March 17, 2020

In response to the recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), MU Health Care is now offering free video visits for patients who need to be assessed for COVID-19.

The screenings will allow patients to interact with providers from the comfort of their own home, ensuring they do not expose others to their illness.

“Patients can expect their virtual care provider to follow the same CDC guidelines for screening COVID-19 that we follow in the emergency department,” said Matthew Robinson, MD, chair for the School of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine and medical director at the University Hospital Emergency Medicine Department. “Providers will ask about travel history and exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19. If further evaluation is recommended, patients will be directed to their local emergency room for testing and follow-up care.”

Individuals who are experiencing mild symptoms, such as fever and cough, and have traveled recently to an area where COVID-19 is active or think they may have been exposed to the virus should complete a video visit by going to muhealthvideovisits.org.

Individuals who are experiencing shortness of breath or who have been instructed to go to an emergency room or clinic for further testing should call ahead before arriving. This will ensure health care staff are prepared for their arrival and can limit the individual’s contact with others and take steps to isolate them.

MU Health Care also offers virtual urgent care for common conditions via video visits. These visits cost $59 (or $10 for custom network insurance).

“Video visits also are a good option for patients who want to avoid waiting rooms where they may be exposed to other illnesses,” Robinson said. “Conditions like cold and flu, sore throat, pink eye and abdominal pain also can be treated by a provider virtually.”

For more information on video visits, go to muhealth.org/videovisits.

MU Health Care has more information about COVID-19 at muhealth.org/coronavirus.

Media contact: Eric Maze, mazee@health.missouri.edu, 573-884-3656