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Sponsored by: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
May 11, 2020

Navigating Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: How to Get the Help You Need, When You Need It

Having choices when it comes to your health care decisions is a good thing. But making the right choice about where to go for care can be overwhelming — especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Telemedicine access has been expanded for a number of individuals at this time. Of course, there may be some circumstances when you still need to see a doctor in person. Having the information you need to better understand how to access care can help you make the right decisions when health needs arise.

 

ALL EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms below, call 911 OR go to your closesst Emergency Room.

Covid-19 Related

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

Other emergency symptoms

  • Choking
  • Acute pain
  • Severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or chest pain
  • Inability to arouse

MILD COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

Are you or a loved one experiencing any other symptoms of COVID-19?

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
Yes
No

Refer to the guide below if you have other health concerns.

For non-emergency symptoms of COVID⁠-⁠19, first call your PCP for their expert opinion.

Your doctor may offer telemedicine so you can have a virtual consultation via your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Or use Doctor on Demand, a Harvard Pilgrim partner, if your doctor doesn’t offer telemedicine but you still want a virtual visit.

You can consult the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker to assess your symptoms and whether you should be tested.

Most people with mild COVID-19 symptoms are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. If symptoms worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

ALL OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS

Is your PCP available for a phone call?

Yes
No

Call your PCP to see if you need an appointment now or can wait.

Your doctor knows your health care needs and can direct you to the best care.

Try telemedicine, like Doctor on Demand, to get guidance on where and how to receive care.

Telemedicine technology not available?

Call your local urgent care clinic or convenience care clinic for advice on next steps, before visiting in person

 

What about telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a smart, virtual solution that can help you avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor’s office, urgent care, or the ER. This can help ensure that you don’t put yourself, or others, at risk.

Many providers are now offering video or phone visits. However, if your health care provider does not offer telemedicine services, you can also access these services through app-based telemedicine providers such as Doctor On Demand, a Harvard Pilgrim partner. Doctor On Demand is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Use telemedicine to avoid crowded waiting rooms, reduce your exposure to COVID-19, and help to contain the spread of the disease.

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing mild symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath), call your health care provider for medical advice first.

Visit our site to see how Harvard Pilgrim is handling coverage for its members.

Of course, patients experiencing medical emergencies should always head to the emergency room.

No type of acute pain should be delayed in treatment. Chest and severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, or severe bleeding are all reasons to go to an emergency room immediately. Serious head injuries should also be immediately checked at an ER.

Tips for readiness

Save your doctor’s phone number in your mobile phone for easy access. Many practices have coverage for non-office hours, so you likely can reach your doctor or another medical professional who can access your records when necessary.

You can also proactively put a backup plan in place by downloading the Doctor On Demand app from the App Store or Google Play. When an in-person visit isn’t avoidable, the app will also show urgent care and convenience care clinics that are closest to you, including their hours of operation.