UAB opens specialized COVID clinic in downtown Birmingham

UAB is making strides to keep patients safe and help stop the spread of COVID-19. Get all of the details on UAB’s new specialized COVID clinic open now in downtown Birmingham, plus find out how you can contribute to the cause and support them now!

A new UAB clinic is helping treat COVID-19 patients in Birmingham

On Monday, April 20, the UAB announced the opening of a new clinic downtown to treat patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The COVID Respiratory Clinic, operated by the Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases, is open to people who are already patients of the UAB Health System, who have tested positive for COVID-19 AND are experiencing progressive symptoms at home.

“Most importantly, we want to identify persons who need hospital admission and prevent rapid progressive disease. Early hospitalization, when needed, can save many lives.

This clinic will keep patients from having to go to the emergency room, where wait times can cause delays in evaluation and also place other patients at risk for COVID-19 infection.”

Turner Overton, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases

Here’s how it works: 

First, patients will complete a telehealth or phone visit with a UAB Medicine provider. Then, depending on their telehealth assessment, they’ll be referred to the COVID Respiratory Clinic to determine if hospital admission is necessary. If not, they’ll be prescribed medications and therapies that will allow them to recover from home.

“Our biggest driver is trying to make sure everyone is safe — including patients who need care and the providers and staff who are caring for patients. Seeing people come together in a time of crisis is amazing.

We were able to take a process that might normally take a year and put this clinic together within days. That happens only with folks who are genuine and willing to collaborate for the greater good.”

Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. 

Important details:

The clinic is located inside the Regions Bank Building at 539 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S, Birmingham, AL 35233. Their hours are Monday-Friday from 1-4 PM.

To request an appointment with a UAB Medicine provider, call 205-934-9999 or toll-free at 800-822-8816.  

More ways to help

Our healthcare workers are working so hard to help keep Birmingham safe and healthy. If you want to support UAB patients, consider donating to the UAB Coronavirus Response Support Fund, which helps defer the costs associated with uninsured and underinsured patients, PPE support, child care for health care staff, and more.

You can also check out our recent story with 7 more ways to help healthcare and hospitality workers right now in Birmingham including donating meals, supporting local charities and more.

Know of more ways to support our local healthcare workers? Let us know on social @BhamNow!