Equitable Treatment for Long COVID Patients in Rural States: Recommendations from a Sociologist/Sufferer/Survivor
Description
When seeking medical treatment, all long COVID patients begin the process at a disadvantage for they bear the stigma of a condition that they know is enshrouded in misunderstanding, disinformation, and a host of political baggage. Add to this the unique challenges of seeking treatment in a remote state like my own home state of Maine and the difficulties increase exponentially. Drawing from my experience as a 4+ year survivor/sufferer of long COVID in Maine through the use of autoethnographic methods, I lay out the challenges faced by long COVID patients in rural, medically underserved, socioeconomically disadvantaged states and suggest policy changes that would promote greater health equity. Challenges include finding primary care providers who are a) accepting new patients and b) up-to-date enough on education so as to be competent to diagnose and refer long COVID patients; accessing care that does not require extensive travel; having to regularly educate medical staff about one’s condition; and others. Suggestions include increasing access to telehealth services; reducing Medicaid and Medicare restrictions on telehealth appointments; allowing and facilitating cross-state telehealth appointments; and increased/enhanced education for rural health providers.