Heartland Regional Increases COVID-19 Testing Capabilities
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) added Heartland Regional Medical Center’s (HRMC’s) Express Care in Marion to its list of approved COVID-19 testing sites. As an IDPH designated testing site, the facility can now perform 50-60 curbside tests each day and can get test results in 48 hours or less.
Guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prioritize critical infrastructure workers, health care workers and first responders for testing. Heartland’s Express Care has received 1,000 additional tests kits from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to perform testing for frontline professionals and individuals who meet the screening criteria.
“Southern Illinois’ health care workers must be a local priority in identifying and combating this virus,” said Dr. Jodie Bryant, family medicine specialist. “With increased testing capabilities we can focus on treating health care personnel and first responders to reinforce the region’s ability to address the outbreak. With more tests, we can get these essential workers who recover from the virus and test negative back to work sooner to provide critical services.”
Beyond HRMC’s focus on first responders, Dr. Bryant says a new trend is emerging. “Individuals are, unfortunately, waiting longer to seek treatment for fear of contracting COVID-19. Symptoms associated with stroke and heart attacks, for example, are emergent and do not stop for the coronavirus.”
In response, telehealth visits are now an option for individuals managing chronic conditions or those seeking primary care appointments.
“We want it to be easier for patients to stay home unless they have a medical emergency,” said Dr. Bryant. “TeleHealth lets patients still see and speak with a provider via audio or video chat through cell phone or computer.”
To make a TeleHealth appointment, call your provider or visit
www.HeartlandAnytime.com.
Individuals seeking testing or care for a coronavirus-related concern can call the hospital’s COVID-19 Call-Ahead Hotline at
(888) 543-2786 between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week. A trained staff member will provide guidance concerning screenings, care and protective protocols in accordance with current IDPH and CDC guidelines. More information can also be found at
www.HeartlandRegional.com. As always, if there is an emergent need for care of any kind, individuals should visit the ER without delay.