More than 1,000 free video visits also conducted since March 17
COLUMBIA, Mo. (March 25, 2020) ― MU Health Care has conducted more than 1,000 tests for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) since launching drive-thru testing last Wednesday. Daily testing has nearly doubled since MU Health Care relaxed requirements for eligibility March 22.
Providers no longer need to ask patients with COVID-19 symptoms about previous exposure, risk factors or travel history before ordering testing. People who are eligible for testing include those with a fever, cough and sore throat.
Those who meet the criteria and wish to be tested for COVID-19, should first contact their primary care physician or complete a free video visit using MU Health Care’s virtual urgent care platform. Patients should visit MUHealthVideoVisits.org and select the “COVID19” video visit option.
MU Health Care has facilitated more than 1000 virtual visits to assess patients for the virus since announcing the free service March 17.
“For patients with mild symptoms, drive-thru testing offers a fast, safe and convenient option,” said Jonathan Heidt, MD, MU Health Care emergency physician. “Those with more severe symptoms should call ahead to the emergency department before arriving to ensure health care staff can prepare for the individual’s arrival.”
For more details about these additional services and information regarding COVID-19, visit muhealth.org/coronavirus.
For previous news releases about MU Health Care’s COVID-19 preparedness and response, see:
- MU Health Care Broadens Testing, Further Restricts Visitors: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/press-releases/mu-health-care-broadens-testing-further-restricts-visitors-response-covid
- Expert Tips for Helping Your Family Deal with COVID-19 Anxiety: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/resources/expert-tips-helping-your-family-cope-covid-19-anxiety
- MU Health Care Enhances Visitor Guidelines, Cancels Some Elective Procedures in Response to COVID-19: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/press-releases/mu-health-care-enhances-visitor-guidelines-cancels-some-elective
- MU School of Medicine’s Missouri Telehealth Network to launch COVID-19 ECHO: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/news/university-missouri-school-medicines-missouri-telehealth-network-launch-covid-19
- MU Health Care Opens Drive-Thru Testing: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/resources/mu-health-care-opens-drive-through-covid-19-testing
- Mizzou Quick Care Locations Close Until Further Notice: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/press-releases/mizzou-quick-care-locations-close-until-further-notice
- MU Health Care Announces its First COVID-19 Case: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/press-releases/mu-health-care-announces-its-first-case-covid-19
- MU Health Care Launches Free Video Visits: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/press-releases/mu-health-care-launches-free-video-visit-screening-covid-19
- MU Health Care, MU and City of Columbia Leaders Discuss COVID-19 Preparedness: https://www.muhealth.org/for-media/resources/mu-health-care-university-missouri-and-city-columbia-leaders-discuss-covid-19
