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“During the epidemic, whatever your health problems are, seek treatment”, this is the message launched by the French Ministry of Health, Health Insurance and Public Health, worried about a break in continuity of care, for fear of Covid-19.
The discovery worries the Ministry of Health and health insurance: for fear of contracting Covid-19, some patients give up seeking treatment. In fact, during the first wave of the epidemic last April, the number of visits with general practitioners decreased by 31% while that of appointments with specialists fell by 56%.
A reluctance on the part of patients which can however have serious consequences. Especially in the case of stroke or myocardial infarction, in which the number of hospitalizations decreased by 27 and 40% respectively. According to the agency Public Health France, this would have caused a significant increase in immediate complications, including in hospital deaths, linked to the too late management of these pathologies.
Limited contamination risks
However, the national health organizations are categorical: “During the epidemic, whatever your health problems are, seek treatment! “Above all because doctors and other health professionals are organized to welcome and take care of their patients while limiting the risks of contamination with Covid-19 as much as possible.
During this second hospitalization it is therefore possible to be treated or to carry out all the necessary tests and screenings without waiting. Especially in the case of frail patients, for example due to a chronic illness or their age. The same is true for pregnant women who also need to continue regular medical monitoring to ensure their health and that of their future baby.
There are solutions for continuity of care despite Covid-19
“There are solutions to avoid traveling if the professional deems it possible: teleconsultation, telecontrol, teleassistance and in some cases even telephone consultation … everything is 100% covered and without advance costs”, recalls the Haute Garonne CPAM.
This is why, if you find yourself in a fragile situation that requires special monitoring or you simply need to consult, you should contact your doctor to make an appointment. It is the latter who will decide, depending on the situation, the most appropriate treatments.
Screening, physiotherapy and nursing care … continuity must also be ensured
These recommendations also apply to appointments with nurses, physiotherapists, and midwives. All of these healthcare professionals are allowed to continue their visits or care in the office and can also support their patients remotely, through remote assistance, when the situation requires it. Remote monitoring, 100% supported and with no down payment.
Note that in some cases the prescription can be renewed by the pharmacist or nurse even if it has expired.
It is also important to underline that organized screenings for colorectal and breast cancers continue: unlike the first birth, these have not been interrupted. Finally, the period of access to drug-induced voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) has been exceptionally extended during childbirth.
(Source: press release)
Practical information
In an emergency, especially if you have a suspected stroke or heart attack, it is essential not to wait to call 15 (or 114 for deaf or hard of hearing people).
More information is available on the ameli website.
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