Throughout his almost 35-year professional career as a cardiologist, Dr. David Schechter has found that for many of his patients, following up with blood tests and immunizations is not a simple task. How much more difficult this has become in the current world. Standing in line for a COVID-19 test at an urgent-care facility often entails waiting on long lines in close proximity to others. In addition, waiting up to a week or more for results can be very stressful for patients and their families.
In May 2020, through his office, Preventive Cardiac Care, Schechter, together with his staff of 10 nurse practitioners and 40 technicians, began to offer an alternative for his patients by providing testing services in their homes. Covered by the patients’ insurance as well as by the recently implemented COVID-19 uninsured program, close to 1,000 patients per week are being tested in their homes in the New York area including Queens, Long Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. The testing program has been so successful that Schechter and his team have decided to extend their services to select New Jersey areas including Teaneck and the surrounding communities.
The service works as follows. By contacting the offices of Schechter at 718-25-COVID (26843) or through a WhatsApp line (same phone number), patients can schedule safe and convenient home testing, even for the same day. Within a short time of scheduling, a technician will call to arrange for the earliest possible visit. Results are available the next day and are accessible through an online portal, office phone available 24/7, email and the 24/6 WhatsApp line.
This service includes a copay/deductible-free consultation with a physician regarding testing needs, at-home COVID-19 and antibody testing, and medical follow-up for results. Many medical professionals are recommending that people get antibody testing regularly, as the latest studies show that antibodies are transient and can start disappearing months or even weeks after a person becomes infected. It is important to note that Schechter has not charged any copays or deductibles since April.
As a practicing Orthodox Jew and a member of the Chabad community, Schechter has developed another new service to make events as safe as possible for the Jewish community. Reacting to the plethora of weddings being held in outdoor venues with smaller gatherings, Schechter provides a testing service prior to these events, including weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, brissim, etc. A few days before the simcha, technicians will visit the home of the host to test invited guests so that the celebrants can be assured that everyone attending is COVID-free, thus alleviating much stress and apprehension. Schechter’s group also offers this service to schools that need their student body tested, as New York is now mandating many communities to do so on a weekly basis.
Schechter earned his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He completed his residency at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and cardiac fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition, he completed a fellowship in nuclear cardiology at Hadassah Ein Kerem in Israel. He resides on Long Island with his family. Three of his 11 children are currently serving as Chabad emissaries in Russia, Argentina and Israel. Schechter’s practice is located in Richmond Hill, Queens.
For more information about testing and to arrange for home testing, call Preventive Cardiac Care Corporation, located at 86-11 Lefferts Boulevard, Richmond Hill, NY 11418, at 718-25-COVID (26843). Scheduling and results are also available through WhatsApp at 718-25-COVID (26843) or through email at [email protected].
