Member Updates & Information

Feel Better About Your Procedure - Ask Questions First

If you’ve postponed a procedure or health service due to COVID-19, be sure to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of action. Your doctor may be able to offer you a telehealth visit or provide another alternative.

If your doctor recommends moving forward with your procedure, you may have some reservations. Sometimes getting answers can help. Here are some extra questions you can ask your doctor before scheduling care.

  • What safety measures should I take when I come into the hospital or facility for my treatment, service, or procedure?
  • Do I need to have a COVID-19 test before surgery? What happens if it is positive? Will my procedure be postponed?
  • What are the testing and safety procedures for the providers who will be conducting the procedure?
  • What steps will be taken to prevent possible COVID-19 exposure before, during, and after the procedure?
  • Will my family be able to stay/visit with me or are visitors prohibited if I am admitted to the hospital?
  • What precautions should I take when I am discharged from the hospital?
  • If I need any follow-up care, such as rehabilitation or physical therapy, what precautions should I take and what safety precautions should I expect from those providers?
  • If I need any care in-home, how can I ensure that I (and my family members) am/are protected?

Vaccines for Children and Babies During COVID-19

Children as young as 6 months of age are now eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna/Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines. While the COVID-19 vaccine is important in protecting your child's health, fear of the coronavirus caused skipped wellness exams and decreased immunization rates for other childhood illnesses such as whooping cough, measles and meningitis. Without these vaccines, we may face outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Along with experts from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics, CareFirst is encouraging members to schedule their children’s well exams. Schools may also require vaccinations to be up to date for the coming school year. You can check your state’s department of health website for specific requirements.

When scheduling your child’s visit, ask about the safety measures they have put in place. Your doctor’s office may offer screenings or have designated rooms for well and sick visits. Additionally, many providers are scheduling well visits in the morning and sick visits in the afternoon.

Staying up to date on your child or baby’s vaccines is an important part of their overall health. For more information on recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents, visit the Preventive Service Guidelines for Children on our website.

If You Don't Feel Well

Call your doctor

Before you go into a doctor’s office, always call first. If you have symptoms of the flu, COVID-19 or other contagious condition, you may be advised against going to physician offices, urgent care centers or the hospital in order to prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

However, many medical practices now have sufficient comprehensive safety measures to help protect you, other patients, and the doctor and office staff. If you still feel anxious about visiting in person, call your doctor. Many practices now provide telehealth services.

Call our free 24-hour nurse advice line 800-535-9700

Speak with a registered nurse, discuss your symptoms and get recommendations for the most appropriate care.

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