Pella Regional Health Center is reminding those seeking a COVID-19 test from their hospital or clinics must meet specific criteria to qualify.

Director of Clinic Services at Pella Regional Chris Heesch says due to restricted supplies, they follow guidelines set out by the Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory.

Heesch says all COVID-19 tests at Pella Regional must be scheduled in advance by calling 641.621.2200 Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to talk with staff. Starting Monday, Heesch says there will be screening over the phone to see if an individual qualifies for a test at the hospital or their clinics in Knoxville and Ottumwa.

Patients who don’t meet criteria and are inquiring about testing have the following options:
• Schedule at TestIowa.com
• Call your county public health department for testing options.
• Be evaluated by a provider at a Pella Regional Walk-In Clinic location (Pella, Knoxville, Ottumwa). Testing is not guaranteed by waiting for a visit. A visit will be billed as usual.

COVID-19 Testing Information
Patients requesting a COVID-19 test must meet specific criteria for Pella Regional Health Center or Pella Medical Clinics to perform a test.

• All COVID-19 tests must be scheduled. Call 641.621.2200 Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to talk with our staff about testing.
• We follow criteria defined by the State Hygienic Laboratory

Patients who don’t meet criteria and are inquiring about testing have the following options:

• Schedule at TestIowa.com
• Call your county public health department for testing options.
• Be evaluated by a provider at a Pella Regional Walk-In Clinic location (Pella, Knoxville, Ottumwa). Testing is not guaranteed by waiting for a visit. A visit will be billed as usual.

Q&A
Q: I think I have been exposed to COVID-19, can I get a test at Pella Regional Health Center or Medical Clinic?
A: You must meet specific criteria to receive a test at Pella Health. If you are a resident of Marion County, you can also call Marion County Public Health for testing options.

Q: What types of test are used for COVID-19?
A: Pella Regional uses the deep nasal swab (nasopharyngeal) because our pathologists, physicians, and expertise finds it to be the most accurate and dependable test option. More tests are becoming available, but we are continuing to use what we feel is the most reliable test available to us.

Q: My employer wants me to be tested, can I get a test at Pella Regional Health Center?
A: Some employers are requesting tests for people who do not meet the state recommendations for COVID-19 testing. Pella Regional will only test patients who meet the state criteria for COVID-19 testing. It is recommended that the employer contact their county public health department or TestIowa for testing options.

Q: I have been tested for COVID but my employer requires a copy of the test to return to work. How can I provide them this?
A: Because of federal privacy laws, Pella Regional Health Center cannot directly disclose your test results to your employer without written permission. Patients have the following options to provide employers with test results: 1) The test result be mailed directly to your home address. You may then choose to disclose to whom you wish. 2) A written release of information document can be filled out and signed by the patient which authorizes to release directly to your employer. For either need, please contact our Medical Records office at 641-621-2658.

Q: I have a scheduled procedure at Pella Regional Health Center, will I need a COVID-19 test?
A: Yes, you will be scheduled for a test approximately 48-72 hours prior to the scheduled procedure. You will receive a specific time and instructions to come to our pre-procedure testing area. If you are having a procedure at a facility outside of Pella Regional, you will need to coordinate receiving a test with that organization.

Q: If I do meet criteria for a COVID-19 when are swabs collected?
A: If you qualify for testing, a scheduled appointment will be made.

Q: How much does it cost to get tested for COVID?
A: At this time, any test which meets state criteria and is sent to the state lab does not result in any cost to the patient. If you are seen by a provider for care in our walk-in clinic or ER, your insurance will be billed like any other visit. We are unable to provide you with your insurance’s specific coverage for a visit, we recommend checking with your insurance carrier for any questions.