A year after COVID-19 first emerged in the United States, we are still gaining a better understanding of the virus and its effects, both immediate and long term. You have likely heard about lingering symptoms from the virus, which some people experience even after they recover. These can be referred to as long COVID, long haulers or post-COVID symptoms. If you had COVID-19 previously, this might apply to you.
“I’ve seen a lot of people who were never hospitalized who continue to be affected by COVID-19,” said John Dickinson, MD, PhD, a pulmonologist who is researching the lasting effects of COVID-19. “It may not be related to how sick you are initially.”
To understand the breadth and depth of post-COVID, Nebraska Medicine will open a multidisciplinary clinic for patients who need to be seen for on-going symptoms following COVID-19 illnesses.
“The clinic is designed to connect patients with a variety of specialists who will collaborate for their care,” Dr. Dickinson said. “This includes pulmonary, neurology, cardiology, psychiatry and psychology, rheumatology, allergy and infectious disease experts. We will also be working with anesthesia to complete preoperative assessments for patients ahead of scheduled procedures.”
The Post-COVID Clinic will be open to UNMC and Nebraska Medicine colleagues and immediate family members first, before expanding to include additional patients.
“It is really important for our employees’ health and wellness to offer this service to them first,” said Kelly Cawcutt, MD, an infectious diseases and critical care physician.
Drs. Cawcutt and Dickinson are collaborating with physicians from a variety of specialties to open the clinic and conduct research. Other leaders include, but are not limited to, Andy Vasey, MD, internal medicine; Daniel Anderson, MD, cardiology; Howard Fox, MD, PhD, neurological sciences; Sam Bierner, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation; and David Warren, PhD, neurological sciences.
Their goal is to understand the impact of long-term symptoms of COVID-19 infections in people who have recovered from the initial illness, including how often symptoms occur and how severe they are. Initial appointments will be held with the primary care medicine team led by Dr. Vasey, with the majority of first visits completed through telehealth.
If you or a family member have recovered from COVID-19, you are asked to complete this brief survey. It will ask about your current health following your COVID-19 illness. You . You also will, via the survey, be able to request an appointment at the Post-COVID Clinic.
“We know that Nebraska Medicine and the health care community in general will be caring for COVID-19 patients for years to come,” Dr. Cawcutt said. “This clinic will not only provide personalized treatment for people who are still affected by the virus, but also help us understand how it affects them long term.”
This is truly appreciated! Two questions; where and when will the clinic be held; and do the family members have to have an appointment?
The clinic doesn’t have a physical location. Dr. Vasey will be the first physician that patients meet with, primarily on telehealth, and then refer patients to different specialties as needed.
Yes, appointments are needed. You can request an appointment when you fill out the survey.
Thank you for doing this! it's an answer to my prayers
Thank you! Than you for the hope…Hope…maybe hope and no judgement…just understanding, support, and help and hope… Its been five month since I was in the ICU with Covid-19. For the first three months I went to my doctor's clinic weekly, until I couldn't take the way I felt while there and after I left. I would still be going to a doctor regularly- because I am not getting better- but I can't bear going one more time and having to convince them of how I feel is real, even if they can't grasp how everything they are doing isn't making me well…and all of this causes a great deal of hardship and exhaustion, and depression…five months later. Some days are better, but the ones that are bad are really bad. I never know each time I wake up, if it's going to be one of the better days or bad…the in between days are still full of symptoms, but easier to work through. Thank you for the hope of help. Thank you. Debbie
I'm a covid long hauler and I have lost my health insurance due to not physically being able to work full time. I'm 4 months post covid and am still sick. It's so frustrating not being able to afford treatment for these symptoms.
Is there a guess on when this will be available to the public?
Is UNMC going to be having Post covid clinics for the general public anytime soon? How do we sign up?
Do they require people getting the vaccines? What are the costs associated with the study fot the patients and are people going to get any kind of treatments to help them?
What is the best way to get an appointment. My sister-in-law is nearly suicidal due to the post-Covid issues. She is in constant debilitating neurological pain. The waiting list to get into the Mayo Clinic is 6-8 weeks. I'm not sure how much longer she can cope. How do we get her some help?
This clinic is not currently in operation. We are directing people to their primary physicians, or you can call the Nebraska Medical Center at 1-800-922-0000,