AdventHealth To Open Free Coronavirus Test Site At Ice Rink
WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — As part of an ongoing effort to increase availability of coronavirus testing in Florida, AdventHealth will offer free testing at AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Wesley Chapel.
Testing will begin Wednesday, April 29 from noon to 4 p.m. and will continue each weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 30 days.
While a doctor’s order is no longer required for testing, AdventHealth is encouraging preregistration at AdventHealthCoronavirusTesting.com or 866-694-5503 prior to arrival. The test consists of coughing and spitting into a cup.
There are no out-of-pocket costs for the test, regardless of insurance status. AdventHealth will cover the cost of those who are uninsured.
“Expanding testing is an important and necessary step to help flatten the curve and keep our community safe,” said Mike Schultz, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division. “We are investing in these testing sites in strategic community locations to make it convenient and affordable for as many people as possible.”
“Additional testing for COVID-19 is an important part of the plan to reopen our community,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “AdventHealth has always been a good community partner, and I appreciate them working closely with Pasco County and the Florida Department of Health on this drive-through COVID-19 testing site for our citizens.”
Anyone who preregisters will be assigned a designated appointment time. First responders and health care workers who show proper workplace identification will have a designated lane at the test site to shorten wait times for those groups. Test results are available in approximately two to three days and will be delivered through the AdventHealth app and the AdventHealth website.
Additionally, people who are tested will receive a call from an AdventHealth physician or nurse practitioner with their results and any next steps in care, if necessary. Complete instructions on receiving results will be provided at the testing location.
By expanding the number of community testing sites, we’re making it easier for people to be screened and identify if they need to receive treatment and self-isolate,” said Dr. Rainer Chan, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Medical Group.
“We have always been committed to supporting the local community. When the opportunity to be an essential testing location for COVID-19 presented itself, we jumped on it,” said Gordie Zimmermann, owner and general manager of AdventHealth Center Ice. “With AdventHealth leading the charge, we are very excited to bring this opportunity to Wesley Chapel and the surrounding communities.”
This is the second test site AdventHealth has set up in the Tampa Bay area for month-long testing. The health care system also opened testing at Adventure Island in Tampa.
AdventHealth has tested more than 19,000 people for the coronavirus — more than any other health care system in Florida, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
AdventHealth is working on an intentional, phased plan to resume full health care services while ensuring the safety of patients, team members and community. As part of that plan, AdventHealth will be ready to schedule elective surgeries when the governor’s order expires March 30.
Safety will remain a top priority. That includes taking steps such as having a continuous supply of personal protective equipment, continued restrictions for visitors, and ongoing screening for patients, team members and anyone who enters the hospitals.
This article originally appeared on the Lutz Patch
