Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 9 9 Walter Lajara-Nanson, MD Neurology Brad Nieset, MD Adedotun Ogunsua, MD Cardiology Stephanie Burcusa, Ph.D. Behavioral Health Patrick Smith, FNP-BC Pulmonology Jason Kjono, PA-C Pulmonology Jeffrey Baker, MD Ear, Nose, and Throat Puneet Bansal, MD Cardiology Ashton Hofstad, FNP-C Gastroenterology A tradition of advanced care. Learn more at Benefis.org To help the thousands of Montanans who continue to have ongoing symptoms related to COVID-19, Benefis Health System has developed a new program to provide specialized care and follow-up. Led by Dr. Brad Nieset, the Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program at Benefis is the first to serve patients from across the state. The program has already helped patients from 13 counties ranging in age from 14-81. What are the most common complaints patients have had so far? The top five issues patients have had are headaches with brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and anxiety. Why is this program necessary? Unfortunately, a lot of patients infected in 2020 were sent home with minimal to no follow-up care. Now, we are seeing the long-term effects of COVID-19 and those who have been suffering for months to over a year. Our early data suggests that patients with an initial mild-to-moderate course of the virus have been more significantly affected with post-COVID-19 syndrome than patients who were hospitalized. The next step is to educate Montanans who are suffering and help get them medical care. We also hope to use this information for newly diagnosed patients by recognizing and treating post-COVID complications sooner rather than later. How does the program help long-haulers get better? Because COVID-19 acts differently in many people, we've brought together a multidisciplinary team that works together for the patient's recovery. The team may include staff members from a wide range of specialties, including primary care, pulmonary, cardiology, infectious disease, gastroenterology, physical and occupational therapy, speech language pathology, ear, nose, and throat, neurology, mental health, and pharmacy. What can patients expect? Patients will undergo an initial one-hour virtual visit where their needs will be evaluated. After the assessment, we may recommend further testing along with consultations with specialty providers as needed. How can Montanans get started on their recovery from long-haul COVID? Referrals are welcome for all patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and still have health issues. If you don't have a primary care provider, you can self-refer, and we will help you get established with a Benefis provider. You can also visit Benefis.org/postcovid to learn more and complete our contact form so one of our team members can be in touch. Are You a COVID-19 Long-Hauler? Medical Help Is Here

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