Adirondack Health expands regional COVID-19 testing, mobile clinic again Thursday at L.P. Quinn

Four nurses from Adirondack Health- Carrie Reardon, Jenny Frenette, Peter Jones and Carrie Kipping- were in the parking lot of L.P. Quinn Thursday for the first mobile testing clinic here. There was a steady stream of cars which people wishing to be tested for the entire event. A similar clinic is scheduled tomorrow. (Dan McClelland photos)

Following the receipt of 2,000 additional COVID-19 test kits from Trudeau Institute, Adirondack Health has devised a plan to significantly expand testing throughout the region.

In order to simplify the scheduling of tests, standing provider orders are in place at all Adirondack Health testing sites. Individuals are still encouraged to contact their primary care providers to get tests ordered, but no one will be denied a test for lack of such orders.

Adirondack Health’s former dental van has been repurposed and re certified by the New York State Department of Health to serve as a mobile testing clinic, further expanding the health system’s testing footprint in the North Country.

Appointments are still required for all tests performed at Adirondack Health facilities and suggested for the mobile testing clinic. At mobile clinic stops, those with appointments scheduled in advance will experience shorter wait times. Every COVID-19 test will entail a nasopharyngeal (sinus) swab, with the option to also have blood drawn to check for the presence of antibodies.

To schedule an appointment, please contact your primary care provider or the COVID-19 clinic at 518-897-2462. There is no direct cost to the individual being tested, but Adirondack Health will collect health insurance information and bill insurance companies. Insurance companies, in turn, are prohibited by New York state from charging co-pays or deductibles for COVID-19 testing.

Locations and hours of operation for expanded COVID-19 testing by Adirondack Health are as follows:

COVID-19 Clinic, Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Mondays – Fridays

Keene Health Center: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesdays

A mobile testing clinic will be Thursday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., L.P. Quinn Elementary School parking lot.

Anyone wishing to be tested can be tested, subject to the continued availability of testing supplies. To make an appointment, call Adirondack Health’s COVID-19 clinic at 518-897-2462. Doctor’s orders are suggested, but not required, in order to receive a test. All tests will include a nasopharyngeal (nose) swab. Anyone who wishes to do so can also have their blood drawn to test for the presence of antibodies. There is no out-of-pocket cost to anyone being tested.

To learn more, visit adirondackhealth.org/coronavirus. Additional information regarding Adirondack Health testing locations and hours of operations is available at adirondackhealth.org/covid-testing.

General questions about COVID-19 should be directed to the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 hotline: 888-364-3065. Adirondack Health’s expanded testing efforts will continue for the foreseeable future, subject to the continued availability of COVID-19 test kits.