Care Beyond COVID-19

For the past two months, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been the focus of healthcare news, but that doesn’t mean other health issues have disappeared. Heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans – every 37 seconds, a person dies from cardiovascular disease – and chronic conditions such as diabetes need continuous active management.

If you have a chronic condition that requires medication and regular checkups, you should continue taking the medication as you normally would and keep in touch with your physician. You still have access to your GBMC Health Partners physicians for management of routine or chronic health concerns. GBMC’s telehealth services allow you to communicate directly with your care team and even meet with your physician through a video visit. Use the https://www.gbmc.org/mychart at GBMC patient portal, which can be accessed at www.gbmc.org/https://www.gbmc.org/mychart, or downloaded as an app from the App Store or Google Play.

Many are also reluctant to go to the Emergency Department (ED) because of the threat of COVID-19, but delaying emergency care is much more dangerous. Hospitals across the country, including GBMC HealthCare, have measures in place to separate COVID-19 patients from others and minimize the spread of illness. This includes temporary triage tents outside of the hospital, and caring for COVID-19 positive or “under investigation” patients in separate units. As always, Environmental Services teams are working around the clock to ensure all areas of the hospital are sanitized, and staff members are taking all appropriate precautions. If you are having a true medical emergency, you should always call 911 or come to the ED.

Some signs that you need to go to the ED include but are not limited to:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting or sudden dizziness
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden changes in vision
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Any sudden or severe pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Suicidal thoughts

During this time of crisis, GBMC HealthCare continues to work toward its vision of providing the care we would want for our own loved ones to every patient, every time. The health and safety of our community is our top priority!

*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*