Ascension Medical Group Now Offering Drive Through Testing for COVID-19 in Owen
Thursday, April 9th, 2020 -- 11:58 AM
-Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin has opened its 7th drive-through testing location in central and northern Wisconsin for COVID-19. .As of Wednesday, April 8, drive-through testing is now available from 9 a.m. - Noon Monday - Friday at Ascension Our Lady of Victory - Owen.
Ascension Medical Group previously launched drive-through testing locations in Tomahawk, Woodruff, Plover, Stevens Point, Rhinelander and Crandon. Additional locations are in development if needed to meet the expected surge of COVID-19 cases.
Individuals who wish to be tested at drive-through locations must first be pre-screened by an Ascension Medical Group provider by appointment or virtually using Ascension Online Care.
Those interested in drive-through testing in Owen can call 715-644-5530 for appointment options. Ascension Online Care is available at: ascension.org/OnlineCare.
This screening involves a series of questions about symptoms, travel history and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Patients who meet the criteria, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, will schedule an appointment for drive-through testing at the appropriate site.
At the testing site, patients will remain in their vehicle at all times. An Ascension associate will look up the patient’s information in the electronic health record to confirm that they have been screened and require testing. Insurance information will be collected for follow-up purposes, if it’s not already entered into the electronic health record. An Ascension associate will confirm that the patient has an established Ascension provider. There is no upfront charge for the testing.
Nasal swab samples will be collected and sent to a state-approved laboratory for analysis. Patients will be provided this information at the time of testing and instructed to return home and self-isolate for 14-days. Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin will contact patients with results and positive results will be alerted to the Wisconsin Department of Health.
“We continue to collaborate closely with local and state health officials to ensure that community members experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus, while limiting exposure to keep the health and safety of our patients and associates as a top priority,” said Dr. Stewart Watson, North Region Clinical Vice President, Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. “These drive-through locations will help expand testing capabilities to the communities we serve.”
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms seen with the infection with COVID-19 are not specific, with cold-like symptoms in mild cases. Symptoms could include a fever, along with cough and shortness of breath. If someone is elderly or has other medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or cancer, they may get sicker from the virus and develop pneumonia or other lung problems. For more information on COVID-19, please visit cdc.gov.
There also is an Ascension COVID19 Hotline set up for those who have general questions about COVID-19. The toll-free number for Wisconsin is 1-833-981-0711. Access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension, including an online assessment tool is available: https://healthcare.ascension.org/COVID-19.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.