With coronavirus, it may seem like we have more questions than answers about its spread, including what to do if it comes near your neighborhood. If you need to see your doctor and can’t leave home, you can still see him or her safely — and even in the palm of your hand.
Is It Safe to Leave Home to See a Doctor During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic?
To prevent the spread of illness, plan to stay at home as much as possible during the pandemic.
If you have a chronic health condition or are an older adult — or have a loved one who is — you may be at risk of more serious illness from coronavirus. Read more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about what people who face a higher risk should do.
Official decisions about community measures (like staying home) in your area will be made by local and state officials, according to the CDC. Local authorities should tell you when it’s necessary to stay with your loved ones in your house, and it’s important you follow their advice.
How Can I See My Doctor During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
At every step of the outbreak, you can still contact your doctor and other trusted medical professionals if you need to talk about your symptoms or need help quickly.
As a first step, you should call — not visit, unless they say it’s OK — your doctor’s office, or even your county health department, if necessary. Your primary care physician and the professionals at your local health department can give you guidance on the next steps to take to feel better.
Seeing Your Doctor if You Do Not Have COVID-19 Symptoms
If you need medical care for mild illness and don’t have the main coronavirus disease symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty breathing, you may still see your doctor safely.
However, even for mild symptoms that aren’t similar to coronavirus, call ahead, explain your symptoms and ask whether you should stay home or come into the doctor’s office.
Seeing Your Doctor if You Have COVID-19 Symptoms
If you need medical care for coronavirus disease symptoms, please call your doctor, or schedule a video visit through the AdventHealth app. You should avoid your physician’s office, urgent care or going to the emergency room at your local hospital except in cases of an emergency. This helps keep everyone safe.
If you’re mildly sick with COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC says to stay home and isolate yourself as best as you can. If you’re really sick with coronavirus disease symptoms but don’t need to be hospitalized, the CDC says to follow these steps on how to how to avoid spreading your illness to others.
Video Visit with a Doctor Through the AdventHealth App
When you don’t need immediate or ER care, you can see your doctor during the coronavirus pandemic right in the palm of your hand, with a video visit in the AdventHealth app.
Through the AdventHealth app, you can use your smartphone or tablet to visit your primary care physician or an urgent care doctor through a video chat. You can explain your symptoms, get a diagnosis and even get an order for a prescription through a video visit — all without leaving the comfort and safety of your home.
In addition to seeing your doctor virtually, you can also use the AdventHealth app to:
- Access your medical records
- Get a prescription refill
- Get lab results quickly
- See upcoming appointments
To schedule a video visit and more, get the AdventHealth app in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
We’re dedicated to giving you all the information you need to keep your family safe. Get answers to FAQs about coronavirus, read more articles like this one and find other important resources on our Coronavirus Resource Hub.
