LANSING, MI – In response to growing concerns about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and when to seek medical care, Sparrow Health System has launched a COVID-19 virtual care screening digital app in partnership with telemedicine service provider, Amwell.
The new app is accessible by smartphone, tablet or computer. The service is also important in aiding the community in maintaining recommended social distancing practices.
Not intended for general Coronavirus questions, this COVID-19 virtual care app is aimed toward at-risk individuals who are exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, shortness of breath or a cough. Individuals served through the virtual care process will connect directly with a board-certified Caregiver who is also trained in telehealth and who will assist with determining appropriate next steps for in-home treatment and quarantine or emergency medical care. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The virtual service is available at no cost at this time.
“The COVID-19 virtual care option is an important community tool for those with flu-like symptoms who are unsure about what to do next,” said Douglas Edema, M.D., President of Sparrow Medical Group. “Virtual care for at-risk residents can make a very big difference in limiting the spread of disease during pandemics such as the coronavirus outbreak.”
The mobile app can be downloaded on an iPhone or Android or a session can be started using a video-enabled laptop or desktop computer. Additional sign-up information can be found on the Sparrow.org/Coronavirus web page under the Virtual Care section. When signing into the mobile app or through your computer, the service key code is “Sparrow.”
Please remember there are steps you can take to keep flu-like illness at bay:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cover your cough
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces daily
- Practice social distancing at all times
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Sparrow, a member of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network, is mid-Michigan’s premier healthcare organization that includes hospitals in Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, Ionia and Carson City as well as Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, Sparrow Medical Group and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 Caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and Patient experience. For more information, visit sparrow.org.
