Essential Telemed COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, ESSENTIAL TELEMED is working diligently to help keep you healthy and safe. It’s important to know what you can expect from your telemed visit during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note, as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve, this list is subject to change.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Essential Telemed provider can:
- Assess likelihood of COVID-19 based on your symptoms and other risk factors
- Advise you to:
- Self-quarantine according to the latest CDC guidelines
- Pursue COVID-19 testing via an in-person care setting
- Go to an emergency department if symptoms are severe, and help coordinate with your local emergency department if necessary
- Discuss signs and symptoms of coronavirus
- Write a note excusing you from school or work for up to 14 days
- Diagnose and treat more than 80 common conditions, reducing the need for in-person care
- Write 30-day prescription refills for chronic conditions
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
Your ESSENTIAL TELEMD provider cannot:
- Order tests for COVID-19
- Treat COVID-19 cases with anti-viral medication
What are the symptoms and signs of COVID-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.
The time between exposure to the COVID-19 virus and onset of symptoms is called the “incubation period.” The incubation period for COVID-19 is typically 2 to 14 days, although in some cases it may be longer.
If you are returning from an area with an outbreak of COVID-19 the CDC is recommending you self-quarantine for 14 days immediately upon returning from your travels, even if asymptomatic. If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath during those 14 days contact your health care professional and mention your recent travel. Your provider will work with your county public health department to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from an impacted area, you should call a health care professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel. For the most updated travel advisories regarding COVID-19, visit: U.S. Travel Advisories and CDC Information for Travel.
Your healthcare professional will work with your county health department to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
A person who is tested will have three specimens taken: oral, nasal, and saliva. The samples will be given to the county health department, who will then either ship or deliver them to the closest state laboratory. If a specimen is tested positive, it will be identified as ‘presumptive positive’ until the result is confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For more information on COVID-19 testing see CDC Tests for COVID-19.
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Learn about COVID-19 Treatment.