COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Testing What You Need to Know

Screening Tests Limited at FMC Emergency Departments

Due to high volumes of symptomatic COVID-19 patients, Fairfield Medical Center’s Emergency Departments (Main Campus and River Valley Campus) will no longer provide COVID-19 Rapid Tests to asymptomatic individuals for screening purposes. If you are not exhibiting signs of illness and need tested to meet return-to-work or return-to-school requirements, we recommend visiting your primary care provider, urgent care, or an alternative testing location. (Learn more about testing locations near you.)

If you choose to pursue asymptomatic testing at either of FMC’s Emergency Departments, we can provide sent-out PCR testing only. Results are typically returned in 2-4 days. This window may be subject to change depending on lab volumes and availability.

Physician Orders Required for Testing at FMC’s Drive-Thru Clinic

Fairfield Medical Center’s drive-thru clinic cannot conduct COVID-19 testing without an order from your healthcare provider. If you are concerned you may have become infected with coronavirus, or if you are exhibiting symptoms, please contact your primary care provider.

COVID-19 Testing Facility

covid testing facility staff members Your provider will determine if a COVID-19 test needs to be completed before your scheduled elective surgery or procedure. If you need a COVID-19 test, you can complete your COVID-19 testing at the Fairfield Medical Center COVID-19 Testing facility. Located near Fairfield Diagnostic Imaging (FDI) and First Medical Urgent Care. A provider COVID-19 order is required to have your test completed.

Address: 1241 River Valley Blvd., Lancaster
Testing hours & phone number:
- Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Closed Sunday and all major holidays
- Phone: 740-243-5059

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What to Expect

covid testing with patient in car

At Fairfield Medical Center, our team is trained to ensure your COVID-19 testing experience is safe and seamless. Upon arrival to the testing facility, you will park, remain in your vehicle and call 740-243-5059.

A team member will approach your vehicle wearing full personal protective equipment, including a gown, gloves and face shield or N95 mask and goggles. After the facility receives your COVID-19 order from your provider, our team will give you a tissue to prepare you in the event you need to sneeze. Your head will be tilted slightly backwards and a long sterile cotton swab will be inserted into your nose horizontally. You will feel some pressure during this process. The swab goes pretty far back, about 2 inches, because fluids need to be collected along your entire nasal passageway. Your body probably isn’t use to having an object in that area and it may bring you to tears or be uncomfortable. After your test is complete you are free to leave.

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COVID-19 Testing Before Your Procedure

Your elective surgery/procedure is currently scheduled to proceed on the planned date and time. In the event that changes to this scheduled appointment should become necessary, we would appreciate your understanding. In return, we promise to keep you informed with current information about what is happening here at Fairfield Medical Center. Please know that any changes or postponements to your procedure will be made for your safety and the safety of others as we continue our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Below, you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding pre-procedure testing at FMC.

You are being tested for the safety of our patients, staff and community. We know the virus can be spread by people without symptoms and the virus can also take time to show symptoms.
Staying home is strongly encouraged to protect you, other patients and staff members at Fairfield Medical Center. If you do not have the ability to isolate at home, please follow the social distancing recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health. Please attempt to avoid contact with others or leaving the home as much as possible prior to your elective surgery/procedure and always wear a face covering if in public.
Your provider will determine if a COVID-19 test is appropriate for you.
Due to the increased testing demand, your results may take longer to return. Your scheduled elective procedure/surgery will be delayed until your results arrive.
Your elective procedure/surgery will be postponed and we recommend that you stay isolated for 14 days. If you are in need of urgent or emergent services, we are here to provide the necessary care that you need.
Most people with COVID-19 do not require treatment in a hospital and are able to quarantine at home and recover from the virus.
If you are experiencing any emergency warning signs (difficulty breathing, constant pain or pressure in your chest, new disorientation or inability to arouse, blue tint in lips or face), seek immediate medical attention.
Some recommendations for caring at home for someone with COVID-19 include:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and clear liquids
- Use over-the-counter medicines to treat fever and cough
- Stay at home other than to receive medical care
- Separate the person who is ill from others in the household
- If you have to be around other people, wear a face mask if possible
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue – immediately throw the used tissue away and clean your hands
- Clean your hands frequently by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or cleaning with a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as: dishes, cups, utensils, towels or bedding
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
- Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if your illness gets worse
For more information on what to do if you or someone in your home is sick, visit the CDC website.
Our goal is to provide you with exceptional care and experiences in the safest environment possible. Please know that any changes or postponements to your procedure will be made for your safety and the safety of others as we continue our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.We will reschedule your case a minimum of 14 days out. Some individuals have been symptom free, but still testing positive for the virus. The time it takes to clear the virus varies.
No, once positive you do not have to be retested for 90 days. If you have a positive test your surgery/procedure can be rescheduled 20 days after the positive result.
Similar to other testing that is completed prior to your surgery/procedure to ensure your safety, your insurance will be billed for the COVID-19 screening test.

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