Urgent Announcements

Updated: 11/12/2020

We have three urgent requests at this time:

1. With COVID-19 testing demand increasing, some people are showing up at emergency departments to be tested. Unless you have severe symptoms, the emergency departments are not efficient as community testing sites.

If you have COVID-19 or flu symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), follow these steps.

• First Step of Action: Call your primary care physician first. If you are unable to reach your primary care physician, or if you don't have one, move to second step.
• Second Step of Action: Call the Genesis COVID-19 hotline at (563) 421-3820. The line is open from 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Third Step of Action: Connect with a Genesis provider (marked with a Genesis logo) through your smartphone, tablet or computer through an e-visit Virtual Care at www.genesishealth.com/virtual or on the Genesis CareNow app on your phone.

Kurt Andersen, M.D., Senior Vice President of Physician Operations and Chief Medical Officer, Genesis Health System said, “The emergency department is not the appropriate site for COVID testing. It should not be your first step if you have mild COVID symptoms, as do about 80 percent of patients with COVID. We would refer you to a testing site, to one of the convenient care centers or your primary care doctor if you need testing for mild symptoms of COVID-19.”

2. Genesis COVID Hotline: If you have questions or concerns, call the Genesis COVID-19 hotline at (563) 421-3820. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

3. Uninsured: If you have COVID-19 symptoms and need care, do not delay. Care is available and covered regardless of whether you have insurance and reacting quickly may prevent a hospitalization. Care is covered through the pandemic relief legislation known as the CARES Act.