First Care is now offering COVID-19 testing at all of its 18 locations.
That includes First Care Urgent Care at 1202 E. Tipton St., Seymour.
The clinic will offer curbside coronavirus testing in which patients with respiratory illnesses, including the flu, cold or COVID-19, will remain in their car during the entire duration of the visit.
When arriving at the clinic, patients can expect a screening for symptoms, a triage of their complete health history, a virtual telemedicine exam with a provider and a nasal swab for COVID-19. A nasal swab will only be administered if the provider deems it medically necessary. Prior to a COVID-19 nasal swab, a flu and/or a strep test may be conducted to rule out those illnesses.
Test results typically take one to three days to get back from contracted labs.
Due to the national shortage, First Care is only able to secure a limited number of tests per day.
Curbside testing is consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and allows for nonsymptomatic patients to be seen in a normal in-clinic visit.
Testing is available during current business hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
All First Care clinics are continuously and stringently sanitized, Chief Executive Officer Rob Pantoja said.
“The cleanliness of our clinics and the ability to provide PPE (personal protective equipment) for our staff is part of our dedication to the Seymour community," he said. "In times of uncertainty, we hope you find comfort in knowing that you can safely access care at First Care.”
All major insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Administration. Patients without insurance can receive treatment for $89. First Care will not bill patients directly for COVID-19 testing, and patients should contact their insurance company for coverage details.
“We’ve worked extremely hard to get COVID-19 test kits to bring to our communities,” Pantoja said. “There is a screening process to determine whether a test is warranted, and our daily supplies are limited; however, it’s critical we return to our important role in the health care community and provide support to our local hospitals.”
A person should consider getting checked for COVID-19 when they experience symptoms of seasonal cough, runny nose, itchy eyes and sore throat and would like to be seen by a provider. People can visit firstcareclinics.com/locations, select their local clinic, select a convenient time and preregister for their visit.
People who have more serious symptoms, including shortness of breath, fever and other respiratory issues, check in online and complete a visit registration. The provider will determine if testing is necessary and provide a treatment plan.
For those who were exposed to a known COVID-19 positive, testing is optional; however, they must self-quarantine for 14 days. If they develop symptoms, contact the clinic.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
First Care Urgent Care is at 1202 E. Tipton St., Seymour.
Curbside testing for COVID-19 is available during current business hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A limited number of tests are available per day.
People can visit firstcareclinics.com/locations, select their local clinic, select a convenient time and preregister for their visit.
Information: 812-672-4933
[sc:pullout-text-end]
