COVID-19 and Virtual Visits

March 24, 2020 - by Rakesh Chopra MD - in Health

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Your health and well-being are important to us, and Chopra Pediatrics is here to provide information and resources to help you stay safe with this new virus. If you’re experiencing symptoms or think you might have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact us right away to meet virtually. If you are seeking advice, support and guidance about COVID-19, or treatment for other illnesses like the flu, allergies, pinkeye and more, Virtual Visits can provide you with access to care from your home. Please note that Virtual Visits currently can’t test for or treat COVID-19. Having a Virtual Visit may also allow you to help minimize your, and others, exposure to potentially contagious viruses in public places— like doctors’ offices and waiting rooms. Please call the office before you start your virtual visit so we can ready your chart, or call the answering service if it is after hours. Start Your Virtual Visit COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is COVID-19? Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to an upper respiratory infection and may include: Fever Cough Shortness of breath It is important to know that 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild or without symptoms. Like the seasonal flu, COVID-19 is more severe in the elderly and in patients with long-term, underlying health conditions. How do I stay prepared? Following good prevention practices may help prevent illness: Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Try to stay away from people who might be sick. Do not share cups or eating utensils with people who might be sick. Clean and disinfect often-touched surfaces. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash. Where can I get more information? Virtual Visits doctors are available by phone or video. They can answer your questions about the virus, evaluate your risk and provide advice and support.  Can I use virtual visits for issues not related to COVID-19?Yes, our providers are here to help with concerns that you may have about your child. Here are some examples of when to use telemedicine:  URI symptoms, pink eye, cough, mild croup, mild wheezing, runny nose, sore throat, fever, rash, eczema, head lice, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, head injury, burn, laceration, orthopedic injuries, tick bite that does not need tick removed, flu symptoms, coronavirus symptoms, ER follow ups in many cases, lactation consultations, anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic headache, chronic abdominal pain, feeding concerns, developmental concerns, review labs     Are Virtual Visits covered by my insurance? Virtual visits are now covered by UPMC, Highmark, and Gateway. United Health care is covering these through 4/30/2020, and Aetna is now covering these as well through 6/4/2020. Any applicable copays or deductibles would be due similar to an office visit.

Rakesh Chopra MD