Ensuring patients have access to health care is a priority at MercyOne. Recent innovations within their clinics provide patients access to COVID-19 testing and their primary care providers with ease of use through online scheduling, virtual visits, and ongoing, advanced safety protocols.
Our world and community have gone through significant change in the past year, and this includes all aspects of health care. MercyOne wants to make sure you do not postpone the care you need to get healthy and stay well. They have enhanced all of their safety protocols to continue providing safe care for inpatient and outpatient surgeries, procedures, and physician visits. In addition to in-person care, you can also continue to receive the quality care you need from your provider in the comfort of home with virtual visits.
New MercyOne COVID-19 testing options
MercyOne now offers a variety of COVID-19 testing options for adult and pediatric patients with benefits that include:
- Results often received in 48 hours.
- Testing is administered via a PCR saliva test – the gold standard for asymptomatic persons (90 percent reliable).
- The cost of COVID-19 testing for a patient exposed to an individual who is symptomatic or asymptomatic is typically covered by insurance. If an individual was not exposed but would like COVID-19 testing prior to travel or an event, the out-of-pocket cost is $90.
- Tests for flu, strep throat, and RSV can also be ordered at any of the testing locations.
| TESTING OPTION | PATIENTS MAY… |
| Primary Care Providers |
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| Urgent Care Clinics |
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| Drive-Up COVID-19 Testing | This new weekday option may be utilized through three quick and easy steps:
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| Pre-Travel or Pre-Event Testing |
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What do I do if I think I have been exposed to COVID-19?
If you are concerned you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your health care provider, they will evaluate you to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. Please call your health care provider before going in.
Online Scheduling Now Available at All Urgent Care and Most Primary Care Clinics
MercyOne urgent care locations throughout the greater Des Moines area now offer online scheduling for in-person and telehealth visits. New and existing patients can make an 
appointment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Several of their primary care and pediatric clinics offer online scheduling as well. Save time and book your next appointment online!
In addition to online scheduling, patients are able to check-in before arriving at their appointment with MercyOne’s mobile check-in service. In advance of the appointment, patients will receive a text message and/or email with a link to check-in. If needed, patients can also sign office consents and make a payment from the convenience of their device.
During the COVID-19 crisis, it is crucially important patients stay well and manage chronic conditions. This includes maintaining wellness appointments. In times like these, their mission to serve our communities and be your trusted health care partner is more important than ever. So, schedule your next appointment with confidence. And let’s all stay healthy…together!
Connect with MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Website: MercyOne.org/desmoines
Twitter: @MercyOneDSM
Facebook: @mercyonedesmoines
Instagram: @mercyonedesmoines
Pinterest: @MercyOneDesMoines
This article is part of a series of sponsored articles by MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
MercyOne’s New Birthing Center
MercyOne Des Moines Midwives: Here to Support You
What to do when your child has a fever
What you need to know on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician
Convenient Medical Care During Social Distancing
Child Care Is Crucial During Even During a Pandemic
What to Expect When Expecting During a Pandemic
Well-Child Visits, Sports Physicals, and Vaccines
Parenting in a Pandemic. Adjusting to Back to School + The New Normal
