UCSF's OPTIMAL Clinic Pioneers Comprehensive Care for Long COVID Patients

The OPTIMAL Clinic at UC San Francisco, established in May 2020, focuses on follow-up care for COVID-19 patients, particularly those with long COVID symptoms. By coordinating with primary care and offering access to a range of specialists, such as pulmonologists and mental health professionals, the clinic addresses the varied health issues that may persist weeks after initial infection. With over 300 patients treated, the clinic applies evidence-based practices to personalize care according to individual needs, as highlighted by Dr. Lekshmi Santhosh, who underscores the complexity and lack of a singular definition for long COVID.

Opens on UCSF Health