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Emory at LaGrange is now testing physician referred symptomatic patients and also testing pre-operative patients prior to surgery. 

Emory officially began Tuesday and saw six patients, that all are scheduled for a pre-operative surgery for Thursday. 

“We are pleased to offer this drive-through COVID testing site to our patients who may be experiencing coronavirus symptoms,” said Director of Operations Brent Addison. “Patients are conveniently tested in their cars and usually receive results within 24 hours via a phone call from an Emory Healthcare nurse.” 

Addison said they are testing typically two days before the surgery to allow 48 hours for test results to come. 

They are testing by physician referred appointments only, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

“We are getting our feet under it,” Addison said. “Our plan is to hopefully open testing up to the community as well as testing Emory symptomatic patients and our pre-operative patients.” 

According to Addison, the testing process takes about 20 minutes or less and includes a nasopharyngeal swab. The technician will put a special 6-inch cotton swab up both sides of the patients nose and move it around for about 15 seconds. 

“We’re all fighting, in ways big and small, to keep our community and love ones out of harm’s reach,” Addison said. “We continue to be encouraged by our team members and other community partners, such as Dale Jackson and Jackson Services, to improve health of individuals and our wonderful community. We are receiving supply donations, meals and cards from individuals and companies throughout the city that want to support those on the front lines fighting the pandemic. We are so grateful to be on the reviving end of these gestures and to be able to care for those who need it most during this time.

Emory of LaGrange officially began its elective surgeries this past week. 

Addison said before they begin testing for the community, Emory would like to get the process town to ensure timely and correct results. 

“That is extremely imperative,” Addison said “We saw in lot of places that offer quick testing, it was weeks and weeks for results, not proper follow up care and patients fell through the cracks. We want to make sure we have a tight efficient process.” 

Emory doctors have also recently help create a new online tool to allow people to assess how likely it is they have contracted the coronavirus. 

C19check.com allows for the general public to self-triage. It also was made to help prevent the surge of patients at hospitals and healthcare facilities. 

Addison said the site is for educational purposes and not to be used as a replacement for a healthcare provider evaluation. 

For more information, visit Emory Healthcare’s website at emoryhealthcare.org/COVID.