GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Spectrum Health is now offering a free hotline for anyone who believes they may be infected with the coronavirus. Callers to the hotline will then be scheduled for a virtual video visit and assisted with downloading the Spectrum Health Now App, where the video visit will be held.
The hotline was launched Friday evening and is free for anyone to use.
"We want to make sure that we're not promoting the spread of the disease and we want to make sure that people come into our facilities and any facilities in the city," said Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, Chief Medical Officer of Spectrum Health and President of Spectrum Health Medical Group. "And so by virtually doing this on their own, free of charge, we can screen folks to see if they need more advanced care."
The hotline always provides a way for people to get in touch with a doctor without compromising other patients by waiting in an urgent care center or emergency room.
"It's truly [meant] to be a community benefit to help people and to prevent further harm," said Dr. Darryl Elmouchi. "We'd rather be ahead of the game and make sure that our community is protected."
The consultation will only take a few minutes and will be free of charge. Nothing will be billed to your private insurance company.
"Quite honestly, if there's a financial barrier for people even getting screening, many won't do it," said Dr. Elmouchi.
If the doctors during the screening do believe you may have contracted the novel coronavirus, you will then be directed to more advanced care options.
The hotline can be reached at (616) 391-2380. You can also download the app in the Apple or Andriod stores.
