LVHN sets up COVID-19 test centers in region
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has established designated, stand-alone COVID-19 assessment and testing centers in the Lehigh Valley the region.
For those who think they have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone who does, LVHN officials advise staying at 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 LVHN Video Visit by downloading the MyLVHN app.
LVHN officials state that screening of community members via these technologies is so that they can remain in their own home and only need to leave if testing is needed. The screening helps reduce the spread of COVID-19, and it helps keep LVHN doctors’ office open and available to provide other care.
“We are taking extraordinary steps to deliver the smart, comprehensive care people need through new ways to screen, assess and test,” said Brian Nester, LVHN President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We are reassuring the community that they can continue their routine and essential appointments and care while staying safe,” Nester said.
Nester is urging that if someone has a doctor’s appointment or procedure already scheduled, the person should keep it.
Nester said that during the screening, if LVHN’s medical professionals determine a patient has COVID-19 symptoms, the person 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 that tests are reserved for those who need them most, LVHN officials stated.
The interested person will receive guidance via the nurse line, video visit or from the person’s doctor to be assessed and, possibly tested. If the person doesn’t have insurance, he or she will receive a bill but won’t be required to pay.
COVID-19 Assess and Test Locations
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - MacArthur Road
2741 MacArthur Road, Whitehall. 18052
Daily: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - Stroudsburg
1655 W. Main St., Stroudsburg. 18360
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - Palmerton
528 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton. 18071
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - Macungie
6451 Village Lane, Macungie. 18062
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - Richland Township
320 W. Pumping Station Road, Suite 3, Quakertown. 18951
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - Hazleton
140 N Sherman Court, Hazleton. 18201
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - Cressona
35 Sillyman St., Cressona. 17929
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Starting March 16
LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test - Nazareth
863 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth. 18064
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lehigh Valley Health Network Labs manages and processes the tests, and results are available within four days. If the person needs care for another condition, he or she can continue to visit any other ExpressCARE location or Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVHN) practice.
LVPG practices located near the Assess and Test locations have been relocated to help ensure the safety of patients and colleagues.
Here are the practices that have been temporarily relocated and their temporary locations:
LVPG Family Medicine - MacArthur Road
3691 Crescent Court East, Whitehall. 18052
LVPG Family Medicine - Macungie
6900 Hamilton Boulevard, Trexlertown. 18087
LVPG Family Medicine - Richland Township
3080 Hamilton Boulevard, Suite 250
Allentown. 18103
LVPG Pediatrics - Richland Township
3800 Sierra Circle, Suite 100, Center Valley. 18034
LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology - Richland Township. Providers will see patients at numerous other LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology locations.
LVPG Family Medicine - Nazareth
2401 Northampton St., Easton. 18045
LVPG Internal Medicine - Cressona
6 S. Greenview Road, Schuylkill Haven. 17972
LVPG Pulmonology - Pocono
600 Commerce Boulevard, Stroudsburg. 18360
Tips to protect yourself and your family
- Keep your essential doctor appointments, tests and procedures.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Avoid large crowds.
- Carefully consider your travel plans, and follow government travel guidelines.
- Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others. If you are over 80, this is especially important.
Other actions LVHN is taking to keep you safe
- Temporary hospital visitation policy. If you are sick, please do not visit LVHN hospitals. Children under age 12 are not permitted in the hospital to visit. Patients are to pre-identify two people who can visit.
- Pre-surgery screening. Patients scheduled surgery for COVID-19 are screened the day before surgery. If the patient has symptoms and is deemed possibly infected, the elective procedure will be rescheduled.
- Limiting nonclinical personnel in the hospital. This includes employees who are not located at hospitals, vendors, consultants and volunteers.
Information: www.LVHN.org/COVID19