Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin has launched its next wave of drive-through testing locations for COVID-19 in northern Wisconsin.

As of today, April 1, drive-through testing sites are now available in Tomahawk and Woodruff. Locations in Plover, Rhinelander and Crandon continue to serve residents of north central Wisconsin, with additional sites in development.

People who wish to be tested at drive-through locations must first be pre-screened by an Ascension Medical Group provider by appointment or virtually using Ascension Online Care.

Those interested in drive-through testing at these locations should contact their local Ascension Medical Group Clinic for appointment options.

  • Tomahawk (available 9 a.m. to noon): 715-453-7200
  • Woodruff (available 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.): 715-356-8140

Ascension Online Care is available at ascension.org/OnlineCare.

This screening involves a series of questions about symptoms, travel history and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Patients who meet the criteria, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, will schedule an appointment for drive-through testing at the appropriate site.

At the testing site, patients will remain in their vehicle at all times. An Ascension associate will look up the patient’s information in the electronic health record to confirm they have been screened and require testing. Insurance information will be collected for follow-up purposes, if it’s not already entered into the electronic health record. An Ascension associate will confirm that the patient has an established Ascension provider. There is no upfront charge for the testing.

Nasal swab samples will be collected and sent to a state-approved laboratory for analysis. Patients will be provided this information at the time of testing and instructed to return home and self-isolate for 14-days. Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin will contact patients with results and positive results will be alerted to the Wisconsin Department of Health.

“We continue to collaborate closely with local and state health officials to ensure that community members experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus, while limiting exposure to keep the health and safety of our patients, associates and visitors as a top priority,” said Dr. Stewart Watson, clinical vice president of Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin’s North Region in a news release. “These additional locations will help expand testing capabilities to the communities we serve.”

According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms seen with the infection with COVID-19 are not specific, with cold-like symptoms in mild cases. Symptoms could include a fever, along with cough and shortness of breath. If someone is elderly or has other medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or cancer, they may get sicker from the virus and develop pneumonia or other lung problems. For more information on COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.

There also is an Ascension COVID19 Hotline set up for those who have general questions about COVID-19. The toll-free number for Wisconsin is 833-981-0711. Access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension, including an online assessment tool is available: https://healthcare.ascension.org/COVID-19.

Photo courtesy Ascension. Ascension associates Shannon Bushong, LPN, from left, and Tiffany Barthels, CMA, at the Tomahawk testing site.