Hospital entrances are reorganized for safer access for patients and visitors.
WEST PLAINS, Mo – Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) has announced that as a result of the increase in the community spread positive cases of COVID-19, they have expanded their hotline and testing capabilities.
The OMC COVID-19 Hotline has increased its number of operators and expanded its hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. If upon screening, it is determined that you should be tested, you may be directed to an OMC COVID-19 drive-through testing site located at OMC Family Medicine, 181 Kentucky Ave, Suite 100, West Plains.
OMC employs diagnostic testing methods, also referred to as viral or molecular testing as opposed to an antibody (serology) test at all rural clinics and the emergency department. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), molecular tests detect whether genetic material is present indicating an active coronavirus infection. Antibody tests detect whether antibodies have developed in a patient’s immune system, but should not be used to confirm whether an active infection is present.
Hospital entrances at OMC have been reorganized to continue to keep patients and visitors safe. Most notably, patients that previously entered through the Emergency Department (ED) for imaging and lab services are now being instructed to use the Surgery/Main Entrance, beginning September 16.
“The safety and security of our patients, residents, visitors, and co-workers continue at all times, to be our highest priority. said Tom Keller, President, and CEO, OMC. “We take great pride in maintaining a safe environment and in helping keep our communities safe.”
To find out how you can be tested with the most accurate testing methods available through a convenient drive-through option after a consultation with a provider, call the OMC COVID-19 Hotline at 417-505-7120.
About OMC.
Ozarks Medical Center is a system of care encompassing primary care and specialty clinics, along with complete rehabilitation, behavioral healthcare, and home care services. While the 114-bed acute care hospital cares for more than 5,400 admissions, the entire medical system has more than 364,000 patient visits annually in South Central Missouri and Northern Arkansas. For more information about OMC, visit www.OzarksMedicalCenter.com.
