Post-COVID Recovery Program

The Post-COVID Recovery Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers individualized assessment and treatment for adults and children experiencing persistent symptoms of COVID-19 more than four weeks after infection, often referred to as long-term COVID.

Because COVID-19 can impact people in such varied ways, our program brings together experts from different medical specialties, including Pulmonology, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Cardiology, Neurology, Rheumatology, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Sleep Medicine and Psychiatry.

What are the most common symptoms of long-term COVID?

Ohio State’s Post-COVID Recovery Program can help people who continue to struggle with one or more of these symptoms four weeks post-infection:

• Extreme fatigue
• Low energy
• Muscle or joint pain
• Breathlessness
• Lingering cough
• Loss of taste or smell
• Delayed processing or cognitive issues (brain fog)
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Digestive issues
• New or worsened allergies

How do I qualify for the Post-COVID Recovery Program?

Our program is designed for people with persistent symptoms due to COVID-19 that disrupt their ability to work or manage day-to-day responsibilities. To qualify, you must have:

• A positive COVID test or positive antibody test (pre-vaccination).
• Symptoms that have persisted for four or more weeks after an acute COVID infection.
• A prior appointment with a primary care provider to rule out new medical conditions that may account for your symptoms.
• Referral from the primary care provider who completed that exam.

What’s the treatment for long-term COVID?

Ohio State’s Post-COVID Recovery Program focuses on improving your quality of life with treatment coordinated across our team of specialists.

Your treatment plan is tailored to your goals and unique symptoms. Care plans often include pulmonary rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, psychological therapy and support and medication management for brain fog, headache, insomnia, mood changes, heart rate and blood pressure abnormalities, pain and breathing difficulties.

What to expect from the Post-COVID Recovery Program

Our care coordinator nurse will collect your basic health data and medical history before your first appointment. This allows our post-COVID providers to begin creating a personalized care plan during your first visit.

If you have other pre-existing conditions, we may recommend additional testing or refer you to other specialists, such as cardiologists or endocrinologists, to create a comprehensive plan that improves your overall health while treating the lingering COVID symptoms.

After the first appointment, we can transition to video visits for ongoing care as appropriate. Treatment details are shared with your referring provider to ensure a smooth transition back to their care when appropriate.

The Post-COVID Recovery Program can also provide:

• Accommodation letters
• Family Medical Leave/Short-term disability management and supporting documents for long-term disability

Why choose Ohio State for long-term COVID care?

Expertise: The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center was a national leader during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were one of the first hospitals in the nation and the first in Ohio to administer vaccines to frontline workers, and we quickly mobilized vaccination clinics across central Ohio.

Research: Researchers at The Ohio State University College of Medicine have tracked how COVID-19 can impact the body and damage the lungs, heart, nervous system, kidneys, liver and mental health. Our ongoing research helps us further refine therapies for a moving target like COVID, which continues to evolve into new strains.

How to refer an adult or child to Ohio State’s Post-COVID Recovery Program

• Wexner Medical Center providers can initiate an ambulatory/AMB referral in IHIS.
• External/Non-Ohio State providers can fax a referral form for the Post-COVID Recovery Program, along with progress notes and relevant testing, to 614-293-1456. Or, you can visit our physician referral web page.
• You can call 614-293-9120 to request an e-consult for shortness of breath and anosmia (loss of smell).

Have a question or need referral help? Call 614-293-9120.