Many COVID-19 survivors are plagued with symptoms of the disease long after they have recovered. To assist survivors Parkland Health & Hospital System started a COVID Follow-up Clinic that has to date helped 200 patients with ongoing medical issues.
Those coming for face-to-face follow-up care are separated from other populations to prevent the spread. The clinic has facilitated more than 400 patient visits with specialists ranging from wound care and oncology nurses to OB/GYNs and advanced practice providers.
“We are finding that the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 are very real. We need to take this disease very seriously. There is a lot unknown and much to learn,” said Monal Shah, MD, Senior Vice President, Chief Physician Advisor and medical director of the COVID Follow-up Clinic at Parkland.
Parkland officials expect the COVID Follow-up Clinic to serve 25 or more patients daily. Future plans include research on the long-term effects of COVID-19 and formation of support groups for patients with ongoing physical and mental health issues resulting from the disease.
“Our goal with the clinic is to help our COVID-19 patients bridge the transition from illness through recovery to a healthy life,” she added. “We need to follow these patients very closely to prevent relapse because we know they can decompensate very quickly while still struggling with acute symptoms.”
To learn more about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhospital.com.
