LVHN establishes coronavirus testing centers

Lehigh Valley Health Network remains vigilant as the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves.

The health network’s latest action as a leader in infection control and prevention is to immediately establish designated, stand-alone COVID-19 assessment and testing centers throughout the region.

“We are taking extraordinary steps to deliver the smart, comprehensive care people need through new ways to screen, assess and test,” said Brian Nester, DO, MBA, FACOEP, LVHN’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are reassuring the community that they can continue their routine and essential appointments and care while staying safe.”

At the same time Nester is urging if someone has a doctor’s appointment or procedure already scheduled, keep it. LVHN hospitals and practices are operating as usual.

For those who think they have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone who does, stay home. LVHN is providing free COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. Call the MyLVHN Nurse Information line at 1-888-402-LVHN or complete an (MyLVHN.org)

LVHN Video Visit by downloading the MyLVHN app. We want to screen community members via these technologies so that they can remain in their own home and only need to leave if testing is needed. This screening helps reduce the spread of COVID-19, and it helps keep our doctors’ office open and available to provide other important care.

Nester says that during the screening, if LVHN’s medical professionals determine a patient has COVID-19 symptoms, they will be directed to one of LVHN’s eight standalone COVID-19 Assess and Test locations.

Patients will qualify for a test ONLY if they have symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath). The test detects active disease and cannot determine if a patient has been exposed. It is important tests are reserved for those who need them most.

You must receive guidance via the nurse line, video visit or your doctor to be assessed and, possibly tested. If you do not have insurance, you will receive a bill but you won’t be required to pay.

• LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test – MacArthur Road, 2741 MacArthur Road, Whitehall. Open daily: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test – Stroudsburg, 1655 W. Main St., Stroudsburg. Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test – Palmerton, 528 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Macungie, 6451 Village Lane, Macungie. Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test­­–Richland Township, 320 W. Pumping Station Road, Suite 3, Quakertown. Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Hazleton, 140 N Sherman Court, Hazleton and Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Cressona, 35 Sillyman St., Cressona, Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting Monday, March 16: LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Nazareth, 863 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth. Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Health Network Labs manages and processes the tests, and results are available within four days. If you need care for another condition, you can continue to visit any other ExpressCARE location or Lehigh Valley Physician Group practice.