Is Discrimination too strong a word?

[MNRN22, BSN]

I would love some feedback from fellow nurses. I sometimes take care of covid-19 positive patients on a separate pod set up to maintain safety. I utilize PPE and feel comfortable. I have recently had a negative blood drawn antibody test (but as we know the accuracy of these tests are being questioned). Now for my question: I have been going to PT for ongoing back problems that go as far back as two years. The good new, by back is great, now they are working on my knee. Today I was told since I'm dong very well they may want to end my case because of the fact that I take care of covid-19 patients and here in AZ, the numbers are climbing. Even though I am asymptotic, they want to talk to the owner of the clinic to see is she is comfortable with me coming. I get it but I feel like someone just came by and popped by balloon! Frustrated. I would like to continue therapy. I also scheduled an appointment with a vascular surgeon for a couple of bad varicose veins that I would like to have treated in the office. I had extensive treatment for this three years ago and would like to follow up with two that are now starting to become symptomatic. All the procedures are done in the office including phlebectomy. I get it, elective procedure. Can they refuse to see me since I am a nurse taking care of covid patients? I get it, don't want anyone to be uncomfortable around me but this is beginning to bother me. Thanks for listening to my rant.

[HandsOffMySteth]

I would check with an attorney. You might have a case if it is documented that those are the reasons for not seeing you. Just because you take care of COVID patients does not automatically mean that you are a carrier. You should not be denied healthcare!

[JKL33]

13 hours ago, dbwwheeler said:

Today I was told since I'm dong very well they may want to end my case because of the fact that I take care of covid-19 patients and here in AZ,

That is not an appropriate reason to end someone's prescribed therapy. Either the patient can still benefit from treatment or the patient doesn't need treatment any more. Depending upon your public health guidelines, your providers may be told or (voluntarily) decide not to offer all of their services during this time, though. In that circumstance I would guess that everyone will try to do their best to provide you with the most helpful home routines that you can keep working on (?). It isn't great, but there has been a lot of care that has been deferred in various places around the country due to the unusual circumstances.

13 hours ago, dbwwheeler said:

All the procedures are done in the office including phlebectomy. I get it, elective procedure. Can they refuse to see me since I am a nurse taking care of covid patients?

If your state puts some sort of moratorium on elective procedures then they will be unable to perform your procedure for awhile. Again, though, I don't think it's appropriate for them to make that decision based upon your profession.