FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): People dealing with lingering symptoms of COVID-19 may be eligible for referral to a new clinic created to help restore patients to their pre-COVID function.
The new Parkview Post-COVID Clinic, led by the Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) – Neurology team, will provide care and support for people with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, more commonly known as COVID-19 “long-haulers.”
For long-haulers, symptoms like brain fog, muscle weakness, fatigue or loss of taste and smell last for weeks, or even months. As medical researchers are still studying the cause and impact of long-hauler symptoms, the new Parkview Post-COVID Clinic will incorporate emerging treatment options and potentially participate in research and clinical trials aimed at helping patients recover and return to the life they knew before COVID-19.
The clinic will take a multidisciplinary approach to care, offering neurology, physiatry, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and pharmacy services. It will also partner with the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation.
The Parkview Post-COVID Clinic is the first known clinic of its kind in Indiana. Due to the emerging nature of post-COVID treatment, the clinic’s initial capacity will be limited, and patients will need to obtain a referral through their PPG primary care provider.
“We don’t know for certain the long-term impacts of a novel virus like COVID-19, but we can help patients manage symptoms and offer hope for recovery,” said Fen Lei Chang, MD, PhD, medical director, Parkview Neurosciences. “Evaluation will be individualized based on each person’s concerns, and management recommendations will be based on the most up-to-date, evidence-based medical practice. Our goal is to restore the function and wellbeing of our patients one at a time. Though the Parkview Post-COVID Clinic will be limited to begin with, it’s important we start somewhere.”
The Parkview Post-COVID Clinic is ideal for patients who experienced new or worse symptoms such as brain fog, headaches, sensory disturbance, loss of taste and smell, fatigue or weakness. Patients must be at least 18 years old, have a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, and have lingering symptoms at least four weeks post-diagnosis. Contact your PPG primary care provider to determine if you qualify for a referral.
