Think you may have COVID-19?

Testing at a Spectrum Health Lakeland facility requires a doctor's order prior to making an appointment and is reserved for patients with COVID-19 symptoms.

NOTE: COVID-19 testing in the emergency department and walk-in clinics will only be ordered for patients who are symptomatic. Our emergency departments and walk-in clinics continue to see significantly high patient volumes, resulting in long wait times. Care in the emergency department is prioritized by severity of condition.

Follow the steps below to be tested for COVID-19 at Lakeland. For additional testing sites in Berrien County, click here.

1. Contact your provider for a doctor's order or visit a Lakeland walk-in clinic
If you are symptomatic and in need of a COVID-19 test, contact your local Southwest Michigan primary care provider first to obtain a doctor’s order. 

If you do not have a provider, COVID-19 testing is reserved for symptomatic patients at all three of Lakeland’s walk-in clinics (Niles, Stevensville, and Watervliet). An appointment is not needed for these locations and results will post to your MyChart account within the next 24 to 48 hours. Rapid testing is reserved for patients who may need antibody treatment, are a candidate for the COVID at home program, or who may have very severe symptoms making a diagnosis and treatment a high priority. All COVID-19 tests will continue to be billed to a patient’s insurance if available. For more information about walk-in clinic locations and hours, click here.

2. Schedule a COVID-19 test
Once you have a doctor's order for a COVID-19 test, you can schedule your appointment online through Lakeland MyChart. You may also use the scheduling line at 269.927.5100 to speak with someone directly (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.). This phone number also schedules testing for pre-screening prior to a procedure or surgery.

Your specimen collection appointment will take place at one of the following locations: Center for Outpatient Services in St. Joseph (drive-thru testing available; enter via Maiden Lane), Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital, or Spectrum Health Lakeland Watervliet Hospital.  

3. COVID-19 test results 
If you completed your COVID-19 test at a Lakeland location, you can obtain your test results through Lakeland MyChart by visiting spectrumhealthlakeland.org/mychart. 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 should remain in self-isolation until you are 24 hours fever free without the use of fever reducing medication and your symptoms have improved.

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 800.LAKELAND (525.3526) or visiting spectrumhealthlakeland.org/primarycare