Patient First begins drive-up COVID-19 testing at Berks location

Patient First is providing drive-up COVID-19 testing at its location along Paper Mill Road in Wyomissing in Berks County.

Tests are by appointment only.

Patient First, a Virginia-based chain of walk-in urgent care centers, is offering the COVID-19 testing at the Wyomissing site by appointment only.

According to a statement from the Virginia-based chain of walk-in urgent care centers, appointments can be made by calling the designated testing center.  Patients will be asked about symptoms and risk factors to determine whether they meet screening criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Patients must have one or more symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), or be a healthcare worker or first responder to qualify.

Tests will be conducted 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Test samples are collected outside the center and patients may remain in their vehicles.  The staff member collecting samples is equipped with proper personal protective equipment, including an N95 mask, gloves, eye protection, and gown.

Samples will be sent to a third-party lab for testing, with results available in two to four days. A nurse will call patients once results are available, to share results, provide guidance and answer questions.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for COVID-19 testing for insured patients. For self-pay patients, the cost is $90 plus a separate bill from the lab.

Appointments are not needed for visits unrelated to COVID-19 testing. All Patient First Medical Centers, including the designated testing centers, remain open on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day for patients who have an urgent need for medical or injury care, the company says.