Hartford (Conn.) Healthcare is piloting a drive-through screening center and virtual visit program to help accommodate people who think they may have COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to local news affiliate WFSB.
The health system is now offering virtual visits via videoconferencing technology. Patients can talk to a Hartford Healthcare physician and have an exam without leaving their homes.
The drive-through testing center, which has been tested out with a few patients, allows individuals seeking COVID-19 testing to drive up to Hartford Healthcare's facilities and have their nose and mouth swabbed while remaining inside their vehicle. Patient information is then sent electronically through the health system's call center, according to the March 11 report.
"We believe that drive-through screening will be an important part of how we care for people and respond to this crisis. We have piloted it to a few patients, and we do believe it will work and will be effective," Hartford Healthcare President and CEO Jeffrey Flaks told WFSB.
Hartford Healthcare will announce when the drive-through testing center will open in the next few days, according to the report.