Ascension Clarifies Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing Rules

MILWAUKEE, WI — Days after Ascension Wisconsin rolled out several drive-through coronavirus testing sites, hospital officials say they've been inundated with calls - or people showing up unannounced - for testing at their St. Joseph's hospital in Milwaukee.

Hospital officials say this is causing problems for hospital workers because it's interfering with how the medical group is conducting drive-through testing.

"Ascension Wisconsin drive-through testing sites are by appointment only," officials said early Thursday. "We are asking the public not to call Ascension Wisconsin hospitals to schedule a testing appointment. We are [also] asking the public not to come to our mobile testing sites without an appointment."

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Earlier this week, the Ascension Medical Group in Wisconsin launched drive-through testing for COVID-19 at eight of their clinics across the state, with plans to open more drive-through testing at three more sites. The drive-through testing is available in Franklin, Milwaukee, Mount Pleasant, Wauwatosa, Grafton and Brookfield with additional sites scheduled to open in Stevens Point, Rhinelander and Crandon.

The screening involves answering a series of questions about symptoms, travel history and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Hosptial officials say patients who meet the criteria, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will be given an appointment for drive-through testing at the appropriate site.

Patients Need To Be Pre-screened First

Ascension officials said people who want to be tested must be pre-screened.

Pre-screening is available online by using Ascension Online Care at ascension.org/OnlineCare or by calling an Ascension Wisconsin health care provider first, or by calling the Ascension COVID-19 Hotline at 833-981-0711.

Following the pre-screen, people will be guided to the best options for care and testing, if appropriate, officials said.

Ascension listed the following drive-through sites in Wisconsin communities:

● Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Franklin Campus (Medical Office Building)
● Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Milwaukee - Gateway Clinic (West Allis)
● Ascension St. Francis Medical Arts Pavilion (Milwaukee)
● Ascension Wisconsin Health Center - Mount Pleasant Urgent Care
● Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Mayfair Road Urgent Care (Wauwatosa)
● Grafton High School
● Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus (Milwaukee)
● Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus (Brookfield)

Additional locations will open later this week in Stevens Point, Rhinelander and Crandon, officials said.

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