What it's like to go to the doctor during the coronavirus pandemic

It's a good idea to avoid going to the doctor's office right now for a couple reasons:

However, two weeks after I started a round of antibiotics to address a painful ear infection, my provider wanted to look in my ear -- something she couldn't do over a video or phone chat -- to make sure I was healed.

I arrived at my general care provider, Generations Family Practice in Cary, 15 minutes before my appointment. It was a good thing I did.

A large sign on the door of the building (which contains several suites, including the office) read that I should not enter if I was experiencing any respiratory symptoms like coughing or trouble breathing. Signs also asked me to stay outside if I had traveled recently or if I had a fever.

Those didn't apply to me, so I went inside the lobby, where two other patients were waiting to be screened. A nurse immediately greeted me and handed me a disposable face mask. She was gowned, gloved and wearing a mask with a shield.

Once the three of us had masks, she again asked us the questions we saw outside the door: Have you traveled out-of-state or out-of-country in the last month? Are you having trouble breathing or experiencing a cough? Have you had a fever?

Then she took our temperatures with a digital ear thermometer. If we had a fever of 100 degrees or above or we answered yes to any of her questions, we would not be allowed inside the medical office.

We all made the cut but had to wait several minutes while another staff member, wearing the same PPE (personal protective equipment) plus disposable booties over her shoes, wiped down the wooden door and door handle with a Clorox wipe.

The three of us were ushered in quickly, then the door was shut so other people could be screened.

The waiting room is usually full, but that day it was empty. The entire room smelled strongly of bleach -- it reminded me of an indoor swimming pool.

Want to be tested for the new coronavirus? Call your doctor first, hospitals urge

I checked in at the front desk as usual and was asked to find a seat. Most of the seats were taped off, but six chairs spread across the room (each at least 6 feet apart) were numbered. They had all been wiped down minutes before.

I selected a seat and waited. All the magazines had been removed, because those also can spread germs.

My name was called, and from there, the process was back to normal -- I just had to keep my mask on the entire time.

Most offices will let you speak with a nurse over the phone, and based on the symptoms you describe, the nurse will either tell you it's okay to stay home and monitor your symptoms or ask you to go ahead and schedule an appointment.

Even if you need an appointment, many providers are able to communicate with patients over a phone or video call. They can even prescribe medications if needed.

Every office is different, but at Generations and many others, patients exhibiting those respiratory symptoms will be asked to stay in their cars. A gowned, masked and gloved nurse will take your temperature, answer your questions and administer a flu test or other tests as necessary.

Suspect coronavirus? Don't go to ER, urgent care or your doctor's office

Some tests deliver instant results in several minutes. You will wait for the results in your car.

You may be examined or speak to a provider from your car window. By not allowing people showing symptoms to enter the office, health workers are protecting other patients -- and themselves.

A nurse told me that each and every member of the office staff is screened before coming to work. Just like patients, if they show those characteristic symptoms -- cough, fever or shortness of breath -- they will not be allowed inside.

Stay home if you can. Some symptoms, like a fever that won't go down or difficulty breathing, do warrant a trip to the doctor's office or emergency room.

Coronavirus symptoms: A list and when to seek help

North Carolina Poison Control has established a hotline, available 24/7 and staffed by nurses and pharmacists to answer questions about coronavirus, including symptoms, how to assess and reduce the risk of catching the virus and what to do if if coronavirus is suspected. Call 1-866-462-3821.