Updated Masking Policy
As of May 11th, Massachusetts has officially declared the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). While COVID remains a prevalent and serious disease, we find ourselves in a significantly improved position compared to the early stages of the pandemic. The number of cases has reached low levels, vaccinations have proven effective, and variants are less virulent.
The conclusion of the PHE also brings about changes in various requirements within healthcare facilities, including the universal masking policy. Leading medical institutions such as Mass General Hospital, Newton Wellesley Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, have ended their mask mandates. Taking their lead, we at Orchard Health Care have decided to no longer enforce mandatory masking.
What does this mean for you?
- You are no longer required to wear a mask when entering the practice.
- If you do not feel comfortable with this setting or have medical conditions that prevent you from removing your mask, please let our staff know and the entire office will wear masks while you are here.
- You are required to wear a mask if you have upper respiratory symptoms or have had close contact with someone who is COVID positive.
COVID Bivalent Vaccine Recommendations
The FDA and CDC have recently authorized a second bivalent booster vaccine for individuals aged 65 and above and for those who are considered immunosuppressed (i.e., had an organ transplant or are undergoing chemotherapy). We have copied the guidance from Mass General below.
Who may get an additional bivalent (updated) COVID-19 vaccine?
- People ages 65 years and older may get one additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. They can get this dose 4 or more months after they received their first updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get one additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. They can get this dose 2 or more months after they received their first updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Summer Hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day
The office will close at 2pm every Friday from May 29th through September 4th.
Administrative Reminders
- Please inform your insurance provider if you have recently changed your primary care physician. This ensures that claims are not delayed and that they will be covered and handled efficiently.
- Please include the nurse email address, Nurse@orchardhealthcare.com, in all emails you send to your physician. Erin and Sophie check the nurse inbox multiple times throughout the day.
- If you pay by check, please address them to “DHMG3, Inc”. You can continue sending them to the office.
Staff Update
Sandra Curtin has been promoted to Senior Practice Manager! In her new role, Sandra will be responsible for taking the best qualities of Orchard Health Care and applying them to other Discover Health Practices across the country. She is also continuing her education and will be starting an executive course in healthcare management in June. Don’t worry, Sandra will still be at the office ensuring that it continues to exceed your expectations.
Dr. Kanner’s patients have completed their clinical transition to Dr. David Saie and Sophie Abimerhi, LPN. Dr. Saie brings a wealth of expertise and experience in internal medicine to Orchard Health Care, and he is committed to providing exceptional personalized care. Supported by Sophie’s compassionate and professional approach, they form a remarkable healthcare team dedicated to your well-being.
