State DOH reduces restrictions on coronavirus tests, by appointment only

According to the Washington State Department of Health, “there are currently no restrictions on who can be tested for COVID-19” as tests are becoming more available. However, the DOH directs health care providers to focus on testing people with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath).

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Testing will be done at the provider’s discretion.

Public health officials have recommended that patients who think they have been exposed to coronavirus, and are experiencing symptoms, should call their doctor first to determine if a test is necessary.

Health care workers, first responders, high-risk individuals, and anyone experiencing severe symptoms are recommended to be prioritized for testing. Younger, healthy individuals with mild illness, according to the DOH, do not need to be tested. Testing is also not recommended for anyone who is asymptomatic.

The DOH’s website reads: “We don’t currently have medications to treat COVID-19, so whether you test positive or negative your health care provider’s advice for managing your symptoms will be the same.”

The majority of hospitals around the area have the capacity to test for coronavirus, but are mostly, if not all, reserved for patients with referrals and appointments from their doctor.

Kaiser Permanente’s website said they are prepared to test patients, but you need a referral and appointment first.

UW Medicine patients who are determined to need testing can be scheduled for an appointment at the drive-through testing facility. According to their website, most appointments are reserved for patients who are severely ill or at high-risk of infecting others.

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Case numbers are still expected to rise as testing capacity increases.

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