UCLA Health has a dedicated and multidisciplinary team of COVID-19 physicians who can follow patients in the outpatient setting. This team includes internists, pulmonologists and cardiologists, among others.
The following are specialty groups that follow COVID-19 positive patients who have symptoms that continue after their initial illness.
Pulmonary / Critical Care Clinic
The pulmonary / critical care team is available to help anyone who is recovering from COVID-19 and has ongoing oxygen dependence, breathlessness at rest, shortness of breath when walking, or cough.
They can order tests to further diagnose the cause of symptoms; prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms; and design an individualized lung exercise and rehabilitation plan to target symptoms.
In addition, there is specialized post-ICU clinic dedicated to anyone who was hospitalized in the ICU and required mechanical ventilation (aka, a “breathing tube”). In addition to working with a pulmonary/critical care physician, patients will meet with a respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and social worker. The goal of this multidisciplinary expert team is to help patients work through an individualized recovery process outside of the hospital, at home.
Talk to your primary care physician to learn more.
Cardiology – COVID Clinic
UCLA Health has cardiologists who specialize in treating effects of COVID-19 on the heart, which can linger after an initial COVID-19 diagnosis and illness. This impact on the heart can delay a patients’ return to their usual activities.
The following patients should reach out for this specialized care:
- Any patient who experienced arrhythmia, heart failure or cardiac injury during or after their hospitalization for COVID-19
- Any COVID-19 positive patient with cardiac symptoms that last for more than 14 days, including chest pain, heart palpitations, unexplained shortness of breath or fatigue.
A primary care physician or cardiology referral is required.
Neurology – Post-COVID clinic
The neurology team has a neuroinfectious disease specialist who offers consultative care to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing post-COVID related symptoms, including memory loss, persistent headaches, neuropathy, persistent muscle aches and balance disorders.
Talk to your primary care physician or neurologist for more information. A physician referral is required.
Infectious Diseases
The UCLA Division of Infectious Diseases has clinics throughout Los Angeles County, including locations in Encino, Santa Monica, Westwood and Torrance. Infectious disease physicians see patients with COVID-19 who may have other infectious complications. Many faculty members are also leading COVID-19 clinical trials, investigating therapies for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients.
Please reach out to your primary care provider for a referral to either the infectious disease clinic or to be considered for a clinical trial