COVID19 STATEMENT

Dear Patient,
    Due to COVID-19 we are making every effort to contain this pandemic by social distancing, and will be
offering virtual visits for all patients. If you are a new or follow up patient, you will be offered a virtual
visit through the application ZOOM. If you must be seen for an urgent or semi-urgent need, we will see
you in our office. This will be determined based on your condition. We are reachable by phone and
patient portal messaging. If you are unable to reach our receptionists, please leave a voicemail and your
message will be returned. If you would like an appointment for an endoscopy or colonoscopy, these are
being performed for patients with urgent or emergent needs only. Screening and follow up non-urgent
procedures are not currently being scheduled. These are being scheduled after this crisis is over and we
obtain approval from Governor Cuomo. You can schedule these electively after May 1 st , but please note
that these may be delayed depending on Department of Health and CDC guidelines.
    Please be aware that if you have any of the following symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches,
fatigue), or if you have been in primary contact with an infected COVID-19 patient, we will not be able to
see you in the office. We will however schedule a virtual video visit. Should you be acutely ill, please
reach out to your primary care physician or go to the nearest testing center for COVID-19 testing. If you
have a medical emergency, please go to your nearest urgent care or emergency room.
Our virtual video conferencing appointments are currently available. Please call or portal message us a
request and we will set up a meeting. We will confirm the time and date of your virtual appointment
through our portal. We will need your personal email for you to accept our invitation for the
teleconference. In addition, you can download the ZOOM app to facilitate this. I suggest doing this 24
hours in advance to set up the application. Please be at a stationary place for your virtual visit at your
computer or mobile device to avoid distractions. You can join the meeting directly after accepting our
email invite. You can go to www.zoom.us, click join a meeting, and enter the meeting number and
passcode provided to you in your emailed invitation. You will have a scheduled time but you can join
earlier in the “waiting room” until I join. The invitation will come from the email
paulopachecomd@gmail.com. Please note that this email is solely being used to provide conference call
details. It will not be used to otherwise communicate with you. That can be done securely through our
portal messaging system. Our Gastro Med portal system will be checked throughout the day during
regular business hours (9 am-5 pm).
    Please call the office with any questions/concerns. Please leave a message and we will get back to you.
After hours or for emergencies only, please call 212-326-8999 and follow the prompts to connect you to
my answering service. Please keep in mind that video platforms may not be HIPAA compliant. This has
been exempted by the Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate your care during this
COVID-19 crisis.
    Thank you for understanding.  My team and I wish you good health, peace and safety. We are fully
operational and will be available to you throughout this crisis.
Best wishes,
Paulo Pacheco, M.D.