Prisma Health rolls out free tool to screen people for coronavirus from home
Prisma Health is offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, officials said Tuesday.
The online tool prevents patients from having to visit an emergency room or doctor’s office, where they may jam up care. Rather, people who are experiencing coughing, fever or shortness of breath can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said at a Tuesday press conference.
Prisma also offers video visits, but patients would still have to pay for those, Prisma spokeswoman Tammie Epps said.
Those who use the service should not expect a positive or negative coronavirus test result. The only way to test for coronavirus right now is to have an in-person test done by a medical professional that is then verified by state and federal officials, according to a previous article from The State. But the online visit could help determine if the patient needs a coronavirus test.
To schedule an appointment, patients have to make an account and enter the promo code COVID19, according to Prisma’s website.
Prisma follows the Medical University of South Carolina, which announced it was releasing a similar tool during a Saturday press conference.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 2:31 PM.