Delaying Care for Non-COVID Patients can Lead to Greater Health Issues

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/15/2020
 
MEDIA CONTACT
Wendy Forbes
[email protected]
720.321.4304
 
 
Delaying Care for Non-COVID Patients can Lead to Greater Health Issues
Centura reminds consumers it is safe to receive care
 
(ENGLEWOOD, COLO.)  In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, medical emergencies unrelated to COVID-19 still occur. Centura Health wants to remind our patients and communities that all of their health care needs, including life-threatening conditions and chronic illnesses, can be treated safely even as the fears of COVID-19 loom.
 
“I am worried about our communities. COVID-19 is, of course, at the front of everyone’s mind as it should be.  However, the number of calls and visits we are seeing across our communities are alarmingly low,” explains Dr. Judd Dawson, Centura Health Physician Group. “I think about the patients with diabetes, heart failure, chest pain, leg swelling and other problems that can cause significant problems. My concern is that individuals are ignoring symptoms because they do not feel anything can be done for them in the present pandemic situation.”
 
When patients delay care, the likelihood of a more permanent negative outcome increases. Centura Health Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers are open and receiving patients. As patients arrive, Centura takes extra precautions to screen patients and ensure that presumed or confirmed COVID-19 patients are placed in an isolation area.
 
For both primary care and specialty care visits, Centura Health and their team of caregivers provide the option to connect virtually with current patients using secure video, commonly referred to as telehealth or virtual care. Signing up is free and patients only pay per visit. Providers can conduct virtual visits for patients as clinically appropriate, including chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma and arthritis. Patients can call their caregiver to schedule an in-person or virtual care visit today.
 
“Whether your chronic health issues are not in control, or if you feel you are developing something new, health concerns carry their own risks beyond just becoming infected,” stated Dr. Dawson. “We want you to have the best chance of returning to normal life when the pandemic is past.”
 
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ABOUT CENTURA HEALTH
Centura Health connects individuals, families and neighborhoods across Colorado and western Kansas with more than 6,000 physicians and 21,000 of the best hearts and minds in health care. Through our 17 hospitals, two senior living communities, neighborhood health centers, physician practices and clinics, home care and hospice services, and Flight For Life® Colorado, our caregivers make the region’s best health care accessible. We’re on a mission to build flourishing communities and whole person care. We’re Centura Health, and we’re your dedicated health partner for life. For information on Centura Health or any of the facilities in our network, please visit the Centura Health website.