What if your ailment is not related to coronavirus? Tips for the tri-county region.
Hospitals and urgent care centers in York, Chester and Lancaster counties are asking patients to communicate online or by phone in non-coronavirus-related cases before making a trip to the doctor’s office.
Atrium Health operates urgent care centers in York County and south Charlotte. Patients seeking information about the coronavirus, or COVID-19, can find it at atriumhealth.org/about-us/coronavirus.
“Limiting our contact with others can help slow the spread and reduce the impact of COVID-19,” according to a statement on the Atrium Health website.
The website has a COVID-19 risk assessment online that screens patients for the illness before they leave home.
The website exists not only for coronavirus, but also for everyday illnesses or accidents. Patients can talk to a healthcare professional even if they don’t have coronavirus, said Kate Gaier, a spokesperson for Atrium Health.
A “virtual care team” is treating patients by virtual visits, or face-to-face online chats for non-COVID and non-emergencies, Gaier said.
“Some patients with a headache can be treated through a virtual visit, but with other symptoms present, a patient may need to seek care elsewhere,” Gaier said.
The website suggests using the online risk assessment if you have a fever of 100.4 or have cough or congestion.
Patients also also speak with a healthcare professional by phone or have a nurse video visit. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day and the nurse video visits are from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. The Health Line is 704-468-8888.
Patients ages 18 and older who are experiencing coronavirus or respiratory symptoms can have an eVisit for free. Other eVisits are $10.
The Virtual Visit is available 24 hours a day and costs $25. Visit the “Get Care Now” page for more details.
Patients in Lancaster and Chester counties also can visit the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)’s Lancaster Medical Center and Chester Medical Center virtual care.
The hospital’s website, www.musc.care, also has virtual care visits for more than 40 medical conditions.
“Lately it has received a lot of attention and usage based on the Corona virus,” said Ashley Shannon, a spokesperson for MUSC. “However, this is because this is also a screening platform for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.”
Patients seeking medical care through MUSC system of doctor’s offices need to call ahead to make virtual appointments. There is no cost for people seeking care for coronavirus symptoms. All other visits are $25.
Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill has two urgent care offices — Piedmont Urgent Care in Baxter Village and Piedmont West Urgent care in York. The hospital also has emergency rooms in Rock Hill and Fort Mill.
Piedmont CEO Mark Nosacka said primary care providers should be the first call for non-emergencies.
“They know your health history,” Nasacka said. “An urgent care center is another option to receive care for non-emergent illnesses or injuries.
Piedmonth also has a COVID-19 online assessment tool on its website that leads individuals through a step-by-step questionnaire and then provides recommendations on next steps for people who are wondering if they meet criteria for a COVID-19 test, said Daisy Burroughs, a spokesperson for the hospital.
This next step may include a virtual visit with a physician, which is also available online.
Affinity Health Center offers primary care and mental health care through telehealth visits, said Executive Director Anita Case.
The health center will offer curbside coronavirus testing starting April 6, through appointment only. Call 803-909-6363.
This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 8:03 AM.
