As medical practices begin the process of reopening after the COVID-19 shut down, one of the more difficult parts of the process may be communicating with patients and others.

Patients, who have spent months at home hearing about the dangers of the pandemic, may not know that it is okay to come to the practice for routine, non-COVID check-ups and treatments. They may also be afraid of the risk of infection that could come from interacting with the health care system.

The California Medical Association (CMA) has developed sample communications to help physicians inform and educate patients that it is safe to resume routine and non-urgent medical visits, and to notify patients what their practices are doing to keep patients and staff safe.

These templates—available free to all physicians—are intended to be general guides, and should be adjusted based on the needs of an individual practice or patient group.

CMA is also developing video PSAs and other materials as part of a larger campaign on this issue. Stay tuned for more details.