Essentia Health moves to self-swab tests for COVID-19

Essentia Health changed its COVID-testing procedure effective immediately because of the high number of COVID-19 cases in the region and the demand for testing, according to officials.

Patients who schedule a COVID test at an Essentia clinic will receive a kit to do their own test.

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This is for patients who want a test only and are not scheduling a routine visit with their provider.

Patients must schedule a test at their Essentia clinic in their region. They can do so through Essentia’s MyChart patient portal, by calling their local clinic or scheduling an e-visit.

Once the patient arrives at their appointment, they receive a test kit and can return to their vehicle to perform a nasal swab. (Instructions are provided with the kit). They will return the sample to the designated collection location. The entire process should take about 15 minutes.

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The self-swab tests enhance the ability to provide increased access to safe and timely COVID-19 testing to help meet the growing demand in the communities Essentia serves.

The shutdown of many government testing sites funneled more patients into Essentia’s clinics, creating challenges for the health care provider’s staff and patients, according to Essentia officials.

Patients concerned about symptoms should still seek a video visit on demand through MyChart, an in-person appointment with a primary care provider or at urgent care.