Long COVID Care
Group medical visits for post-viral recovery
This 3-visit series will provide patients with a holistic plan to promote recovery from Long COVID. Each session combines evidence-based interventions, group discussion, personal reflection, and strategies you can begin using right away.
Part 1: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Lectins
Dr. Kuon will offer some recommended foods, herbs, and supplements that can be useful for boosting the effectiveness of conventional therapies and countering some of the inflammatory effects of COVID.
Part 2: Using Nature and Nutrients to Heal
Plants have been used for thousands of years to prevent and cure diseases. Dr. Kuon will review what we know and don’t know about botanical therapies, and how correcting certain nutrient deficiencies can help the body heal from Long COVID.
Part 3: Beyond Traditional Medicine
When should you consider complementary and alternative therapies, mind/body interventions? This session will cover the importance of stress reduction, vagal toning exercises, and the concept of pacing in graduated exercise.
Who are these sessions for?
The Long Covid GMV is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with long covid and has a referral. More information about becoming a new patient can be found here. Note: This group is not for patients who have reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine only.
Does insurance cover these visits?
Yes, they are billed as video visits. Like any other medical visit, insurance will be verified, and authorization will be sought if needed.
What can I expect?
Each Long Covid GMV series consists of three 3-hour sessions, usually two weeks apart. The first hour of each session involves a talk from Dr. Kuon that will cover topics such as: the science of Long Covid, specific diets that may be used in your treatment, pharmacotherapy, supplements, botanicals, mind-body interventions, environmental risk factors, and appropriate exercise regimens. The last two hours of each session is generally when Dr. Kuon meets with participants one-on-one to discuss specific lab values and to tailor your treatment plan to individual needs.
How do I get a referral?
Please ask your primary care provider, or another provider caring for you, to send a referral to the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UCSF, and to specify Long Covid Group Medical Visits. More information can be found here.
Where do these sessions take place?
All sessions will take place virtually on Zoom.
How long will it take to get a spot in the group medical visit?
Due to high demand for this service, you will be placed on a waiting list after we receive your referral. We will notify you on MyChart, or over the phone, when it is your turn to be scheduled. Since the waitlist fluctuates, we are unfortunately unable to provide an estimate for how long this process may take.
Can I have my disability forms filled out by Dr. Kuon for Long COVID?
No. Our office does not fill out disability paperwork or Leaves of Absence. Please discuss these needs with your PCP. However, Dr. Kuon’s group visit notes can be used to support your claim. You can request your medical records by calling 415-353-2221 or access your electronic medical records in MyChart.
Are caregivers allowed to join?
Yes, but please communicate this with the GMV team ahead of time by messaging us on MyChart after you have been enrolled. Also, please ensure that the patient’s first name is the one that appears on Zoom.
Can I join late?
Please make every effort to join on time (or even better, log onto Zoom a few minutes early). If you are running late, please let us know by sending a message on MyChart or calling (415) 353-7700. Participants will not be admitted 10 minutes past the session start time.
Can I continue with the group if I miss a session?
No. You MUST attend all three sessions. If you miss one session, you won’t be able to make it up. If you miss a session, the subsequent sessions will be canceled.
How many participants are in each session?
Each session is capped at 10 participants.
Can I see Dr. Kuon for more than just three sessions?
No. Group medical visits are stand-alone offerings and are not meant to transition into continuous care. Dr. Kuon’s generalist clinic is closed to new patients at this time. Follow-up care should be established with your primary care team.
Can I repeat the 3-session series more than once?
No. Given there is a waitlist, new patients who have not yet participated will be prioritized.
Where can I learn more about Long COVID?
Watch this lecture from Dr. Kuon on YouTube.
Resources
Long COVID Resource Guide
- Long COVID
