Running Your Dermatology Practice During COVID-19

OSHA has created temporary standards (PDF) for medical practices to comply with during the COVID-19 pandemic. While dermatology private practices not affiliated with a hospital setting are exempt from most of these standards, they do have to make sure they continue screening and logging patients and non-employees who enter the practice, following this screening guidance. If your practice has not been screening and logging patient visits for COVID-19, you are required to do so immediately as the exemption is contingent on this preventive measure.

Private practices may also have all vaccinated staff congregate un-masked in common areas where patients are not allowed.

Dermatology practices affiliated with a hospital setting need to abide by more stringent OSHA standards and should contact their internal compliance departments for more information.

Step 1: Understand your community’s rate of COVID-19 prevalence

Communities with greater prevalence will require more stringent procedures, while those with a lower incidence of COVID-19 may function in a different manner.

1. Most states are allowing elective visits and procedures to proceed as vaccination rates increase and case numbers decline in COVID-19.

2. Consult with your local and state public health department for local requirements. The AMA has developed a helpful chart (PDF) summarizing each state’s directives on elective, non-urgent, or non-essential procedures.

3. Have a plan in place for patients who appear with COVID-19 symptoms and may need testing. Consider finding testing locations in your area where you can recommend patients can go for testing, or refer the patient to their primary care physician. Consult the CDC’s guidance on COVID-19 testing.

Navigate the Coronavirus Resource Center

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

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