UPDATE: Masks in B.C. health-care facilities
As per the Public Health Order issued by BC’s Ministry of Health, MEDICAL MASKS are the preferred form of face covering, but not necessary for the time being.
All staff and clients entering Heart & Hands will still be required to wear a face covering, such as a medical mask, 2+ layer cloth mask or face shield when entering our facility to limit the spread of respiratory droplets.
We will have medical masks for sale for $2 for individuals who arrive for their appointment without a face covering, however, due to pending shortages of PPE and to mitigate further costs of operating, we strongly encourage clients to remember to bring their own.
For more information about the Ministry of Health’s public health order, READ HERE.
The policies listed below adhere to standards of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC as well as WorkSafeBC. And we thank you in advance for your patience, these policies are subject to change and will continue to evolve based on public health advisories.
Stay tuned for updates, and for the latest guidance, please see the health information from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and the latest news from the government of British Columbia.
What you can do?
First and foremost, if you feel any of the common symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever, sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing), STAY HOME so that your condition does not worsen as well as preventing further transmission. Use the BCCDC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool or call the nurses hotline at 8-1-1 if you require further medical advice.
Do things to optimize your immunity such as regular hand washing, avoid touching your face, cleaning your phone, staying hydrated + eating well and getting plenty of rest.
For more information, please follow the guidelines from HealthLinkBC.
Adjustments to our sliding scale
It is necessary at this time for us to change our sliding scale to $35-55 per treatment.
This hopefully is a temporary measure to compensate for decreased number of sessions per shift in order to maintain adequate physical distancing. It also allows us to recoup lost revenues during our closure as well as the cost of PPE and disinfecting supplies required for us to operate.
For more information, READ HERE.
Adjustments to Direct MSP Billing
For clients who are eligible for MSP Premium Assistance, you will have coverage for $23 per acupuncture session for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year.
We will bill MSP directly for $23 per session and you will be responsible for paying the remaining $12-32 per session to fall within our $35-55 sliding scale. This out of pocket portion of the treatment fee can be paid with debit, credit, cash & cheque.
For more information, READ HERE.
Adjustments to our schedule, booking & payment
These are the steps we are taking to ensure we can operate safely, allot enough time for sanitizing and reducing traffic through our space to maintain social distancing. These policies may be subject to change as things evolve.
Adjustments to cancellation policies
We are accepting cancellations up to 12 HOURS BEFORE your appointment.
Any scheduling changes within 12 hours of your appointment will be subject to a $35 cancellation feeWe are no longer offering rescheduling free of charge.
Exceptions granted to the following unforeseen and/or emergency situations:
> Illness or accident
> Personal/family emergencies
> Childcare conflicts
> If you have been exposed to COVID-19
Please provide advanced notice, so there is adequate time for another client to fill your timeslot.
Up to 12 HOURS BEFORE, you may cancel your appointment via:
> Online through heartandhands.janeapp.com (preferred)
> Email, heartandhands.acu@gmail.com
> Phone, 250-590-3185 – at this time, our capacity to answer the phone will be limited
Our JaneApp system sends email appointment reminders 36 hours before. If you do not use or regularly check your email, please put systems in place to remind yourself of the appointment you have booked.
Please be accountable for the timeslot you have booked, as our scheduling is limited.
Help us help you get the acupuncture you need.
Safety & disinfection
These are the procedures we are using for disinfecting our space and ensuring both practitioners and clients are reducing the risk of viral transmission. These policies may be subject to change as things evolve.
COVID Creature-Comfort Acu-Nap Contingencies
Here are a few suggestions that may help you stay warm and enhance your level of comfort and relaxation:
If you have additional suggestions, feel free to send them to us via our contact form