NHHS updates COVID-19 test collection instructions

NEWPORT — In an effort to minimize confusion for patients, Newport Hospital and Health Services has created a more streamlined process for COVID-19 test collections at Newport Community Hospital.

NHHS encourages people to follow these guidelines for all outpatient COVID-19 test collections, hospital officials said in announcing the updated instructions.

Step 1: Patient needs to get a doctor’s order for the COVID-19 test. Patient should instruct their doctor’s office to fax the order to Newport Community Hospital at (509) 447-9405.

Step 2: Patient should call (509) 447-2441 to pre-register for their test (prior to getting in line for outdoor testing). If the patient is already at the hospital and still needs to pre-register, they should park across the street from the hospital (along Scott Street) in the designated pre- registration area (look for the pre-registration signs).

Once Newport Community Hospital has the doctor’s order, admitting personnel can proceed with pre-registration when the patient calls, hospital officials said.

The patient should have their insurance information available when they call. The patient will be given a confirmation number to present upon test collection.

Step 3: Patient arrives at Newport Community Hospital and pulls in to the COVID-19 collection tent.

If no lab tech is present near the tent, the patient should call 509-447-9301 and someone will meet them in the tent.

If no lab tech is present near the tent, please call (509) 447-9301 and someone will meet you in the tent.

COVID-19 collection tent hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. (pre-registration closes at 4 p.m.); Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Sunday: closed.

Patients are encouraged to avoid the Emergency Department unless they are experiencing symptoms that require immediate attention.

Patients who do come to the Emergency Department with cough, fever, or shortness of breath need to stay in their cars and call 509-447-9353. Emergency Department medical staff will meet them outside in their cars.

For more information on Newport Hospital and Health Services and the hospital district’s COVID-19 response plan, please visit NewportHospital AndHealth.org.