Today is the first day in weeks that I feel the tightness in my chest relax a bit. We received what I consider to be good news for our hospital and community. With the waivers put in place by CMS and other governmental actions we are able to provide testing for the Coronavirus at Herington Hospital for our patients.
Our first order of test kits will be on-site next Wednesday, April 1, 2020. These tests are not a swab like for the flu. They will require we draw a blood sample. They take approximately 20 minutes to process. All other rules and procedures will remain in place with regard to a person has to be experiencing symptoms as outlined by the CDC regarding coronavirus. If a patient presents to the clinic or ER for care we will continue to first test for the flu and further assess the patient for a fever and respiratory symptoms but instead of calling KDHE and further taxing their overwhelmed system…we will be able to run the test here, on site when ordered by the provider.
We see this as a huge gift because it will let us know very quickly if we are dealing with COVID-19; reduce the fear of the unknown and help reduce the stress associated with suspected exposure and long waits for testing results that have to be sent to an outside lab.
Medicare and private insurances will cover these tests when used appropriately in the delivery of care. Please continue to follow the directions we have published intended to guide you as symptoms are present and know that should you need testing, we have what we need to support you.