This page has been created in an effort to keep our patients, staff and members of the community abreast of the latest policies, procedures, and precautions the IMSMP & Tisch MSRCNY have taken to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Here, you will find all previous posts and announcements in addition to our latest updates. We will continue to update the page as frequently as needed to keep everyone informed.
For any additional concerns, please contact the front desk at (212) 265-8070.
The IMSMP has recently received many calls regarding progress in the development of vaccines for the novel coronavirus. Currently, data on the various vaccines is limited to what the pharmaceutical companies have released to the press. The data has not been peer-reviewed nor has been made public and, of course, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for COVID-19 at this time. We eagerly await more information regarding this extremely important topic, but we cannot make any specific recommendations at this time without more information. We will update our social media channels and website with more information as it becomes available.
Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 positive cases throughout various neighborhoods in New York, the IMSMP & Tisch MSRCNY will remain extra vigilant to keep our patients safe. We will continue all safety measures and precautions already in place and would like to stress the importance of wearing masks combined with proper handwashing. We recommend the same precautions to our patients and remind everyone that COVID isn’t over so we need to double-down and continue to be vigilant in our day-to-day lives.
At the present time, there are many COVID-19 vaccinations in trial. We are unable to comment until one is available for commercial use, and its safety and effectiveness has been determined. We will continue to provide updates and will put out a recommendation when more information becomes available.
Coronavirus Update ~ 7/15/2020
Please be mindful that you MUST adhere to your appointment time as best as possible. We understand that you may arrive early due to traffic conditions, but a designated time slot has been arranged for you specifically so everyone can maintain a safe distance.
Please take note of the following:
Thank you for your understanding.
Coronavirus Update ~ 7/2/2020
At the IMSMP and Tisch MSRCNY, we are committed to providing a safe environment for our patients and staff. In addition to the precautions already in place, the following policies are now in effect:
Coronavirus Update ~ 5/13/2020
Dear Patients, Friends, and Supporters of the IMSMP & Tisch MSRCNY,
At the beginning of this terrible COVID-19 pandemic, we at IMSMP and Tisch MSRCNY resolved to keep our research and clinical facilities open. Due to the intense overburdening pressure of the COVID crisis upon other medical facilities, we knew we had to be there for our patients. Not a single day has passed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, that our Center was not operational. During the past several weeks, we have addressed all coronavirus concerns, fears, and questions especially in regard to MS and immune-based therapies.
I want to acknowledge the tremendous spirit and strength of our patients who battle with MS daily and now have the added stresses of dealing with this evolving and uncertain crisis. We as your healthcare providers have been deeply motivated by the resilience shown by so many of you.
As most, if not all MS centers around the tri-state area shut down or moved to telemedicine, I am thankful that our staff kept all aspects of our clinical services fully operational.
Coronavirus will pass, but MS was there before and will be there after, and thus we continue to work relentlessly to accomplish our mission of a Future Without MS.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Saud A. Sadiq, MD, FAAN
Coronavirus Update ~ 4/17/2020
Dear Patients, Friends, and Supporters of the IMSMP & Tisch MSRCNY,
The IMSMP and Tisch MSRCNY want to take this opportunity to thank our generous and thoughtful patients, friends, supporters, and our local businesses for the overwhelming support during these unprecedented times. Whether it was sending in pizza or bagels for our staff, writing a nice email, or leaving a thoughtful comment on our Facebook page, we feel the love and support from each and every one of you. Thank you!
Practice social distancing, frequently wash your hands with soap and water and stay well.
Saud A. Sadiq, MD, FAAN
The IMSMP and Tisch MSRCNY are open and remain committed to providing full services to our patients. Patients are encouraged not to cancel appointments, unless uncomfortable with travel. Our phones may be on modified hours, so please try to call between 9 AM - 3 PM. As always, a doctor is on call every day and available for emergencies during off-hours.
We recommend that people wear a mask or cloth covering over the nose and mouth when venturing out into the public. Most people do not have, and do not need, specialty medical masks such as the N95 respirators used by heavily exposed medical professionals. These are in short supply, desperately needed on the front lines of medical care, cannot be washed and will become difficult to re-use again and again over the coming weeks. Any mask or covering over the nose and mouth performs several functions. It can reduce the spread of virus-containing respiratory droplets, both inhaling these droplets as well as exhaling or coughing them out into the public before you know you are sick. An important thing to understand is that many people spread this virus before they know they are sick. In addition to the respiratory benefits, a covering over the nose and mouth can serve as a psychological nudge, a reminder to not touch your face and maintain social distancing. If you are wearing a mask, be sure to wash your hands before removing or adjusting it so you don’t touch your face with dirty hands. Wearing a mask or face covering will only help if it is built upon, and does not replace, the foundation we and the CDC have discussed: wash your hands, don’t touch your face, maintain social distancing, minimize unnecessary public activities and self-isolate if you are sick.
In good health, the Tisch MSRCNY team.
A good rule of thumb: Ask yourself, if you experienced these symptoms six months ago, what would you think that it is? If your only symptoms are typical of your seasonal allergies, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, and no fever, it may just be allergies.
Is it COVID-19? As the World Health Organization notes, “Most people infected with COVID-19 virus will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.”
The more common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
More severe symptoms include shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. While a runny nose has been reported with Coronavirus, it is uncommon. If you have any unfamiliar symptoms suggestive of a respiratory infection, consider that you may have COVID-19. You should self-isolate to prevent spread within your household and seek medical attention.
We are here and available to speak if you have any concerns.
Please be advised, due to the recent cases of hydroxychloroquine poisoning, this drug is dangerous when taken unsubscribed.
The risk of infection with COVID-19 is not affected by taking hydroxychloroquine and taking this drug routinely is not recommended. In addition, a new medication should NEVER be started without direction from a medical doctor.
Today, Governor Cuomo announced there have been 12,305 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in New York City with 99 deaths from the virus. The mortality rate will remain low as long as our hospitals are not overwhelmed with patients, which is why social isolation is so important to stop the spread of the virus.
Many different treatments are currently being investigated, including an anti-malarial drug called hydroxychloroquine. However, the evidence for hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness has not yet been established. Furthermore, the risk of infection with COVID-19 is not affected if you are taking hydroxychloroquine. However, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 infection, taking hydroxychloroquine may prevent the most serious complications associated with COVID-19. Therefore, it is hoped that if a patient takes hydroxychloroquine during a COVID-19 infection it may decrease the chances of a fatal outcome. The best advice is to remain vigilant with frequent hand washing and limit any possible exposure to the virus. Finally, if you think you have the infection it is best to call your local doctor or the IMSMP for guidance.
Dear Patients, Friends, and Supporters of the IMSMP & Tisch MSRCNY,
As we find ourselves in uncharted, challenging times, the treatment and care of our patients remain our priority. Employees whose role allows it are currently working from home to minimize the number of people coming to the Center, commuting and leaving their homes.
Our clinical staff including nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and neurologists are here for you. At this time when the healthcare facilities are generally overwhelmed with COVID-19, it is important that other health issues and even initial assessments for coronavirus related issues be carried out by non-hospital-based health professionals. For all these reasons we are open and available.
With COVID-19, multiple sclerosis is not canceled, therefore neither is the healthcare you need and deserve.
Our commitment to our patients will not waver. Our dedication to discovering the cause and cure for this disease is not on hold. A live voice will answer the phone when you call and our doors will remain open.
In the midst of this season of anxiety and disquiet, we hope to be a source of constancy, comfort, and healing for our patients. When this is over, and it will be over, we want you to know that during this trying period we were and will always be there for our patients.
Practice social distancing, frequently wash your hands with soap and water, and stay well.
Saud A. Sadiq, MD, FAAN
Today, the IMSMP is open as usual.
On Friday, March 20, an additional decontamination crew (pictured below) has been brought in as an added precaution, despite no cases of COVID-19.
To ensure the safety of our staff and patients, the IMSMP and Tisch MSRCNY will continue the policy of taking the temperature of all staff, patients, and their one visitor upon arrival at the Center. Patients will be asked to leave the Center without receiving treatment if the temperature is above normal.
What is social distancing? Is handwashing enough? What else can I do? This Coronavirus spreads more ways than simply hand to face, it also spreads by inhalation of droplets which transiently remain in the air after someone has sneezed or coughed. To prevent this spread, health officials recommend social distancing. This means staying at least 6 feet from other people, especially if they are coughing or sneezing. It also means not going into groups of more than 10 people and restricting other usual daily activities. To learn more visit these webpages on the CDC and NIH:
https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2020/03/19/to-beat-covid-19-social-distancing-is-a-must/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
If you have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus, COVID-19, please call the Center at (212) 265-8070 to let your neurologist know as soon as possible.
We are aware there may be increased anxieties with the uncertainties of COVID-19 and how it relates to MS, families, and life.
Patients with multiple sclerosis are not necessarily at increased risk for the virus however we understand the growing concern over MS medications and contracting the Coronavirus.
During these uncharted times, our social workers are here for you. Prior to requesting an anti-anxiety medication, or increase in a current dose, please call the social work department and our social workers will assess your mental health needs at this time.
Just like your MS care, treatment for anxiety is highly individualized and we want to ensure our patients are on the optimal medications and the path to a healthy present and future.
The IMSMP and Tisch MS Research Center of New York are both fully functional and are committed to remaining open to continue to provide care for our patients. To minimize the number of people coming into the building, all other tenants of 521 West 57th Street will be shutting down their offices until further notice.
The following measures have been put into place for the safety of our patients and staff:
We are dedicated to keeping you informed and safe, and are here to help you every step of the way.
The IMSMP & Tisch MSRCNY are both fully functional and taking every precaution to safeguard our patients from the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We will continue to bring you the most up-to-date information as it pertains to the management of your multiple sclerosis. For all other regulations going into effect i.e. school closings, event/community cancellations and other restrictions, please check your local government website.
Beginning Monday, March 16, only one adult will be permitted to accompany a patient to their visit at the IMSMP/Tisch MSRCNY. Patients and their guest will have their temperature taken upon arrival, and will be asked to leave the Center without receiving treatment if the temperature is above normal.
For the safety of our patients, all employees’ temperatures are taken daily upon arrival.
To date, there have been no cases of an elevated temperature.
To date, no patients of the IMSMP or Tisch MSRCNY have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Patients with multiple sclerosis are not necessarily at increased risk for the virus.
As a Center, we are taking all necessary precautions to provide a clean and safe environment for our patients and staff.
To date, no patients of the IMSMP or Tisch MSRCNY have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Patients with multiple sclerosis are not necessarily at increased risk for the virus.
The usual incubation period for COVID-19 is five days, although you may not experience any symptoms at this time. The initial symptoms of the virus include a fever (temperature over 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and a dry cough. After a few days, symptoms begin to include breathing difficulties and general malaise.
Patients with a fever will not be permitted at the Center.
If you are experiencing a fever, please call the Front Desk at (212) 265 – 8070 to notify your neurologist and cancel your appointment.
As a Center, we are taking all necessary precautions to provide a clean and safe environment for our patients and staff.
As a leader in MS healthcare, we have taken extra measures at our Center to minimize any chance of infection and ensure your safety and health.
These policies have been put in place without a patient or staff member having been diagnosed with the Coronavirus.
We are aware of the growing concern of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and would like to address some common questions our patients have been asking.
Despite being in the midst of an outbreak of this respiratory disease, there are still very few cases in the United States. However, people with multiple sclerosis may be taking some MS medications that can modify or alter the immune system, which can increase the risk of certain infections.
The following guidelines should be followed at all times, as we continue to monitor the situation. Updates can now be found regularly on our website and social media pages. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their primary care physician before seeking treatment in person or head to an urgent care facility for testing.
If you feel you may have been exposed to the virus and have any upcoming appointments at the International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice, please call (212) 265-8070 to discuss how to proceed.
*A portion of this information was obtained from the following websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/What-You-Need-to-Know-about-Coronavirus
521 West 57th Street
4th Floor
New York, NY 10019
(646) 557-3900
Support Tisch MS and our innovative research leading to treatments that improve the lives of patients.