Munson Healthcare is taking steps to expand COVID-19 testing options in its communities by offering PCR COVID-19 testing in Traverse City and rapid antigen testing kits at several health system pharmacies.
Under a partnership with LabCorp, the health system is now offering PCR COVID-19 testing services at its Foster Family Community Health Center Library.
“This is a convenient option for someone who is asymptomatic, but may need a test for travel, sports, or work,” said Casey Kandow, Munson Healthcare vice president of Ancillary Services. “With this option, an asymptomatic individual wouldn’t need to step inside a clinic, where many of our symptomatic patients are going, to get tested.”
Testing is only for individuals who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. It is not an option for anyone who has received an exposure notice.
Foster Family Community Healthcare Center Library hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is located at 550 Munson Ave., Suite 0103.
The process for testing:
- No doctor’s order needed. This PCR test is an out-of-pocket expense for the patient and costs $51.31.
- Patients will purchase the test kit from Foster Family Community Healthcare Center Pharmacy and then proceed to the library for swab testing.
- Results are available within 72 hours via the LabCorp patient portal. A LabCorp app is also available for smart phones.
- Munson Healthcare will call all patients with positive results and add positive results to patients’ electronic health records.
The health system has also purchased a large supply of COVID-19 home testing kits, specifically PHU BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests, through Abbott Laboratories and has released them to retail pharmacies. These at-home tests are appropriate for mildly symptomatic/symptomatic patients not needing a provider evaluation. These kits are also approved for travel back into the U.S., making them a great option for asymptomatic travelers.
“This kit comes with a QR code that launches a virtual proctor to guide you through the swabbing process at home,” Kandow said. “The proctor will also report results to the appropriate state agencies.”
These rapid antigen tests are for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and individuals who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Kits are available at the following retail pharmacies:
- Munson Community Health Center Pharmacy, located at Foster Family Community Health Center, 550 Munson Avenue in Traverse City
- Sixth Street Drugs, 1020 6th St. in Traverse City.
- Bay Shore Pharmacy, 93 W. 4th Street Suite A, in Suttons Bay
- Empire Pharmacy, 9975 W. Ottawa St. in Empire
Process for testing:
- No doctor’s order needed. This rapid antigen test is an out-of-pocket expense for the patient and costs $39.99 plus tax.
- Patients will purchase the BinaxNOW test kit, swab at home, and see results in 15 minutes.
Information on other health system efforts related to the pandemic can be found at munsonhealthcare.org. Click on the “COVID-19 updates” section in the orange banner.