We wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day. Prime Care will be closed Monday, September 6th and will re-open Tuesday, September 7th.

Many school districts are headed back to the classroom in a few weeks. For most of us, this is the first time our children begin their school year before September, and it could be the first time your children are attending in-person learning since the Covid-19 pandemic.

With news of Covid vaccines and masking requirements making headlines, it can be easy to forget there are several routine vaccinations the VDH recommends, and many school districts, require before entering into some grade levels.

According to the VDH “The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools
to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given
based on the schedule recommended by the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics,
and American Academy of Family Physicians.” Parents can see a list of vaccine requirements by age here.

The providers and staff at Prime Care encourage you to review these recommendations to determine if your child is due for recommended vaccines before starting school. With the beginning of the school year fast approaching now is the time to get in touch to secure your appointment.

Prime Care Family Practice would like to welcome Matthew Marchal, MD, to our team of providers. Dr. Marchal received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, VA, and completed his Doctor of Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia in 1998.
Dr. Marchal is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Marchal is board certified in family medicine, and has decades of experience providing outstanding family medical care to patients of all ages. He has been recognized as a “Top Doc” by Richmond Magazine several times in the past, as well as a “Best Doctor” by Style Weekly magazine.

Dr. Marchal believes taking care of patients is a privilege and strives to understand patients’ problems, circumstances and goals. He is dedicated to partnering with patients to make decisions together as a team. He has worked hard to develop excellent medical skills and is able to diagnose and treat many conditions affecting patients of all ages with compassion and skill.

Please join Prime Care Family Practice in welcoming Dr. Matthew Marchal to our team of quality health providers. We are happy to have his skills and dedication to serve our patients and community. To schedule an appointment with any of our providers, contact us at 804-526-1111.

We now have rapid COVID 19 testing available.

In addition to the standard swab test, Prime Care can now get same day COVID 19 test results.

Please call to schedule your appointment in our mobile clinic and your provider will help you determine the best testing method for your needs.

All COVID vaccines given to the state of Virginia have been distributed to hospitals, health departments and pharmacies that are vaccinating in long term care facilities.

Prime Care Family Practice has signed a letter of intent requesting that we receive vaccine in our office to give to our patients. If that becomes approved, we will give vaccines in the office.

Remain alert, we will let you know if we can start scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments by posting updates to our website and Facebook page.If the state decides to only distribute to health departments for the general population, your local health department will let the public know what groups they are vaccinating next.

Please click on the link below to find out which phase you are eligible for with the Virginia Department of Health.https://vdh.jebbit.com/amkwk6m1?L=Owned+Web&JC=Vaccine

All of the Prime Care Family Practice providers and staff want to see all our patients and their families safe.

With Isaias expecting to impact Central Virginia, it is a good reminder to take action to prepare, including planning ahead for refilling prescriptions.

It could be difficult to fill prescriptions after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.

That’s why it is so important that you take action to prepare and protect the prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins you need before any storms.

Protect yourself and others when filling prescriptions by limiting in-person visits to the pharmacy.

Sign up for mail order delivery or call-in your prescription ahead of time and use drive-thru windows or curbside pickup if available.

For more hurricane safety and preparedness tips this information from the Virginia Department Of Health offers practical information you should familiarize yourself with, ideally before a storm is in the forecast.

To keep our staff, patients, and shared community as healthy as possible during this pandemic, Prime Care Family Practice has implemented the wearing of masks and practicing physical (social) distancing to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

POLICY:

• Masking requirements apply to all Prime Care Family Practice employees, visitors, and patients over the age of 2.
• While in our office, all employees, patients and visitors must wear a mask and maintain six feet of physical distance.
• Physical distancing is defined as maintaining six feet of physical space between individuals.
• Visitor and patient waiting areas are configured to meet physical distancing space requirements.
• In the event volumes are high within patient waiting areas and physical distancing recommendations cannot be maintained, patients will be asked to wait in their vehicles.
• Masking is not a substitute for physical distancing recommendations.

MASKING REQUIREMENTS:

Masks will be worn appropriately and completely cover the nose and mouth.  Surgical (ear loop) style masks or cloth/textile masks are acceptable.  Patients and visitors will be provided masks upon entry to the office if they are not wearing one.

Masks will be worn upon entry and until exited from the building.  

Masks are to be worn for the entire duration of the visit.  Physical distancing should also be maintained.

We recognize that some patients may not tolerate wearing a mask.  Those special patient populations and conditions may include respiratory compromised patients, special needs patients, etc. Please notify us prior to your appointment if you fall into one of these categories.

Telemedicine is here!

In an additional step to keep you safe in these uncertain times, all of our providers at Prime Care Family Practice are now accepting appointments for Telemedicine visits.

Telemedicine allows you to discuss symptoms, medical issues, and more with your healthcare provider through a video call.

Using Telemedicine, you can receive a diagnosis, learn your treatment options, and get a prescription for many of your health concerns. It is a one to one visit with your provider, so deductibles and co-pays will be applied.

Call us at 804-526-1111 to schedule your appointment for a Telemedicine visit.