Beebe to provide referral-based testing for COVID-19
Beebe Healthcare is now offering COVID-19 referral-based testing for the community.
The car-based testing is being made available by Beebe to the entire Sussex County community. Patients should contact their primary care provider for screening. Local providers are aware of the instructions, including that a provider order is necessary for patients to be tested.
Beebe will then reach out to the patient to schedule an appointment. Beebe will collect the specimen and send it to a commercial lab. Patients should contact their provider for results. As required by the state, all positive cases will be shared with Division of Public Health, who publicly confirms COVID-19 cases. Testing locations will be shared only with ordering providers and scheduled patients.
If someone is in need of an assessment, but does not have a primary care provider, Beebe has also created its Coronavirus Screening and Assessment Line, which launched March 20.
Community members who do not have access to primary care should call 302-645-3200. The caller will be screened and assessed for possible COVID-19 testing or another appropriate level of care. If the caller needs testing, the provider will place an order that can be used at one of the referral-based testing sites once an appointment is scheduled. Patients are asked to have their driver’s license and insurance information ready when they call. If assistance is not immediately provided, callers are asked to leave a message and the call will be returned.
Effective Monday, March 23, the coronavirus screening and assessment line will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
Community members who have access to primary care should not call the line, and should see their provider for the order for referral-based testing.
“Beebe Healthcare is taking COVID-19 seriously, and you should, too. Now is a critical time to follow the CDC’s, state’s, and your provider’s advice on social distancing and other methods of prevention. Beebe team members are trained to take care of our community, and we need your support by taking care of yourselves and following these vital steps,” said Dr. David A. Tam, president and CEO, Beebe Healthcare.
People who feel they need testing should reach out to their provider or local walk-in care. For those who do not have a provider, call 302-645-3200 to be screened and assessed by a Beebe provider. If the provider deems a test necessary, Beebe will reach out to schedule a visit and instructions will be provided.
Remember to follow the advice of the state and CDC: For individuals who are sick, particularly with fever and cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact their primary care provider for guidance. Practice social distancing and good hand hygiene. For more information and guidance, call the coronavirus call center, 1-866-408-1899 or email DPHCall@delaware.gov.
