Drive-thru coronavirus testing in Austin area
AUSTIN, Texas — As Texas continues to ramp up its COVID-19 testing capabilities, more and more drive-thru testing sites are starting to pop up.
Here are some of the groups doing drive-thru testing in the Austin area:
Austin Emergency Center
Austin Emergency Center (AEC) announced that it was offering drive-thru or drive-up testing on March 30.
Most patients will be able to be evaluated in a minimally invasive manner from the privacy of their cars. Those who are found to be seriously ill will be brought inside the ER for further evaluation. Some evaluations may take place by video, but a doctor will see each patient in person during the visit.
Through the AEC-CaSA Carside process, the patient will be able to avoid the risk of being exposed to infectious diseases that could be present in a regular ER office.
AEC physicians may make presumptive “stay at home” recommendations based upon the clinical picture and the risk factors of the coronavirus. Patients might be given a “work note” for up to 14 days, at the discretion of the physician.
AEC-CaSA will be offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at four of AEC’s locations:
- AEC – Far West 3563 Far West Blvd. Austin, TX 78731
512-481-2321 - AEC – S. Lamar 4015 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
512-774-5780 - AEC – Mueller 1801 E. 51st St. Bldg. H, Austin, TX 78723
512-322-5104 - AEC- Anderson Mill 13435 US Hwy. 183 N. Austin, TX 78750
512-614-1200 (starting on April 1)
Austin Regional Clinic
On Monday, March 30, ARC announced it would be opening five drive-up testing sites at locations in Austin, Cedar Park, Kyle, and Round Rock.
According to ARC, those looking to be tested must have the test ordered by an ARC physician.
If a patient drives through without first having an initial physician evaluation, staff will offer to schedule them for the next available telemedicine appointment so a physician can decide if a test is needed. That consultation could occur in the parking lot through ARC’s telemedicine service. If patients meet the testing criteria, they will be instructed to return to the drive-up testing tent.
The first location, at the South Austin clinic, is already operational, while the other four are expected to open by Thursday, April 2.
Baylor Scott & White
Baylor Scott & White has confirmed that it has opened a drive-thru testing clinic at its location by the Domain.
Additionally, Baylor Scott & White offers drive-thru testing at Baylor Scott & White now offers drive-thru testing sites at its clinics located at 425 University Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665 and 5251 West US Highway 290 Austin, TX 78735.
Like other testing sites, you will be required to complete a screening questionnaire before the clinic decides whether to test you.
Dell Medical Center
The University of Texas Health in Austin (UTHA), Dell Medical Center’s Clinic downtown, has drive-thru testing available.
The testing is available to those recommended to be tested by Austin Public Health and Ascension Seton.
Remedy
Austin-based telemedicine company Remedy has set up a drive-thru testing site, but it isn’t open to everyone.
Similarly, to all the other testing locations, you must go through a screening to determine whether to be tested or not.
