A Letter from UCM Virtual Health’s Chief Medical Officer
Providing insight and information on COVID-19
Hello,
As Chief Medical Officer at UCM Digital Health, I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts directly with you in regard to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Fundamentally, I’d like to share a message of diligence and calm — and to assure you of our deep commitment to providing emergency medical care to our patients.
While this outbreak has spread globally, causing illness, quarantines, and even deaths, it is important to remember that the best way to be healthy is to practice the same precautions you take every cold and flu season.
We recommend the following:
- Diligently wash your hands with warm water and soap regularly, for at least 20 seconds.
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hand.
- Avoid contact between hands and the face or mouth.
Use good common sense in crowds – avoid them if possible, but use hand sanitizer/good hand washing techniques following time in the public, and avoid handshakes and hugs.
For further and the most up-to-date, accurate medical information, and other precautionary steps, please refer to the CDC’s website.
UCM’s Virtual ER approach to care provides an extra, and unique, advantage during this outbreak. While the totals of individuals impacted by COVID-19 increases daily, the strain on our healthcare system becomes greater. That means UCM’s virtual care model is essential to helping contain the community spread of this virus.
If you need medical attention over these next several weeks, avoid waiting rooms full of other sick people and consult with one of our emergency medical providers without leaving your home. This could mean the difference in avoiding exposure to the virus.
The CDC has recommended the use of virtual healthcare in order to alleviate crowded waiting rooms and allow for patients who can be cared for at home, or to remain at home in self quarantine. Through our Virtual ER, our team of highly trained emergency medical providers will assess your symptoms and guide you through appropriate care, not only at the time of your initial call but with follow-up care.
Should a case of the coronavirus arise, our team will follow protocols set by healthcare authorities and work with local EMS and hospitals to ensure the patient receives immediate response and the right care, without infecting others.
If you think you may have come in contact with the virus, contact UCM so we can remotely walk you through the important steps to get you on the road to health without transmitting the virus.
In good health,
Mike Bibighaus, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
United Concierge Medicine
Dr. Michael Bibighaus is a board-certified emergency physician and has worked in emergency medicine for 10 years. He studied biomedical engineering and economics at Johns Hopkins University, where he also earned his medical degree. Dr. Bibighaus completed his postgraduate training at Johns Hopkins Hospital where he was Chief Resident of Emergency Medicine. Read his full bio.
