Shifa Clinic in Georgia is one of the first free clinics in the United States to provide free Tele-screening service for patients who present symptoms of COVID-19. In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), Shifa Clinic is offering this service for state residents to determine their eligibility
for the free lab test.

People who believe they might have symptoms of COVID-19 can call 678-792-8221 seven days a week, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Patients are then evaluated over the phone by a trained triaged volunteer who will ask a series of questions such as current symptoms and recent travel history.

The answers are then sent to the clinic’s doctor to review the patient’s symptoms and determine if the patient needs further lab testing. If the doctor believes that the patient presents symptoms of COVID-19, he or she will submit online the patient’s information to the Georgia Department of Public Health Lab. DPH will then contact the patient to set up an appointment for specimen collection for the testing. The
results will be returned to the doctor as well as the patient.

Since mid March, over 50 patients have been screened under this program and is ongoing.

Shifa Clinic Duluth has also begun a new Tele-medicine service to all patients thanks to a COVID-19 Grant from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Because of safety measures, patients are unable to visit the clinic but can still meet with their doctors through a virtual platform under the license of
CGM.Elvi. Patients register online, and then a group of trained volunteers perform virtual triage to determine the eligibility and priority. After triage, patients are given an appointment to consult with a doctor through a video consultation via Tele-medicine platform. Shifa Clinic Tele-medicine services include physician consultation, online lab test orders, and e-prescription service.

Tele-medicine is a huge milestone for Shifa Clinic Duluth that connects patients with doctors at the time of strict social distancing guidlelines. Starting in the mid of April 2020, we have served over 100 patients through our newly established Tele-medicine program thanks to our dedicated volunteers and doctors. For
appointments, please send an email to:  shifaappointmentduluth@icnarelief.org