The COVID-19 situation continues to quickly evolve. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information on COVID-19.
To help take care of yourself and your loved ones, below are answers to common questions about COVID-19 and what next steps you can take as a Southwest Medical patient.
If you are feeling worried or stressed about COVID-19, we’re here to help. Call the Optum Emotional Support Help Line toll-free at 1-866-342-6892. Mental health professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Prefer a mobile app? Sanvello offers on-demand help for stress, anxiety and depression.
What do I do if I think I'm infected or someone I know is infected?
Recommendations if I think I'm infected or someone I know is infected,
- Stay home if you have mild symptoms and do one of the following:
- Call the Telephone Advice Nurse line on the back or your insurance card.
- Have a NowClinic virtual online visit with a Southwest Medical provider on your mobile device or computer.
- Call Southwest Medical at 702-877-5199.
If calling Southwest Medical, please be patient as our call volumes are high during this time and wait times at our Walk-In Clinics are much longer than normal.
As the demand for COVID-19 testing has increased, we are redeploying our resources to make sure we can take care of the patients who urgently need us during this difficult time. Currently, we are only testing established patients* showing active symptoms. Once a patient has seen their Southwest Medical provider, a doctor’s order will be needed to receive a test at one of our locations.
*Established patient of Southwest Medical; or a patient with Health Plan of Nevada, Sierra Health and Life, United Health Care of Nevada, or OptumCare Network of Nevada Medicare Advantage plan.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
You are advised to follow good prevention practices, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact by putting distance between yourself and other people outside of your home; stay at least six feet from other people. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside of your home.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like your phone or computer.
- Monitor your health and be alert for symptoms.
For more information on how to protect yourself against COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s How to Protect Yourself & Others page.