Beebe Healthcare is now offering COVID-19 referral-based testing for the community.

The car-based testing is being made available to the entire Sussex County community. Patients should contact their primary care provider or local walk-in care for screening. Local providers are aware of the instructions, including that a provider order is necessary to be tested.

Beebe will then reach out to the patient to schedule an appointment. Beebe will be collecting the specimen and sending it to a commercial lab. Patients should contact their provider for results.

As required by the state, all positive cases will be shared with Division of Public Health, who publically confirms COVID-19 cases. Testing locations will be shared only with ordering providers and scheduled patients.

If someone is in need of an assessment, but does not have a primary care provider, Beebe created its Coronavirus Screening and Assessment Line, that will launch Friday, March 20.

Community members who do not have access to primary care should call 302-645-3200. The caller will be screened and assessed for possible COVID-19 testing or another appropriate level of care. If the caller needs testing, the provider will place an order that can be used at one of the Referral-Based Testing sites once an appointment is scheduled. Callers should have their driver’s license and insurance information ready when you call. The healthcare agency said if the call is not answered, leave a message and the call will be returned if assistance is not immediately provided.

On Friday, March 20, the Coronavirus Screening and Assessment Line will be staffed noon to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it will be staffed 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Monday, March 23, the line will be staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community members who have access to primary care should not call the line, and should see their provider for the order for referral-based testing.

“Beebe Healthcare is taking COVID-19 serious and you should, too. Now is a critical time to follow the CDC’s, state’s, and your provider’s advice on social distancing and other methods of prevention. Beebe team members are trained to take care of our community, and we need your support by taking care of yourselves and following these vital steps,” David A. Tam, MD, MBA, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare.

I feel I need testing, what should I do?

• Reach out to your provider or local walk-in care.
• If you do not have a provider, call 302-645-3200 to be screened and assessed by a Beebe provider.
• If the provider deems a test necessary, Beebe will reach out to you to schedule a visit and instructions will be provided.
• Remember to follow the advice of the State and CDC:
  • For individuals who are sick, particularly with fever and cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance.
  • Practice social distancing and good hand hygiene.
  • Utilize the Coronavirus Call Center, 1-866-408-1899, for additional questions and guidance.
  • Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.