Lakeland, FL – As the nation continues to work to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, and as Florida enacts a mandatory stay-at-home executive order designed to flatten the curve of infection, many in our community have questions about the availability of their regular healthcare services.
As healthcare establishments are considered essential facilities, all Watson Clinic locations remain open for appointments, including for patients who wish to schedule routine check-ups, specialty care, and the ongoing management of chronic conditions. In the meantime, Watson Clinic’s popular walk-in care locations – including Urgent Care Main, Urgent Care South, and XpressCare Highlands – remain open to treat minor illnesses and injuries without the need for an appointment.
“Maintaining your health is an essential activity and must not be ignored during this time of crisis,” says Watson Clinic managing partner Dr. Steve Achinger. “Watson Clinic remains committed to helping patients address their health concerns just as we have for close to 80 years.”
Patients are still encouraged to attend their regularly scheduled doctor’s appointments. To ensure the safety of all of our patients and staff, screening desks have been stationed at the entrance to each facility. If a patient indicates symptoms of illness, they are provided with a mask if appropriate and may be placed in an area separated from well patients. If they present with symptoms related to COVID-19, they will be directed to one of our two Urgent Care locations for potential testing.
Patients who are not feeling well or do not wish to leave their house during this time, Watson Clinic also offers Telemedicine, a service that allows patients to visit with their doctor from the comfort of their own home. More information on these options can be found at WatsonClinic.com/Telemedicine.
The recent Executive Order 20-72 issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has placed a temporary hold on all non-essential elective medical procedures, such as joint replacements, facial rejuvenation procedures, and hernia repairs. “During this brief period of time while the executive order is in effect, we are not permitted to conduct these types of elective procedures,” confirms Dr. Achinger. “However, we continue to perform all other procedures aimed at treating life-threatening conditions.”
For more information on Watson Clinic’s multiple locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties, and to schedule an appointment with any of our more than 220 board-certified physicians, visit WatsonClinic.com.
About Watson Clinic LLP: As one of the largest multispecialty medical clinics in the southeast, Watson Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities. First established in 1941, Watson Clinic has grown to include over 220 board-certified physicians representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties. The Clinic is proud to deliver quality healthcare to every generation from our Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, as well as at multiple convenient locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. More information is available at: www.WatsonClinic.com.
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