WHS offers COVID-19 drive-thru testingFree Access

COVID-19 drive-thru testing is now available at Wise Health System for individuals who meet certain criteria.
Starting Friday morning, WHS is administering tests 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment only at WHS-Bridgeport Hospital, 1905 Medical Center Drive.

The hospital was initially sent 100 tests, which are nasal swabs.

“Obviously, we won’t be doing 100 tests the first day,” said WHS Communications Director Shannon Spann. “We’ll space out appointments to see how everything goes and make sure everything is going appropriately.

“We don’t want people lined up in the parking lot, waiting hours,” she said. “We’ll do our best to make sure it goes smoothly.”

The people who qualify for testing include:

• Healthcare front-line providers, law enforcement officers or EMS that have been exposed or sick
• Adults age 65 and older
• Individuals sick with cough, fever, shortness of breath or diarrhea
• Individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions
• Individuals with recent international travel or travel to areas designated where COVID-19 is widespread
• Individuals that have had close contact with a suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patientIf a person meets the above criteria and wants to be tested, they must first call 940-600-4969 for further screening. A nurse practitioner will ask specific questions and determine if they are, in fact, eligible for a test.If so, the individual will be transferred to WHS admissions, where they will take insurance information and make the appointment. Insurance will be billed $51.31. Spann said insurance companies have indicated there will not be a patient portion for COVID-19 testing. Patients without insurance will be billed $51.31.

  “We want to make sure we’re screening the patients most in need first,” Spann said, “but we’ll be re-evaluating all of that criteria on a daily basis.”

  When patients arrive for their test, the person collecting the specimen will ask to see a photo ID and may ask to see the insurance card. Spann said a photo will be taken of both through the car window. Test results should be received in 24 to 48 hours, and patients will be contacted by WHS staff with the results.

  “Anyone arriving to the Bridgeport location that does not have an appointment will not be tested,” Spann said.

  She said WHS should be able to order more tests as needed.

  “This company will ship additional supplies within 24 hours,” she explained. “When we run through these, then they will ship more in a 24-hour process.”