Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio's clinics are still open, but misinformation and a state order have dampened patient volumes, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Some patients wrongfully believe Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to founding partner David Schmidt, MD, but in reality, the practice is offering X-rays, MRIs, physical therapy and other services at its four clinics.
"People are still doing their CrossFit workouts, triathletes are still out there on their bikes, and runners are still running, so you are still going to see acute injuries," said Paul Saenz, DO, who is also a founding partner.
The practice is trying to get the word out that patients should seek treatment for athletic injuries at its clinics, rather than visiting overburdened hospitals and urgent care facilities. Providers also want patients to know that stay-at-home orders for certain areas don't apply to individuals seeking medical care.
"We are trying to get that message out pretty strongly — don't go to urgent care," said Adam Roggia, clinical director of Sports Medicine Associates' Spurs Lane-Medical Center Clinic. "It's hard for us to stay open during these times, but we have made a commitment to doing that for our community."
More articles on orthopedics:
6 industry layoffs, furloughs for physician leaders to know
Dr. Neal ElAttrache defends orthopedic surgeries performed during COVID-19 crisis
'The patients are deferred; they're not going away,' says Life Spine CEO on coronavirus