The latest updates at Artemisia Clinic

Dear patients and community,

I hope that you are well and thriving! It's been a hot minute since I've written a newsletter or braved the world of social media, and I hope you don't mind. We're all inundated with information and media, so I try not to add to the morass unless necessary. 

This has been a busy year at Artemisia Clinic, and I've been loving the larger clinic space! It's also been a topsy-turvy year for all of us, and I'm endlessly grateful to have had my doors open through it all to work with and get to know each of you! Thank you for showing up.

HERE ARE A FEW CLINIC UPDATES AND REMINDERS:

  • Want to share the love with friends or family? I now offer good old-fashioned gift certificates! Contact me or stop by the clinic to purchase one.

  • Beginning September 1st, appointment prices will increase by $10. This will hopefully account for my ongoing sanitation/PPE expenses, the half hour I still spend sanitizing between each patient, increased cost of living, inflation, etc.

  • Beginning September 1st, I will discontinue herb-only consultations. Those of you who currently rely on this service will be grandfathered-in through the end of 2021, but you will need to contact me directly, as it will no longer be offered on the online booking site.

  • Masks are still required inside the clinic. I always I have complimentary surgical masks available should you need them.

  • I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and will stay up-to-date with boosters as they become necessary/available.

Public Health Emergency and 2-week reset

A bit late to the blog, but here’s what I sent to my patients at the beginning of the most recent shutdown.

With the recent emergency public health order from our governor and escalating cases of COVID-19 in Taos, I’m writing to encourage you to stay home from November 16th through November 30th. Unless your appointment at Artemisia Clinic is urgent, I ask that we reschedule your appointment for after December 1st or after the public health order is lifted. Online booking is closed for this period.


I took a while to deliberate, weighing my responsibilities as mother, healthcare provider, and community member, and this is the best solution I’ve come up with for now; this way we can work to reduce risk and keep the community safe, and I can still be here for you if you urgently need my help (i.e. keep you out of overrun emergency facilities, keep you functioning, etc.).

For the next two weeks (and possibly longer) you can:
-Change to herbal telehealth appointments; you can then pick up prescriptions at your leisure on the Herb Pick-up Cart outside.
-Refill your current herbal prescriptions without a consultation, using the same contactless Herb Pick-up Cart.
-Reschedule Acupuncture appointments for December.
-Keep your scheduled appointments because you urgently need care and can't otherwise function.

Most appointments are already cancelled for the next two weeks (thank you!), but I'm putting this info out there anyway so that those who might have wanted to get on the schedule are up-to-date. I’ll do everything in my power to maintain or postpone your care in the safest possible way for all. As before, I’m waiving all cancellation fees related to COVID-19.

This is going to be another big financial blow for Artemisia Clinic and other small businesses, so please consider stocking up on items from our retail shelves for early Christmas shopping! We carry Broomstick Botanicals skincare/topicals for just about every ailment, Taos Bee lip balm, Rolling Still hand sanitizer, gua sha tools/jade rollers, locally made eye pillows, Urban Herbs bone broth mixes, a variety of supplements/vitamins, and a small selection of women's health books. Contact me and we can arrange for contactless pick-up.

Above all, please stay safe and keep your loved ones safe.

Warmly,
Clara Wetmore, DOM

Artemisia Clinic is Moving & Expanding!

ARTEMISIA CLINIC IS MOVING & EXPANDING!

I'm so thrilled to announce that beginning on October 1st, you'll find me only two doors down in Suite 14, where Marie Fleur Salon currently resides!

I have loved growing Artemisia Clinic in the little light-filled space that's been home-base for the past 3 years, and am happy to remain in the same beautiful and historic complex of La Posta Plaza as the business expands.

There will now be a reception room, separate treatment room, herbal pharmacy, production room for my sister-business Broomstick Botanicals, and of course a bathroom .

This decision was based on the need to accommodate more patients while keeping safe distance when not actively treating, especially as we enter colder months with the pandemic still present. I hope you love the new space as much as I do!

PLEASE NOTE THAT MASKS ARE STILL MANDATORY AT ALL TIMES IN THE CLINIC. 
I am following full safety protocols: PPE, hand washing/sanitation, air purifiers, touchless payment, fewer patients per day and more time in between to sanitize the whole clinic, pre-treatment screening, and temperature checks. I also get tested every month for SARS-CoV-2 (so far all clear).

Here is an article on integrated approaches to COVID-19 in the Taos News in which I was quoted. It's from April 2020, but I only just learned of it.

Clinic Reopening

Dear patients and community,

Thank you all for your patience and adaptability during this strange time! After nearly three months of closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m pleased to announce that Artemisia Clinic is reopening for in-person visits on June 16th! If you’d like to continue with telemedicine appointments due to high-risk status or convenience, that remains an option for you.

I always strive to provide a clean and safe clinic environment, and based on the newest research and guidelines there are a few changes that I’m implementing to ensure the safety of the community. Here’s what they look like:

  • Clinic hours are reduced to: Tuesday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-3:30pm, Friday 10am-3:30pm. This is due to limited childcare.

  • Beginning on July 1st, I will be raising my prices by $5.00 per session. I do not take this decision lightly, but find that it will be necessary to account for some of the extra work required behind the scenes as well as sanitation/PPE expenses. Thank you for your understanding.

  • I will wear a mask and scrubs at all times, and will maintain proper hand hygiene (hand washing, sanitizer, gloves as needed).

  • I will disinfect the clinic between every patient, so please be on time and mindful that I will need to spend 15 minutes cleaning between patients. I use a scentless disinfectant that is EPA-registered for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19).

  • I’ve teamed up with Rolling Still Distillery to provide hand sanitizer made to CDC specifications. It’s also available for sale at the clinic.

  • I’m using a new comprehensive billing/scheduling/EHR/telehealth system called Jane App to streamline booking and payment and minimize handling of money/sharing touchscreens. This means that I will bill you electronically or charge a saved credit card unless you’re off the grid and we make other arrangements. I’m slowly uploading years’ worth of everyone’s paper files to this system, so please bear with me as my old-school brain adapts to this tech world. You will likely receive new “welcome” emails, so don’t be alarmed.

Here’s what I ask of you:

  • You will receive and fill out a short electronic symptom/exposure screening questionnaire before every visit; please answer honestly, and if you check off any of the “yes” answers I’ll get in touch with you asap and you’ll likely need to reschedule (with waived cancellation fees).

  • When you arrive for your appointment, please wait outside and apply hand sanitizer from the touchless dispenser at the door. I will meet you outside to take your temperature before entering. 

  • You are required to wear a face mask at all times; if you do not have one I will provide you with one. I know it’s not fun, but it’s worth it; the latest research shows that this is the best way to minimize risk, as it can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by 75%.

    Please contact me with any questions! This is new terrain for all of us, and your safety and comfort are essential. This may sound like a lot, but treatments themselves will be much the same as they have been.
    Warmly,
    Clara Wetmore, DOM

Support While Social Distancing

Need support at home and looking for a way to support this small business during this pandemic? Here’s what we offer:

-Telehealth consultations for herbal prescriptions and DIY acupressure, moxibustion, and home care kits!

-An array of skincare products formulated and made by your very own Dr. Clara Wetmore, for everything from eczema and acne to pain and postpartum recovery! Visit www.broomstickbotanicals.com

Telehealth

Hi folks,
As of March 18th, 2020, and with confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in Taos, Artemisia Clinic is closed to all in-person appointments until further notice. Taos is a small community, and it is a crucial time for everyone to do their part to minimize the spread of this virus, which includes taking the economic hit of closing temporarily. I truly miss seeing all of you! You brighten my days!


The Good News:

Here's how we can continue treatments: telehealth appointments! We chat, I look at your tongue, I make you herbs (with mask and gloves), I leave your herbs in a bag outside on my nifty new Herb Pick-up Cart or mail them to you, and I email you a payable invoice! This has gone very well so far using doxy.me, a HIPAA compliant telehealth service. If you need refills on anything you're currently taking, just call, text, or email and I'll put your refills on the same Herb Pick-up Cart.
My herbal pharmacy is fully re-stocked with herbs and formulas, including the ones used for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Click here to book a telehealth appointment.
 

Supporting Each Other:

Small businesses like mine are going to have a hard time weathering this storm. Artemisia Clinic relies on seeing patients five days a week, and this temporary re-structure is taking a heavy financial toll. There are, however, a few ways you can help ensure that I stay in business through this difficult stretch so that I can continue to serve my dear community.

1. Purchase a gift card! Send a digital gift card to your friends, family, or yourself! This is a great way to support Artemisia Clinic and make sure you or your loved ones have treatments lined up once the crisis has passed. Click hereto purchase a Gift Card.

2. Write me a Google or Facebook review! This is a great way to support Artemisia Clinic without spending your halted income! It requires only a minute or two of your quarantined time. Reviews help others find me and see if I'd be a good fit for them in the future, and I always appreciate them!
Click here to leave a Google Review.
Click here to leave a Facebook review.

I very much look forward to seeing you on a telehealth consultation or when it's safe to do so again in person. Your support will help make that a reality! Until then, stay well, and let me know if you have any questions!


Warmly,
Clara Wetmore, DOM

Health and Safety Update: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Photographer-EllaSophie-ArtemisiaClinic12.jpg

Dear patients,

As most of you probably know, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been confirmed in New Mexico. I hope you’re all staying healthy and taking moderate preventative measures.

I take your health and safety very seriously, and would like to give an update on procedures here at Artemisia Clinic to keep everyone at minimal risk of exposure. First of all, providing care for as long as I can safely do so is part of the oath I took when I became a DOM, so I’m open until further notice. Secondly, along with my usual strict adherence to OSHA regulations and CNT guidelines (like disinfecting surfaces, using high level disinfectant/HLD on reusable tools, using single-use, sterile needles, changing sheets between patients, hand washing, etc.), I’m being extra diligent about disinfecting surfaces like doorknobs, desk, chair, etc. between every patient and having hand sanitizer available. 

Here are some temporary changes in policy and treatment strategy effective during this outbreak: 

1. I am temporarily waiving all cancellation fees.

2. I ask that you cancel your acupuncture appointments if any of the following apply to you: 

-You’ve traveled anywhere outside of the US in the last 14 days.

-You have a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or have a confirmed case of COVID-19.

-You’ve knowingly been exposed to anyone who tested positive for COVID-19.

3. Here’s the good news: Chinese herbs have been part of successful COVID-19 treatments in China, so if you need to cancel for any of the reasons listed above, you’re elderly or at-risk, or you’re just practicing safe social distancing but want to continue herbal treatment, boost your immune system, etc., I am offering phone consultations for herbal prescriptions. Your prescriptions will then be left outside the front door for pickup or sent via USPS, and you’ll receive payable email invoices.

4. Please keep in mind that I am working hard to keep up with herbal demand, but my suppliers have already run out of many herbs and formulas. This means that I will fill herbal prescriptions for no more than a 1-2 week supply per patient at a time. This ensures that my resources will be distributed equally to everyone.

Some general suggestions on prevention, safety, and community:


1. Wash your hands frequently (and moisturize, especially here in NM), use a clean humidifier at home, practice moderate social distancing, get fresh air and sunlight, stay hydrated, avoid phlegm-producing foods like sugar, dairy, gluten, bananas, peanut butter, and fried food. Eat whole foods, nutrient-dense greens, and aromatic spices (unless contraindicated with your medications, i.e. statins). Prepare soups and other healthy/easy meals to freeze so that you have something ready should you or your family members get sick.

2. If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy and under the age of 50, stay home, rest, hydrate, eat well, and take medications, supplements, and herbs that have been prescribed to you. However, if your symptoms are more severe, you are over the age of 50, or you have underlying health issues or compromised immunity, get medical attention as soon as you can.

3. Please regularly check in with your family, friends, and neighbors who live alone, are elderly, or have compromised immune systems or other underlying health concerns; they may need supplies, food, medication, or simple connection to keep their spirits up.

I hope that everyone is staying well, and I look forward to working through this outbreak with you all and resuming treatments as usual soon. Please don’t hesitate to call, text, or email with questions or concerns. I will update again as needed. 

Warmly,

Clara Wetmore, DOM

Winter Solstice and the Water Element

The Water Element is an intriguing one, and fitting for the Winter Solstice. In Chinese philosophy, the Water Element represents wisdom. But what does that mean? Water can be placid on the surface, yet it harbors a whole world of life beneath its surface. Our species has explored more of the surface of the moon than the depths of our oceans; our culture tends to look outward to explore and find inspiration, and our very own murky, dark depths and emotional realms are perhaps more intimidating, and remain largely unexplored. As most of you who know me likely know, this is the territory that I love to work with.


 Across cultures, the Winter Solstice has always been a time for deep introspection; to shift focus from outward action to the quiet places within us, to our inner worlds where dreams live. Just as it is necessary for seeds to lie dormant in the cool darkness before they send up shoots to create new life, we also require this time of rest and “Yin” before our ideas and dreams take shape.


 Water can be soft, soothing, and flexible, and yet it wields tremendous power and strength. It can be both calm and turbulent, and it’s persistence shapes earth and stone. In Chinese Medicine the Water Element’s season is Winter, and it is related to salty flavors, blue and black, the ears, fear, and it circulates in the Kidney and Bladder meridians. 


 I know the holidays can be busy and intense, but I hope each of you take some time for yourself to find some peace and stillness within the hubbub and obligations of family and work. If you need some help unwinding, see below for my holiday offerings, or let me know how else I can be of help. Happy Solstice, Holidays, and New Year! I'm grateful for every single one of you, and look forward to working with you in the New Year!