The health and well-being of our patients and communities remain our top priority. We are dedicated to providing a safe space for you and your family to receive the finest care from the clinicians and staff of the NY Allergy and Sinus Centers. We will continue to monitor this developing situation closely and comply with recommendations and instructions from our local and state health departments.
As a reminder: NY Allergy and Sinus Centers cannot perform testing for coronavirus on-site.
If you have a COVID test pending or have symptoms suspicious for COVID infection (cough, fever or loss of smell) – please inform our office prior to scheduling an in-office appointment.
If you have tested positive for COVID in the past 14 days – please call our office for alternative arrangements.
As we continue to monitor the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we know many of you have questions. Our most commonly asked questions about appointments and care during this time are answered below.
If we haven’t covered your particular question on this page, you’re welcome to contact us directly for additional assistance.
How are NY Allergy and Sinus Centers preparing for COVID-19?
We continue to monitor new information about COVID-19, and we are adapting our care practices to reflect the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), Department of Health (“DOH”), and other overseeing regulatory bodies.
Have additional safety measures have been implemented?
We’ve implemented a COVID-19 specific protocol. This protocol includes instrument disinfection, rearranged waiting rooms to allow for greater social distancing, thorough surface cleaning, and exam room sanitizing between patients. Patients will also have the opportunity to wait in their cars and complete check-in procedures using a cell phone to limit the number of people in waiting rooms where this can be done. Our physicians and staff are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). When patients enter the office, we ask that you also utilize PPE equipment (mask and gloves) as well as cleaning your hands using the provided hand sanitizing station. You’ll be asked to wear a mask or at least a homemade covering scarf, or bandana at all times when on the premises.
Are you pre-screening patients?
The safety of our patients and communities we serve is our number one priority. Patients will be properly assessed for COVID-19 risks (via phone or in-person) prior to being allowed into any clinical areas. Patients will have their temperatures measured and will be required to answer additional COVID-19 specific questions. It will be reinforced numerous times that our offices are not the venue for patients with symptoms consistent with a significant risk of ongoing COVID infection.
How are you ensuring the safety of your more vulnerable patients?
We are taking every precaution to particularly ensure the safety of our more vulnerable patients. Patients age 65 or over must give special consideration as to whether their problem warrants leaving their homes at this time to come to the office. They must weigh the degree to which they need to be seen with the increasing risk of serious consequences in contracting COVID-19. This risk increases with increasing age so that someone 90 years old carries a greater risk than someone 65 years old and this must be taken into consideration in the decision making. If you do not feel comfortable in the clinical setting, you can still schedule a virtual visit with one of our clinicians by calling 212-686-6321.
Do NY Allergy and Sinus Centers Test for COVID-19?
NY Allergy and Sinus Centers cannot perform testing for coronavirus on-site. If you have a COVID-19 test pending, we require that you DO NOT come into the office until your results come back negative.
Have there been changes to the clinic operating hours?
At this time, the practice has structured a limited physician schedule to ensure minimal public interaction within the office space to reinforce proper social distancing protocols. We want to assure our patients that we value their safety and are observing heightened precautions throughout this time.
What are the guidelines for office visits?
To help you prepare for your appointment, please keep the following in mind:
- Patients should arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to answer pre-screening questions.
- Only the patient is allowed in the office. For children and adult patients who require a caretaker, one adult may accompany the patient.
Are you still offering allergy shots and injections for biologics like Xolair?
Allergy shots will continue in the office. After receiving shots, patients will wait for the required 30 minutes either in the spacious area outside the exam room or in an exam room.
How soon can I book an appointment?
NY Allergy and Sinus Centers ARE NOW BOOKING IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENTS. All 6 clinical locations are currently. We would be glad to book your appointment today. If now is not a good time, you can always visit our website and book online, anytime or call back when you are ready to schedule. In many cases, we can schedule you for the same day you call for an appointment. Our goal is to schedule your appointment at the best possible time for you.
What if I am unable to keep my appointment?
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the office and your physician will be notified and your appointment will be rescheduled. You can also reschedule online by visiting our website.
Are you still offering virtual visits?
Yes, NY Allergy and Sinus Centers will still be offering virtual visits for those patients who do not feel comfortable in the clinical setting. NY Allergy and Sinus Centers clinicians will be able to discuss your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment plan, including recommending an in-office visit when necessary. But in our specialties, the quality of the medicine is distinctly superior when a patient is seen in the office.
Here is Guidance from the CDC on Staying Healthy:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you’re sick and encourage family to do the same.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands. No tissue? Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces