By Dan Murphy
With most Westchester residents vaccinated, and with COVID-19 positivity rates at less than 1%, Dr. Michael DiGiorno, Medical Director of St. John’s Medical Group, is encouraging patients and our readers to return to their pre-COVID routine of getting tested, including getting their annual physicals, screening colonoscopies, bone density testing and mammograms.
“It’s important not to let your health lapse because of the pandemic any longer. At least come in and have an annual physical and ensure that your health screening tests are up to date. It is an extraordinarily safe time for patients to come in and catch up with their health care needs, and we are here to help them through the testing process.”
“Part of our challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic was to make sure that we stayed open, and that we continued to deliver care to Yonkers and the surrounding communities. We thought it was crucial to maintain a presence in the community during a very difficult time, and if you had an underlying medical condition, or had a medical question or needed a prescription refill, we were open for in person and telemedicine appointments. We concentrated on the safety of our physicians and staff and made sure we were all protected, and we did so quite successfully,” said Dr. DiGiorno.
“Now we are moving towards a return to normalcy. People are vaccinated and we can accommodate more patients in person. We are maintaining processes in place, including using masks and enhanced cleaning to ensure optimal safety. We provide a very safe, clean environment, so now is the time to pivot and focus on health care maintenance.”
“Our physicians and staff are available and understand that not everyone has the same level of comfort. If you have any specific concerns, let us know and we will work to ensure your return is a positive experience. In addition to primary care, our specialty physicians are on-site and available to address your gastroenterology, nephrology, physical medicine, vascular, podiatric and pain management needs.”
Dr. DiGiorno stressed that, “unfortunately, underlying health conditions don’t wait for the pandemic to pass. We do see some patients, with diabetes who have strayed and have weight gain because of a lack of activity. As a result, their diabetes has become poorly controlled. Similarly, we are seeing patients with chronic hypertension, which was once well-controlled, now require additional therapy. We understand why–gyms were closed, our diets and routines were interrupted, and we were told to stay home, and it all took a toll on our health.”
“Now is the time to get people back on track, with basic testing, and diabetes and blood pressure treatments and screenings. While we have seen some slippage with chronic conditions in some patients, we want that to be the exception and not the rule.”
“So go back for your basic labs, physicals, and colonoscopies. The environment is safe and clean and accessible. They will expedite your appointment and connect you to your primary care physician. If you do not have a physician, St. John’s has lots of options and it all starts with a phone call.”
“We understand what our community, and the world has been through. There is no judgement here. Our goal is to achieve wellness, so don’t be afraid to see a physician. We just want everyone to get well again, and move forward as a community” said Dr. DiGiorno.
Michael DiGiorno, DO, MHSA, FASN, is the Vice-President, Medical Operations, and the Chief of Nephrology at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, and the Medical Director of the St. John’s Medical Group practice.
To make an appointment or contact a member of St. John’s Riverside Hospital, or St. John’s Medical Group call 914.964.4DOC.
