In March 2021, Benefis Health System developed a program to provide specialized care and follow-up for those recovering from COVID-19. Studies estimate that about 10% of COVID-19 patients face long-term symptoms. While the long-term effects of the disease are still unknown, Benefis Health System is addressing the issues of COVID-19 aftercare by bringing together a team from a broad range of specialties. By doing so, we are able to provide patients access to specialists who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to educate and provide resources to those who continue to have ongoing symptoms related to COVID-19.
Because COVID-19 acts differently in many people, this multidisciplinary team works together for the patient’s recovery. Our team includes staff members from a wide range of specialties, including primary care, pulmonary, cardiology, ear, nose, and throat, neurology, infectious disease, gastroenterology, physical and occupational therapy, speech language pathology, mental health, and pharmacy.
Adedotun (Tony) Ogunsua, MD
Cardiology
Jason Kjono, PA-C
Pulmonology
Brad Nieset, MD
Palliative Medicine
Jeffrey Baker, MD
ENT
Walter Lajara-Nanson, MD
Neurology
Stephanie Burcusa, PhD
Behavioral Health
Ashton Hofstad, FNP-C
Gastroenterology
Benefis is leading the way in COVID-19 treatment in Montana. We were among the first in the state to deliver monoclonal antibody treatment to high-risk COVID-19 patients, drastically reducing hospitalizations. Our Post-COVID-19 Program is the first and only such program in the state.
Am I a Candidate?
The Post-COVID-19 program is open to “long COVID” patients of any age. Symptoms may include ongoing fever, fatigue, breathlessness, renal and cardiovascular impairments, blood clots, muscle pain, depression, and other persistent physical and psychological effects.
Some of the most commonly reported long-term symptoms per the CDC include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
Other reported long-term symptoms include:
- Brain fog - with 5 to 12 week treatments, we have seen an 80-100% recovery rate
- Depression
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Intermittent fever
- Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
Referral Process
Referrals are welcome for all patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and are still experiencing lingering health issues. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can self-refer, and we will help you get established with a Benefis provider.
Assessment
Patients will undergo an initial one-hour virtual visit where their personal, health, and rehabilitation needs will be evaluated. After the assessment, we may recommend further testing along with consultations with specialty providers as needed. Every phase of care will be communicated to and coordinated with the patient, caregivers, and the patient’s primary care provider.
Registry
Help Benefis learn more about the long-term effects of COVID-19 by joining our COVID-19 registry and participating in future research. Participation is voluntary and is not required to receive post-COVID-19 care.
Contact Us
If you have questions, would like to request an appointment, or would like more information about post-COVID-19 care, please complete the form below and one of our team members will be in touch.