Coronavirus Mobile Testing Begins At Two Locations In Broward
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMami) - Mobile testing got underway Thursday at two locations in Broward, the epicenter for the coronavirus.
In Weston at the Cleveland Clinic's Weston Krupa Center, located at 3250 Meridian Parkway, a line of cars moved smoothly through the testing area. Those being tested had to schedule an appointment which kept the line down.
Those in line pulled up, showed their ID, and were tested under a tent in the parking lot. Each test took less than 10 minutes.
Alex Pierce got tested. He said he was experiencing a dry cough and fever.
"I'd rather be safe than sorry and make sure my family is safe and everyone around me is safe," he said.
The drive-through is only available for individuals who meet the Florida Department of Health criteria for COVID-19 testing.
"We are not screening any asymptomatic individuals, but if you do have symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath then please, by all means, call our hotline and we will do the testing if it is clinically indicated," said Dr. Carla McWilliams, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Medical Center.
McWilliams said patients will first be tested for influenza. If they test positive medication will be prescribed
But it the person tests negative for the flue, they will then take the next step.
"Then we will proceed with COVID testing. The turn around time for the test is approximately three to four days. Patients will be called by one of our physicians to inform them of the results and the next steps," she said.
The Cleveland Clinic will be accepting patients with or without insurance.
Dr. Rodolfo Blandon, CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic Florida, said he is confident this will make a significant impact in ensuring the health and safety of our South Florida residents.
"Right now we are well equipped, we have ventilators, we have masks, we have personal protective equipment for our caregivers and we are ready to serve the community," he said.
The testing at the Cleveland Clinic will be Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment only.
Call 954-659-5951 to make an appointment. Callers will be screened by a nurse who will determine whether they meet testing criteria. Patients who meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing will be given an appointment time.
If someone arrives without an appointment, they'll be told to contact the Cleveland Clinic's call center for screening and a possible appointment.
Broward Health also has a mobile testing site in Pompano Beach.
To be tested, patients must pre-register for scheduled appointment times. No walk-ups or drive-ups can be screened or tested. To schedule a time to be tested, patients must have a written prescription from a doctor and then call Broward Health at (954) 320-5730 to register.
Once scheduled, patients will receive a confirmation number.
They must then bring a photo ID, the written prescription for COVID-19 testing, and the confirmation number to the mobile testing site to be swabbed and tested. Test results will be sent to the prescribing physician who will then alert the patient to their status.
Patients will not have to pay out-of-pocket costs. Insurances will be billed and there are no co-pays or deductibles. Tests will be sent to a commercial lab. It could take up to five days to get results.
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