The testing site is part of AdventHealth’s statewide response to make additional testing available in our communities.
TAMPA, FLA. (PRWEB) APRIL 21, 2020
In an effort to increase availability of COVID-19 testing in Florida, AdventHealth will offer free testing at Adventure Island, across the street from Busch Gardens at 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 beginning Wednesday, April 22.
AdventHealth has 2,000 tests available per day to administer during the designated times to anyone who meets the criteria for testing as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A doctor’s order is not required for testing. Additionally, there will be no out-of-pocket costs, regardless of insurance status. AdventHealth will cover the cost for those who are uninsured.
“We know testing is a critical part of preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Mike Schultz, President and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division. “We have an opportunity to make a greater impact on this pandemic, help flatten the curve, and keep our communities safe by expanding the capacity for testing and ensuring everyone has access to testing that is convenient and affordable.”
Pre-registration is preferred to help alleviate long wait times. People can go to AdventHealthCoronaVirusTesting.com or call 866-694-5503 during the hours of 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. for screening and registration. During the registration process, people will be asked to enter their contact information, insurance information and will be assigned a time to show up for testing. Testing will take place from noon – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 and from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each weekday after that for a period of 30 days.
“We are committed to supporting the local community in any way we can during these incredibly difficult times,” said Stewart Clark, President and General Manager of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “By partnering with AdventHealth, we are proud to be able to donate the use of our parking lot at Adventure Island to set up essential testing for residents. We look forward to welcoming our community and guests back to our parks as soon as is safely possible.”
To make it easy, anyone who receives an appointment time will simply drive to the test site, then remain in their vehicle for the test, which only requires that they cough and spit into a cup. First responders and health care workers who show proper workplace identification will have a designated lane at the test site to shorten wait times for those groups. Test results are available in approximately 2-3 days and will be delivered through the AdventHealth app, AdventHealth website and additionally, anyone who is tested will receive a call from an AdventHealth physician or nurse practitioner with their results and any next steps in care, if necessary. Complete instructions on receiving results will be provided at the testing location.
“We want to make it easy for people to get screened, understand the results and either self-isolate based on the diagnosis or start the next steps to receive medical care,” said Dr. Rainer Chan, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Medical Group.
AdventHealth is evaluating additional locations in other communities and hopes to further expand testing locations.
The implementation of community site testing, specialized testing devices and rapid testing allows AdventHealth to alleviate the testing burden from public agencies, while also providing patients and physicians expanded access to the test.
About AdventHealth West Florida Division
The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nation’s brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as five freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Brandon ER, AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, AdventHealth TimberRidge ER, and AdventHealth Westchase ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including specialty acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy, home care, mobile mammography and more. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth.
About Adventure Island, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Waterpark
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island® is Tampa’s premier water park, featuring a combination of exhilarating water rides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere await slides, such as Vanish Point™, Caribbean Corkscrew® and Colossal Curl™, waterfalls, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, children’s water playground called Fabian’s Funport® and other family attractions. Guests can dig their toes into the sand or relax in lounge chairs or a private cabana. For more information, visit AdventureIsland.com for more information.
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