New hotline for symptomatic community members to get tested: 616-685-COVD (2683)
Grand Rapids, Mich. (April 16, 2020) – As Mercy Health Saint Mary’s expands COVID-19 testing to the West Michigan community, residents earlier in their illness and with fewer symptoms can now call ahead to be screened for testing. The results will be available within 24 hours. Testing is available for individuals ages 13 years and older.
“Due to strong community partnerships, testing for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has been expanded in West Michigan to include individuals with mild symptoms,” said Dr. Andrew Jameson, MD, MD, FACP, AAHIVS Division Chief-Infectious Diseases, Regional Medical Director-Infection Control, Mercy Health Physician Partners. “Early diagnosis of COVID-19 decreases transmission of the disease, and this testing site provides quick, convenient access for anyone experiencing symptoms to be tested within a few minutes, getting results within 24 hours.”
The expanded testing site has tested hundreds of community members since opening April 7.
Community members do not have to be patients of the health system to be considered for testing. If they are showing possible COVID-19 symptoms, they can call 616-685-COVD (2683) to talk with a nurse in the Mercy Health triage center. If the caller meets testing criteria, they will be directed to our local testing site or one of our Mercy Health Physician Partners clinics. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5p.m.
- Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
- The triage center will discuss whether the caller should be evaluated for testing.
- Before visiting a test site, please call the Mercy Health test site first at 616-685-COVD (2683).
People with suspected COVID-19 can take a virtual screening online at www.mercyhealth.com, or call the phone number. Before the person leaves the testing center, the nurses give the patients information on how to quarantine within their own homes.
For up-to-date information, visit www.MercyHealth.com/COVID19.
###
About Mercy Health
Mercy Health is a regional, multi-campus, Catholic health care system serving West Michigan and the lakeshore with four hospital campuses, more than 90 physician offices, more than 1,300 medical staff physicians, more than 800 hospital beds and more than 9,000 colleagues, and hospice, home health and long-term care service offerings. Mercy Health Physician Partners, our multi-specialty medical group, employs more than 700 physicians and advanced practice professionals in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland and the lakeshore. Mercy Health has annual operating revenues of about $1.4 billion and returns about $80 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs. Mercy Health, a member of Trinity Health, is committed to being a trusted health partner for life, transforming the communities we serve, by providing high-quality care that is the most accessible, compassionate and personalized in West Michigan. Visit us at MercyHealth.com.