WashU Living Well Center Long COVID Program
The WashU Living Well Center has developed a short-term supportive program to provide lifestyle medicine interventions for patients who have been diagnosed with Long COVID by Washington University’s Post COVID-19 Clinic.
Washington University’s Post COVID-19 Clinic supports and treats patients who have continued symptoms or complications after COVID-19 illness, also called Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC). This clinic is located within Washington University’s Infectious Disease Clinic.
Long term symptoms of Long COVID issues can include fatigue, "brain fog" or changes in thinking or concentration, shortness of breath or breathlessness, worsening of symptoms with increased activity, changes in sleep, changes in mood, and many others.
There can also be lingering issues that affect the musculoskeletal system (the bones, joints and muscles of our body). To treat Long COVID, the Living Well Center provides opportunities for patients from the WashU Post COVID-19 Clinic clinic to get lifestyle medicine support for their long COVID symptoms.
We’re also a proud partner of the St. Louis Long COVID Initiative. This Initiative is a newly developed, grant-funded program that provides Long COVID patients in St. Louis and rural Missouri and Illinois with resources, support and improved access to care. Rania Abboud is a community referral coordinator who works hands-on with community members to identify what resource support is needed. She can help coordinate doctor visits with Long COVID clinics as needed.
Program Details
The WashU Living Well Center identifies and addresses lifestyle strategies with a goal of managing and improving symptoms of long COVID.
The Living Well Center uses lifestyle changes to help patients address:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Stress and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
- Sleep problems
- Pain and deconditioning
- Co-existing chronic medical conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes)
Care plans and treatment may include:
For select painful musculoskeletal conditions, treatment may also include:
*These services are not typically covered by insurance. Because coverage varies, please check with your insurance carrier to verify coverage.
Long COVID Shared Medical Appointments
Shared medical appointments (SMAs) are medical office visits led by a medical provider and conducted in a group setting. These visits function to manage symptoms or conditions among multiple people with similar goals. The Long COVID shared medical appointments are group visits with other people who have Long COVID.
Upcoming SMA Session: Physical and Cognitive Therapies for Long COVID
This session is designed to address physical activity, self-care and communication challenges faced by patients with Long COVID. Each session will involve a physical, occupational and/or speech therapist to help patients effectively manage their symptoms. This session consists of six weekly one-hour classes that can be attended virtually or in-person. It is covered by Missouri and Illinois Medicaid. View our events calendar for session dates or call 314-514-3565 for more information.
How do I sign up?
A referral is required from the WU CARE clinic or from a primary care provider with a diagnosis of long COVID. Call 314-514-3565 for more information.