Outpatient Follow-Up for COVID-Positive Patents

Our Internal Medicine resident clinic serves under- and uninsured patients, groups that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and often have fewer resources during self-quarantine. Recognizing this, our student group was approached by the Medical Director of the clinic to create a telehealth program to follow up with COVID-positive patients and connect them with resources. Third and fourth-year medical students call patients after they have tested positive, identify any needs for pharmacy or food delivery, perform medical reconciliation, and provide education on their diagnosis. Although the hospital has a larger program for symptom monitoring of COVID-positive outpatients, some patients opt out. These patients are subsequently followed symptomatically by the student program, with escalation to attending physician as needed.