Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center to being a mobile COVID-19 test site

Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center is set to begin a new mobile testing site for the COVID-19 virus.

Below is from PARMC:

WHO: Piedmont is currently operating drive-through test collection sites for patients who have moderate symptoms that do not require hospitalization. In order to receive testing, patients must be pre-screened by calling 1-866-460-1119. If an individual meets the criteria for testing, he or she will then be assigned an appointment at one of the four designated drive-through testing centers. Patients may drive themselves, but if they have a driver, the driver must by non-symptomatic. In addition, the patient should be seated on the driver's side of the vehicle in order to expedite collection of the specimen.

WHAT: Four facilities, in various locations across the state, will be staffed with medical professionals who are qualified to administer testing. These individuals will wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety. Law enforcement staff will be on site to assist with traffic. Piedmont will consider expansion to additional sites over time based on community need. The specimens obtained will go to one of two labs Piedmont is using. Results will be provided to each patient via their electronic medical record once received from the lab.

WHEN: These site will be open beginning Wednesday, March 18, and will continue to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for pre-set appointments only. No drop-ins or onsite screens for testing appointments will be permitted.

WHY: As testing becomes more readily available, Piedmont is offering testing who are self-isolating at home with symptoms that are moderate AND who meet the screening guidelines set forth by CDC. Patients who have mild symptoms should continue to self-isolate at home and monitor their symptoms. For patients with severe or worsening symptoms, they should go to their nearest emergency department. By offering "drive through" specimen collection, we limit patient exposure to the community at large while providing a safe method of swabbing in a controlled environment. We also help conserve hospital and emergency department resources, as well as providers, for the COVID-19 patients and other acute care patients who require a deeper level of care.

PRE-

SCREENING: Patients who want to be considered for testing should call 1-866-460-1119. Not all callers will be approved for an appointment. Only patients with moderate symptoms who meet other CDC guideline criteria will be offered an appointment.