C.O. medical clinics care for patients curbside

Patients can still be treated by doctors in person during this pandemic

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ ) -- It's important to know that if you need to see a doctor, many here in Central Oregon are finding news ways to make themselves available to you.

Clinics still want you to have access to medical treatment during this pandemic. That's why many of them have turned to curbside care. Hearthside Medicine Family Care in northeast Bend is now treating patients who might be exposed to COVID-19 curbside.

Curbside care began almost a month ago. Patients are being treated and tested for strep, flu and COVID-19, as well as having their vital signs tested right inside their cars.

A family nurse practitioner for Heartside, Havilah Brodhead, said she's been treating eight to 10 patients a day, staying busy with both telecare and curbside visits. She said one her patients was extremely pleased to be able to still receive care curbside.

"Him knowing that we could see him right in his car, and that we were seeing patients right now for matters like this is essential," Brodhead said. "He needs to be able to go to work. He's providing essential services for the community. We wouldn't want him to have to stay home unnecessarily when we can do the screening for him."

Brodhead said most insurance companies at this time are waiving patient deductibles and co-pays for COVID-related concerns.