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WellNow Urgent Care now announces testing for COVID-19 in WNY; available in Niagara County

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Fri, Apr 24th 2020 10:15 am

Molecular (PCR) tests and blood antibody serology tests available at 12 facilities

Tests are available seven days a week with no appointment needed

Beginning today, WellNow Urgent Care is offering two types of COVID-19 testing at its Western New York facilities: molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and blood antibody serology testing. Individuals who have or recently had COVID-19 symptoms are eligible to receive the tests. Tests are available seven days a week with no appointment needed.

“Bringing both types of COVID-19 testing to our communities in Western New York is a top priority right now,” said WellNow Urgent Care President John Radford, M.D. “It’s our responsibility to make sure our communities can confidently and safely get the care and answers they need, especially now. No one should be afraid to get care.”

Testing is available at the following WellNow Western New York locations: 

  • Amherst (Dent Tower)
  • Amherst (Harlem Road)
  • Batavia
  • Cheektowaga
  • Clarence
  • Dunkirk
  • Lancaster
  • Niagara Falls
  • Orchard Park
  • Tonawanda
  • West Seneca
  • Wheatfield

The molecular (PCR) test, like a flu test, requires a nasopharyngeal swab to determine if a patient has COVID-19. Antibody testing uses a blood sample to determine the presence of antibodies in response to a recent or past COVID-19 infection. Additionally, antibody testing can determine an individual’s immunity to the virus and help identify potential plasma donors.

Individuals who have or recently had symptoms of the virus will be screened in their car, provided a mask and brought directly to a private patient room for further evaluation and testing. Both tests are said to be highly accurate and will return results within approximately 48 hours.

“These COVID-19 tests offer our Western New York communities reliable screening that provides patients clarity on their symptoms and helps guide the best course of action for their care,” said WellNow Urgent Care Chief Medical Officer Tanvir M. Dara, M.D. “The collective data can also provide a deeper understanding of how widespread the virus is within our communities, and can help inform greater decisions that keep the health and safety of all as our top priority.”

Currently, these are the two accepted forms of COVID-19 testing used by health providers validated by the FDA. WellNow plans to expand COVID-19 screening to all New York facilities at a future date.

All WellNow locations continue to provide timely treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as sprains, strains, colds and the flu, while also providing on-site X-rays, lab testing and physicals. Patients are treated on a walk-in basis, but may also check-in online or view up-to-date facility wait times directly on the company’s homepage.

The company also offers telehealth visits through WellNow Virtual Medical. WellNow welcomes most insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, Fidelis and Veterans Affairs TriWest. A full list of services and hours can be found online at wellnow.com/services.

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