On Monday, March 30, at 8 a.m., Southeast Georgia Health System began screening patients for coronavirus symptoms through a free COVID-19 Screening Hotline,912-466-7222.The Hotline will be staffed with Health System nurses and advanced practice providers and will offer immediate access toSoutheast Georgia Physician Associates health care providers, if needed. Patients who meet the criteria for an in-person coronavirus screening will be given an appointment and instructions for a virtual or in-person physical exam and, if warranted, instructions for testing. Initially, the Hotline will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There are plans to expand hours and add weekend coverage as demand requires.
The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. More advanced symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, sudden confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face. Elderly people and anyone with severe heart or lung disease or diabetes appear to have a higher risk for developing more serious complications from coronavirus.
“Health experts around the world know that containment is our best course of action to curb the spread of coronavirus. For this reason, Southeast Georgia Health System rapidly mobilized resources to roll out a screening hotline that will address public concerns and help local medical providers identify who needs testing, who can quarantine at home and who needs immediate medical attention. The hotline is just one of many efforts the Health System is taking to protect our community,” says Daniel L. Miller, M.D., board-certified emergency medicine physician a tGlynn Immediate Care Center and member of the Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick Campus medical staff.
To make the hotline available to those who truly need it, Health System officials are urging the public to call only if they or a loved one experience symptoms associated with the coronavirus.
If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, call the Screening Hotline, 912-466-7222, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.