Samaritan Health Services expands testing to more people with COVID-19 symptoms

Samaritan Health Services says it has obtained sufficient quantities of testing supplies and personal protective equipment to expand COVID-19 testing in Lincoln, Benton and Linn counties, and is now offering tests for anyone with symptoms of coronavirus — with a clinician’s order.

Previously the hospital system limited tests to health care workers, first responders, patients in care facilities or other congregate living settings, people over age 60, pregnant women, patients with underlying medical conditions, immunosuppressed patients, minorities and frontline service workers such as grocery, delivery and transportation employees.

Now, anyone with symptoms and a doctor’s order can be tested, Samaritan said.

People with coronavirus symptoms such as fever, cough and/or shortness of breath or mild symptoms such as body aches, loss of sense of smell or taste, or sore throat are asked to call their primary care provider for a telehealth visit or do a MyChart “Coronavirus Concerns” E-Visit to be assessed and routed to appropriate testing and care.

In Lincoln County, Samaritan has set up a temporary drive-through site in the parking lot of its Depoe Bay clinic. Samaritan said more temporary sites are being planned.

If a test is ordered, the patient will be contacted to schedule a date, time and location to be tested. Patients who arrive at a testing site without a scheduled appointment will be turned away and instructed to call their primary care provider or do a MyChart “Coronavirus Concerns” visit.

“Supplies are not unlimited, but we feel expansion of testing is necessary to track and reduce the spread of coronavirus in the region,” said Dr. Adam Brady, head of Samaritan’s coronavirus task force. “We hope increased testing availability will further help reduce the spread of the virus and help our communities get a better sense of how the disease is spreading.”