COVID Recovery Clinic

Recovery from COVID-19 has posed a new set of challenges for patients and medical professionals alike. Up to 10 – 30% of COVID-19 survivors will experience lingering symptoms or health effects, a condition frequently known as “Long COVID”. The most common persistent symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, weakness, and headaches. The UNC COVID Recovery Clinic serves as a resource to provide consultative medical care for people with Long COVID.

How We Can Help

The UNC COVID Recovery Clinic can perform an assessment and provide recommendations for your Long COVID care. Our recommendations, based on the latest understanding of Long COVID, will be communicated to the referring provider who can work with you to implement them.

What To Expect During Your Initial Evaluation

A provider referral is required for all new patients. The referral packet must include the completed new patient referral form and recent medical records (fax 984-215-2643). Upon receiving the complete referral paperwork, we will contact you to schedule an appointment.

The appointment can be done in person (Chapel Hill, NC) or via telemedicine. A UNC COVID Recovery Clinic provider will gather specific information about your medical history and COVID illness, including assessing current symptoms, mood, thinking/memory, and physical endurance. Our recommendations will be provided to you and the referring provider.

Prior to the visit, please consider what symptoms are most concerning to you. It can also be helpful to write down a list of questions to discuss with the provider. Please also bring a list of your current medicines to the visit.

Most patients are seen only for a one-time assessment and recommendations.

Depending on the degree of your symptoms and progress with recovery, you may have up to 2 additional visits for further assessments. Throughout this time, it is important for you to remain in touch with your existing care team who will implement the recommendations and continue your care longer term. The COVID Recovery Clinic will assist—not replace—your existing medical providers.

Treatments Approaches

A treatment plan will be designed based on your specific ongoing symptoms. While they can vary, recommended treatments may include a structured exercise program, cognitive rehabilitation activities, medications, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, further testing such as lab work or imaging studies may be recommended. Additional specialist evaluations may also be recommended if needed to address your particular symptoms.

Depending on the degree of your symptoms and progress with recovery, you may have follow up visits for further assessments. The COVID Recovery Clinic will assist—not replace—your existing medical providers. After each visit, records will be sent to your primary providers to keep them updated on your treatment plan and progress.

COVID Recovery Clinic Medical Providers

COVID Recovery Clinic Group Photo

You will be seen by one of the team’s medical providers, which includes John M. Baratta, MD, MBA (co-director), Louise King, MD (co-director), Nikita Harrington, FNP, and Jessica Barnhill, MD, MPH.

FAQS

Read our Frequently Asked Questions

What symptoms does the COVID Recovery Clinic evaluate and treat?

Long COVID symptoms can be variable and affect many different parts of the body and brain. We are able to evaluate and provide recommendations for a number of symptoms including: fatigue; shortness of breath; heart palpitations; chest pain/tightness; cough; brain fog (memory and/or attention problems); weakness; dizziness; loss of smell or taste; sleep disorders; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; anxiety, depression, and PTSD; rashes; and joint, muscle, and nerve pains.

How do I schedule an appointment with the COVID Recovery Clinic?

In order to qualify for evaluation, you must be (1) at least 18 years of age, (2) have a documented COVID positive test, and (3) have lingering symptoms for more than 2 months.

What types of treatment does the COVID Recovery Clinic offer?

What should I expect for the duration of my treatment?

The number and frequency of visits with the COVID Recovery Clinic depends on how you progress. Most patients are seen only for a one-time assessment and recommendations. Depending on the degree of your symptoms and progress with recovery, you may have up to 2 additional visits for further assessments.

Does the COVID Recovery Clinic complete medical leave or disability paperwork?

Medical leave or disability paperwork should be completed by your primary care provider, as you would have an ongoing and long-term relationship with that person. We will provide our complete recommendations to your primary healthcare provider to assist with their completion of the paperwork.

Is the COVID Recovery Clinic a research study?

The primary focus of the COVID Recovery Clinic is to provide clinical care to improve the medical and functional recoveries of Long COVID patients. It is not a research study, but certain research opportunities are available to some patients involved in the clinic.

If you are interested in participating in Long COVID research, please visit the NIH’s Recover COVID Initiative website to find study locations.

Is there a cost to be seen in the COVID Recovery Clinic?

Assessments in the UNC COVID Recovery Clinic provider are billed as a specialist visit. To learn more about UNC Health’s billing policies, as well as financial assistance options, please visit this page.

Educational Handouts

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