evaluation because you fail to show at your appointed time.

We have determined that at this point in time as we are gettting back into full swing with firefighter physicals, and the daunting task of catching up all the postponed physicals, all firefighters will need to complete their OSHA questionnaire prior to coming in for their appointment.

Please keep your eyes open for the appointment reminder email, or Brooke's email, both of which will contain the link for you to complete the OSHA questionnaire.

There will be no computers available for you to complete it here, and we will not be able to release you for duty until the OSHA questionnaire is completed, so please complete it before you come for your appointment.

School/Sports Physicals

We hope, as many parents do, that schools will reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. We are currently working on a plan to offer school physical nights and weekends and should have the plan in place to begin these physicals by the middle of June.

Mental Health

The last couple of months have been very stressful for a lot of us. Whether it's being cooped up in the house, loss of income or a job, sickness, kids being underfoot 24/7, or any one of a number of other items. We just want you to know that the Wellness Center Psychiatrist's, Dr Milone and Nurse Practitioner Mary Birse are accepting new patients and continue to offer telehealth visits. Additionally, most providers in the Benefits Fund EAP Program are also accepting new patients and offering telehealth visits. Please consider reaching out to someone to help you melt the stress away.

Thanks again for all of your support and patience in these trying times.

Please consider having your fasting labs drawn before your appointment. No appointment necessary!


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