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How to Get Tested in the Comfort of Your Car

To keep our community safe and healthy amid the COVID-19 health crisis, NCH Healthcare System has teamed up with Lee Health to establish mobile collection sites to test patients for COVID-19.

With the technology of telehealth services and mobile collection sites, we are finding faster, easier and more efficient ways of testing for the virus. For maximum safety, patients will be able to remain in their cars while a physician, nurse or advanced practice provider administers the COVID-19 test. All professionals, who will be administering the test, will be outfitted in personal protective equipment including a gown, goggles, mask and gloves.

The mobile collection sites serve a dual purpose: Not only do they ensure the safety of healthcare professionals and patients, but they also reduce traffic in hospitals. Exam rooms must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each patient visit. Additionally, when people are in the comfort of their cars instead of entering healthcare facilities, the risk of exposure to others becomes minimal.

By utilizing mobile collection sites and drive-up testing, the spread of COVID-19 could be reduced – especially in areas where there are few infections. Identifying infected people while keeping them isolated will allow for easier case management.

The testing procedure should take 10-15 minutes to complete. NCH does not require appointments to be made beforehand; however, if you are a patient of Lee Health, you must make an appointment before arriving to the collection site at NCH Healthcare System. Following your test, the results will be provided by the patient-provider.

Stay in your car. Stay healthy. Stay informed.

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We are offering mobile testing at the Downtown Baker Hospital Telford Parking garage starting Monday, March 30 at 10am. We have increased the number of slots available for next week and are able to offer testing for up to 50 patients per day, Monday thru Friday. We require a physician’s order and updated insurance information when making the appointment. Call 239-624-4443, OPTION 1 to make an appointment.

For more information about COVID-19 and how to help prevent the spread of the virus, visit our nchmd.org/covid-19.