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The CompleteCare Health Network will expand COVID-19 testing in Cape May County during the week of May 3. Testing will continue to be available by appointment only.
According to a release, CompleteCare patients and Cape May County residents who have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus can schedule an appointment to have a phone screening with a CompleteCare provider by visiting CompleteCareNJ.org/COVID19 or calling (609) 465-0258. Once the screening has been completed, testing time and location will be provided.
First responders will be given priority testing.
To ensure safety for those being tested, as well as those providing the tests, all patients will remain in their vehicles for testing.
“It is important that patients who are not positive for COVID-19 remain separate from those who are,” said Dr. Azizeh Salloum, chief medical officer, CompleteCare Health Network. “The best way to ensure this is by keeping patients in their cars and having the testing come to them.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently expanded its list of possible symptoms for COVID-19. Aside from fever, cough and shortness of breath, people should also look for chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, repeated shaking with chills, or loss of taste or smell.
“Testing parameters have been expanded to include those who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19,” said Dr. Salloum. “Those with and without symptoms can now request testing.”
To receive testing, a phone visit with a CompleteCare provider is required to ensure you have symptoms or require testing due to exposure. If you have insurance, your health insurance provider will be billed for the phone visit. CompleteCare is waiving all other out of pocket costs for screenings, including copay costs. Testing is provided free of charge.
Translation services are available for those in need. CompleteCare accepts Medicaid, Medicare, as well as private insurance plans and those without insurance.
CompleteCare Health Network will inform all patients of their results in a timely manner. Results are expected within five to seven days of testing.
There is no vaccine or treatment currently for COVID-19, the best thing to do is protect yourself by following guidance such as social distancing and hand washing.
Those who test positive or think they have COVID-19 should stay home, except to get medical attention. They should also be isolated from others in the home. Symptoms should be monitored closely if it becomes difficult to breathe contact 911 or your provider immediately.
CompleteCare is not testing patients for COVID-19 at its health centers. Those who think they are positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed should not go to any medical facility without calling first.
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