Post-COVID service

Integrated Chronic Care Service (ICCS) is an interdisciplinary clinic that provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, and care planning for individuals with symptoms consistent with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (long COVID).  ICCS offers a whole person approach, guided by the patient’s functional health goals and readiness to make lifestyle changes.

We are a provincial specialty service and do not provide primary care.  

The Post-COVID service is a time-limited pathway that requires ongoing collaboration with your primary care provider. However, a primary care provider is not required to access this service. Individuals who have had confirmed (PCR or rapid) or suspected COVID-19, and have persistent symptoms (>12 weeks post positive test or symptom onset) that impede their daily function are eligible for Post-COVID services.

Our services include a medical assessment and combination of 1:1 practitioner interventions (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietary and Psychosocial counseling) as well as virtual educational groups to teach strategies to help self-manage symptoms. 

 
What is Post-COVID Syndrome? 

Post-COVID Syndrome is the illness that occurs in people who have a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Signs and symptoms occur during or after the infection, continue for more than 12 weeks, and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, and other symptoms which impact everyday function. Symptoms can fluctuate and change over time and can affect multiple systems of the body.  

IMPORTANT – A COVID-19 infection can exacerbate preexisting health conditions. The best practice is to prioritize the management of your preexisting conditions prior to assessment and treatment for Post-COVID Syndrome.  
 

How do I prepare for my appointment/visit?

We are a scent free facility. Please see guidelines provided below in documents/forms.  

Due to high demand, we do follow a strict attendance policy. Please make every effort to keep your appointments.

  • If you need to cancel an appointment, give at least 24 hours (1 day) notice by phoning 902-487-0578. This gives us time to book another patient.
  • If you miss three (3) appointments without cancelling with proper notice, you will be discharged from ICCS.

 

What will happen at my appointment?

Appointments can be in-person, phone or virtual. Please note that any appointment requiring physical assessment must be in person.

Individuals are encouraged to complete this self-directed learning module prior to your initial appointment.  

 

Will there be any follow up after my appointment?

Any follow-up appointments will be discussed during your visit. Future appointments will be sent to you by email. Automated reminders are available via Pomelo, and can be sent by text, email, or phone before each appointment.

Accessing this Clinic, Program or Service

Integrated Chronic Care Service
998 Parkland Dr Suite 203, Halifax, NS B3M 0A6
Phone: 902 487 0578
Fax: 1-833-875-0143

How do I access the service?

  • Physician referral form faxed to the Post-Covid Program at 1-833-875-0143
  • Complete the outreach survey.

To accept referrals into the Post-COVID Navigation services at ICCS, the following criteria have to be met:

  1. Nova Scotia resident, currently living in the province
  2. Age 16 years or older
  3. Confirmed or suspected Covid infection
  4. Experiencing persistent symptoms post infection of at least 3 months or longer that impede their daily function

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