COVID-19
Response
Click here for COVID-19 resources and information about the steps we're taking to keep our communities safe

Screening and Testing

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Think You May Have COVID-19? Follow These 3 Steps

If you believe you may have COVID-19 and would like to be tested, follow the steps below.

1. Screening 
Before a COVID-19 diagnostic test can be performed you must complete screening. Contact your primary care provider to see if you should get a diagnostic test. If you do not have a provider, call 1.800. LAKELAND or visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/primarycare to learn about providers in your area. You can also use the automated screener to the right or call 833.559.0659 for advice on what to do next. 

2. Scheduling a COVID-19 test
If you have a doctor's order for a COVID-19 test, call the scheduling line at 269.927.5100 to schedule a drive- up specimen collection. This line also schedules testing for antibody testing and pre-screening prior to a procedure or surgery.

Please note: Effective, July 15, 2020, the drive-up specimen collection site at the Center for Outpatient Services will be closing. Going forward, patients who are in need of a COVID-19 test should follow the same process as listed above to schedule a specimen collection appointment at the Center for Outpatient Services (inside the building), Lakeland Hospital Niles, or Lakeland Hospital Watervliet. No walk-in specimen collections are accepted at this time. 

3. COVID-19 Test Results 
To obtain your test results, visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/mychart as soon as possible to create a Lakeland MyChart account. Your results will post to your MyChart account within the next 24 to 48 hours. (Note: If your employer required you to obtain this test, you should contact your employer for results.)



Understanding Your Results

If your COVID-19 results are POSITIVE or “Detected”:
Anticipate being notified by your county health department. We recommend that you follow these current CDC guidelines:

• Stay home except to get medical care.
• If you must leave your house, wear a facemask if possible.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Clean all high-touch surfaces daily.

If you have a medical emergency and need to call 9-1-1, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or may have COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive.

Am I Still Contagious?
You are no longer considered contagious after all three of these things have happened:

  • You have had no fever, without the use of medicine that reduces fevers, for at least three full days.
  • Other symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath have improved
  • At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you have further questions, consult your primary care provider.

If your COVID-19 results are NEGATIVE or “Not Detected,” you no longer need to self-isolate at home as instructed in your discharge paperwork. We would still recommend you stay home until you start to feel better.



Returning To Work

You may obtain a copy of your test results from your Lakeland MyChart account if your employer requires this order for you to return to work. You will need to contact your provider if your employer requires a physician order to return to work. If you do not have a primary care provider, you may obtain one by calling 1.800.LAKELAND or visiting spectrumhealthlakeland.org/primarycare

 

 



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© Spectrum Health Lakeland 2020