Joshua Chung, Asbury Park Press
Published 5: 00 a.m. ET April 16, 2020 | Updated 8: 59 a.m. ET April 16, 2020
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Two urgent care medical centers have opened drive-thru and in-office testing for people with any COVID-related symptoms, according to officials.
Immediate Care has set up available drive-thru tests for their facilities in Marlboro and Red Bank, while offering in-office testing at their locations in Brick, Edison, and Hazlet. The tests will be done from the patient’s car or in a contained area, according to spokesman Matthew Anderson.
“Because testing supplies have been limited, thousands of people with fevers and other symptoms have been told by their doctors to stay home and do not get tested,” said Sal Cannizzaro, CEO of Immediate Care. “But, if you are sick and would like to be tested, give us a call or go on our website today to schedule your same day or next day appointment. Testing gives you clarity, and in these uncertain times, nothing is more important.”
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The care center is accepting all major insurances with no out-of-pocket costs for people coming in for a COVID-19 test. Anderson said the tests are convenient with essentially no wait time, as patients are finishing the whole process in under ten minutes.
To receive a test, people must book an appointment through the medical center’s website at http://immcare.com or by calling 1-855-925-5467, ext. 0.
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MedExpress Urgent Care is also providing COVID-19 testing at designated locations in New Jersey, as patients with potential symptoms, now have the option to schedule virtual visit appointments with a licensed health care professional, according to spokeswoman MaryAnn Marino.
One of the testing centers is located on 4074 Route 9 in Howell, where an appointment can be made by calling 732-886-7342.
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If you are seeking a test, the urgent care center is asking people to call their local MedExpress where staff will assist you. Marino said the testing centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“As one of the nation’s largest urgent care providers with locations across the country, MedExpress was uniquely positioned to serve our patients and communities by increasing access to COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Alex Strachan, CEO for MedExpress.
“We continue to adapt our approach throughout this unprecedented situation to best meet the evolving needs of our communities,” said Strachan. “As such, many of our centers are now offering testing outside of our facility from patient vehicles. We’ve also added the option for patients to visit a licensed health care professional virtually from the comfort of their own home.”
There are already two drive-thru testing sites that have been set up by health officials in Holmdel at the PNC Bank Arts Center and in Toms River at Ocean County College.
The Holmdel site has adjusted its scheduling of when it will be open for testing in April, according to the governor’s office. Testing is free and will be covered by the federal government or your personal insurance company. Individuals are encouraged to bring insurance cards if they have one.
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The following dates are listed for when the testing site is open at 8 a.m. in April:
- Saturday, April 18 (Health care workers and first responders only)
- Monday, April 20
- Wednesday, April 22
- Saturday, April 25 (Health care workers and first responders only)
- Monday, April 27
- Wednesday, April 29
Ocean County officials have extended the drive-thru testing site in Toms River through this week, with appointments available on Friday.
“Ocean County has again been able to secure additional tests for Ocean County residents allowing us to continue the testing,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “I extend the appreciation of the Board of Freeholders to the hospitals, the Ocean County Health Department, Ocean County College, and our Office of Emergency Management that have helped run this test site.”
There have been 1,513 Ocean County citizens who have tested positive for coronavirus at the Ocean County College testing site, according to health officials.
Joshua Chung is the 9-5 breaking news and weather reporter. A lifelong Jersey Shore resident, he is a recent graduate of Michigan State University. Contact him at [email protected], 732-557-5748 or on Twitter @Joshchunggg
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