Expanded no-cost and low-cost telehealth options address physical and mental health

A visit to the doctor’s office when you’re sick is never fun, but with social distancing and concerns about COVID-19 it could be even worse.

Fortunately, Clemson University faculty, staff, students and alumni who don’t want to risk being exposed or exposing someone else while visiting a doctor or hospital can get help online. Much of it is free right now.

The Joseph F. Sullivan Center is providing virtual clinic visits at no cost to University employees, alumni and families through June 30.

Patients will have secure virtual visits with one of the Sullivan Center’s nurse practitioners to address non-COVID-19 issues. If problems cannot be fully addressed in a virtual visit, they will schedule an onsite visit at the Sullivan Center’s Clemson or Walhalla clinics with heightened precautions against COVID-19 transmission. Normal billing will apply for onsite visits.

Call 864-656-3076 to schedule an appointment. Find out more online.

Free care with promo code COVID19

Faculty and staff who are concerned their symptoms may be COVID-19 can get virtual medical help from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and several South Carolina health systems. The services are free when patients enter the promo code COVID19 when they log in.

Telehealth providers cannot diagnose COVID-19, but they may recommend a patient be tested for the virus based on their symptoms.

Using their computer or a mobile device, patients log in to the telehealth system. In some instances, such as with Blue Care on Demand, they will video chat with a medical provider. In others, like MUSC’s Virtual Care, patients respond to a series of questions about their symptoms. Their answers are recorded and reviewed by a provider. They will be notified of the results, usually within a day.

MUSC offers visits for common ailments that are always free for state employees and their families who are covered by PEBA State Health Plan insurance.

Prisma Health offers the Prisma Health Virtual Visit. Visits cost $20 for other ailments but are free with the COVID19 promo code.

Several other state health systems offer online virtual care. Find them on the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control Telehealth Virtual Care Providers (COVID-19) website.

The Centers for Disease Control cautions people who have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or who are not able to be awakened, or who have bluish lips or face to get emergency help right away.

Mental health support for students, faculty and staff

Social distancing and fear of disease can cause anxiety and stress during this unusual time.

Clemson University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) also has help for faculty and staff on its mental health website, including:

• Everyone with a Clemson.edu email address has access to CAPS’ online program called Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). Click on the Sign-Up Self Help button to create a login. To best address your concerns, select from nine online treatments. If you have questions about utilizing this service, contact CAPS at 864-656-2451.
• During business hours, students may call in to CAPS for consultation or concerns at 864-656-2451. In case of emergency or crisis after CAPS business hours, students can reach the counselor on call by calling the University Police Department at 864-656-2222 and asking to speak to the counselor on call. CUPD will take your number and the counselor will call you back. This service is available during the hours that the University is closed (generally 5 p.m. through 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.
• Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program(EAP) is a free service provided for employees, your dependents and household members. Deer Oaks offers proactive resources that provide you with the right tools and confidential resources to combat stress and navigate work and life challenges in the moment before they have a negative impact on your work productivity and personal wellbeing. There also are resources specific to COVID-19. You can access Deer Oaks services 24 hours per day, seven day per week. For assistance, please call 866-327-2400 or visit this link.