Practical Tips for Ambulatory Care in COVID-19: Lessons Learned in a New York Health System

Abstract

Although significant attention has been allocated to hospital management of COVID-19 patients during this pandemic, less discussed is the management of ambulatory patients. This has resulted in a challenge for ambulatory care providers in the management of COVID-19, particularly in areas with high disease prevalence. In this article, the authors share a pragmatic approach to ambulatory management of COVID-19 at Northwell Health, a large health system that employs approximately 300 primary care providers in the New York metro area. This includes guidance on various COVID-19 management topics: clinical assessment algorithms, guidance on patient tracking, and the importance of engaging in partnerships with other provider types. Sharing these experiences in the clinical management of COVID-19 may benefit other ambulatory providers in earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.