Safety Tips for Traveling to Indianapolis for a Cornea Transplant during Covid-19

 


The outbreak of covid-19 has resulted in avoiding unnecessary opportunities to contract the coronavirus. You may find yourself weighing whether or not to keep an appointment for eye surgery. There are three parties that can take precautions to make it as safe as they can: Price Vision Group, your hotel and yourself. We compiled safety information and tips to help you prepare for your trip to Indianapolis while maintaining some control over your environment.

First, know that Price Vision Group (PVG) is doing all that they can to keep you safe. They instituted many changes to follow new CDC and AAO guidelines to reduce risk. Just a few of these include:

  • Patients are asked to call upon arrival and wait in their car, rather than a waiting room
  • Temperatures are taken upon arrival
  • Masks must be worn by staff and all patients at all times
  • Only the patient is allowed into the office for their appointment. If required for mental or physical care, one additional person can accompany the patient.
  • Rooms and testing equipment are thoroughly disinfected after every patient exam
  • Excess chairs have been removed to ensure social distancing
  • PVG is dedicated to a safer environment for patients and staff and has for several years used advanced UV Hydroxl Air and Surface disinfectant which disinfects air continuously using advanced UV and oxidizing science to destroy pathogens and VOC's in a workplace.

Secondly, our hotel partners, particularly Hilton’s Homewood Suites: Indianapolis at the Crossing and Staybridge Suites Indianapolis-Carmel have increased their standards of housekeeping and hygiene. Specifically, Homewood Suites has reported:

  • Hilton CleanStay Room Seal to indicate that guest rooms haven’t been accessed since they were cleaned
  • Extra disinfection of top 10 high touch areas in guest rooms including light switches and door handles with hospital grade disinfectant
  • Increased cleaning frequency of public areas 
  • Guest-accessible disinfecting wipes at entrances and high traffic areas
  • Reduced paper amenities (like pads and guest directories) in rooms
  • Industry-leading contactless check-in and check-out with Digital Key
  • Evaluation of new technologies like electrostatic sprayers with disinfecting mist and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects
  • Enhanced Team Member safety and well-being with personal protective equipment and enhanced training and protocols
  • The complimentary breakfast has been switched to grab & go bags
  • The complimentary shuttle service and evening reception have been suspended
  • The fitness center is closed per the CDC and housekeeping services are limited
Staybridge Suites shared the following:
  • Breakfast is served daily but is limited to Grab and Go pre-packaged items
  • Pool and Fitness rooms are closed in accordance with state guidelines
  • Housekeeping Service has been suspended to all in-house guests to limit contact and exposure to our team. All supplies and linen exchange will be available at the Front Desk.
  • All heavy touchpoints in the hotel are cleaned and sanitized multiple times a day including handles, buttons, etc.
  • Hand sanitizer station located in the lobby

Lastly, you have the opportunity to exert some control over your environment. Below are tips gathered from fellow travelers that have recently traveled to Indianapolis for a cornea transplant:

  • Bring your own disinfectants and re-sanitize your room if that brings you peace of mind
  • Supply your own bed linens, pillows, towels and washcloths
  • Forego housekeeping services to avoid additional people in your room
  • Book a hotel that has its own kitchen, like ones of our above mentioned hotel partners
  • If your room has a full kitchen, rewash the dishes by loading them in the dishwasher and wiping down the counters, handles, etc.
  • Consider packing disposible dishware 
  • Bring your own food, have groceries delivered or arrange contactless pickup (there are several local services for this such as Kroger Clicklist (free pickup or $9.95 delivery), Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods through Amazon (pickup or delivery), Walmart (pickup)
  • Have your support person prepare and cook meals in your room (crockpots are helpful) or you may order food from Door Dash or Uber Eats
  • Many of the rooms at Homewood Suites have outside entry without having to access a shared hallway, so that may be a preferred option

The unfortunate reality is that the risk of coronavirus may be with us for some time. Some people may be able to delay their vision treatments for a few years while others will need to be treated promptly. If you have any questions or need clarification on any procedures in place, please contact:

Price Vision Group: 
800-317-3937
9002 N. Meridian St. Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46260
 
Homewood Suites:
317-253-1919
2501 E 86th St. Indianapolis, IN 46240
 
Staybridge Suites Carmel
317-582-1500
10675 N. Pennsylvania St. Carmel, IN

Most patients stay for 8 days - arriving on Monday for a consulation and leaving the following Monday after  their 5-day post op exam. View this article for a more detailed daily schedule for cornea transplant recipients. 
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