Most Sioux Falls residents ready to return to routine medical care – but not all

June 23, 2020

Most Sioux Falls residents say they feel comfortable going back to receiving routine medical care – though not all of them.

Eighty-four percent of respondents said they feel comfortable visiting a clinic for routine medical care, while 15 percent said they did not.

 

The survey was conducted by SiouxFalls.Business and the Augustana Research Institute.

More than 700 readers shared insight into how they’re approaching reopening and recovery during COVID-19 in an open survey conducted from June 1-8. It is not a scientific survey, but it does include representation from all age groups. Respondents were about 70 percent female and 30 percent male.

Our respondents also reflect a few populations. They are most likely English speakers. They are more likely to own a home. And they likely are engaged with news, or they would not have found the survey. So keep those things in mind to avoid thinking this survey should stand as representative for the entire community.

“They have good protocol to keep visitors safe from the virus,” one respondent said.

“Of anyone, there are prepared to handle activities in a safe manner,” another agreed.

Both major Sioux Falls health systems have gone back to nonemergency procedures and have encouraged patients to return for routine care.

But some survey respondents said it’s still “too risky,” and some were concerned after seeing health care workers not wearing masks.

“If it can wait, I would wait,” one respondent said.

Others said they noticed many new precautions, including spacing in waiting rooms, temperature checks and more masking.

We still consider it too risky to go to the clinic when others are also going with various illnesses, which may or may not be COVID,” one respondent said. “We prefer to avoid it as long as we can or will pursue video visits if needed.”

Others also said they prefer video visits for now.

“If it isn’t an emergency, then you shouldn’t go,” one said.

When asked if they had sought routine medical care in the past two months, more than 30 percent said they had and had gone in person.

Nine percent had done a virtual visit.

Seventeen percent said they put it off, while 43 percent said they have not needed care.

“Health is more important than fear,” one respondent said.

Others said they had to go because they needed medications, vaccinations or chiropractic care.

“Too much uncertainty but knowing they are all wearing masks, I will now go,” one respondent said.

Others said they need vision care, including cataract surgery, and feel comfortable going in for that now.

“It hasn’t seemed worth the risk, and my doctor agreed to renew my prescription once without making me come in,” one said.

Others mentioned worrying about possible heart issues that drove them to be seen, while big cuts and swelling sent others in.

“I go to a physical therapist. They do a wonderful job,” one respondent said. “If you don’t feel well, stay home. They sanitize, wear masks; everyone does, and everyone has to take their temperature and wash their hands and use hand sanitizer as needed. I feel safe there. At the medical clinic, I went in and out. I wore a mask. Many do not wear masks. Everyone should wear a mask in respect to others.”

From reopening to wearing masks, Sioux Falls weighs in on COVID-19 recovery

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Most Sioux Falls residents ready to return to routine medical care – but not all

Most Sioux Falls residents say they feel comfortable going back to receiving routine medical care – though not all of them.

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