Marshall Miles Interviews Dr. Mark Hirko, President of Sharon Hospital: COVID-19 Update

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Dr. Mark Hirko

What is the COVID-19 drive-through collection site?

The COVID-19 drive-through collection site is an alternative location for people suspected of COVID-19 to give a specimen sample for a test; this is instead of going to the emergency department or another medical facility.

Who can go to the collection site?

The collection site is ONLY for pre-screened people who meet ALL of following criteria:

  • You called your doctor’s office and had a consultation
  • Based on your symptoms and other information you provided, your doctor determined that you meet criteria for COVID-19 testing, and ordered a test for you
  • You have a scheduled appointment at the collection site

No pets are allowed at the collection sites unless they are service animals.

How do I schedule an appointment at the collection site?

Your doctor will give you the phone number to call to schedule an appointment at the collection site. The collection site hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and are subject to change.

What do I need to bring with me for my appointment?

  • Government-issued photo ID (examples: driver’s license, passport)
  • Insurance card (if you have one)
  • Physician order (prescription) for the COVID-19 test. Your doctor will tell you if you need to bring a paper order with you or if it will be submitted electronically.

Where is the collection site located?

There are two collection sites in New York. You can choose which site to go to when you call to schedule your appointment.

  • Intermodal Center at Dutchess Stadium: 1500 NY-9D, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. The entrance is located at the back end of the stadium parking lot.
  • Tech City: 300 Enterprise Drive, Kingston, NY 12401. The collection site is located in the parking lot.

What do I do when I get to the collection site?

  • Only two passengers per vehicle are permitted at the collection site.
  • You will be given an “Access Pass” after your ID and doctor order are verified. No specimen collection will be done without this pass.
  • It’s important for you to stay in your vehicle. You will be asked to hold up your ID and insurance card for a photograph.

How will you collect the specimen sample from me?

A trained healthcare provider will use a swab to collect a sample from inside your nose. This is not a blood test.

What do I do after I leave the collection site?

Drive home and limit your interactions with others during this time. Plan to self-quarantine for up to 14 days. You will receive self-quarantine guidelines at the collection site, and they can also be found at nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus.

You will receive an email or text message to register for GetWell Loop if you asked for access when you scheduled your collection site appointment. GetWell Loop is an online platform that provides daily health monitoring, videos, and other information you can reference at any time to help answer common questions and concerns about COVID-19. GetWell Loop is not a substitute for the personalized care your doctor can provide, and is just an added tool to help you stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, go to the nearest emergency department. Call the emergency department to tell them you are on your way, and that you have been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting for the results.

How long will it take to get my test results back?

It may take up to six days to get your test results back. Your doctor will notify you of the results. Only call your doctor if you have not heard back in seven days.

What should I do if I don’t meet the criteria for the collection site, but I still have questions or concerns?

We understand how unsettling these times are as we receive updates on the spread of COVID-19. Stay informed with accurate facts from trusted sources to lessen some of your fears. Focus on facts, take a deep breath, and remember that we’re all in this together.

  • For general questions or concerns, call the Nuvance Health COVID-19 Community Hotline at 888-667-9262. Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.
  • For information regarding Connecticut, visit gov/coronavirus or call 211.
  • For information regarding New York, visit ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus or call 1-888-364-3065.
  • The CDC is updating information on its website daily. Stay informed by visiting gov/coronavirus.

Nuvance Health is keeping communities informed on our website at nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus, and on social media @NuvanceHealth, or search for your hospital’s name. Nuvance Health hospitals include: Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, Sharon Hospital in Connecticut; Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital, Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York

For more information about Sharon Hospital, visit healthquest.org/sharonhospital or email SharonHospital@nuvancehealth.org.



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1 reply

  1. There should be testing sites closer than the 2 noted in NYS for Northwest Ct towns.Wappingers and Kingston are too far to travel when feeling unwell.
    Nuvance Health should service Sharon Hospital community with closer test sites than Danbury Bridgeport and Norwalk. There’s no logic in intentionally exposing yourself to those cities aforementioned with high COVID 19 case counts,especially Danbury. If Nuvance is going to own these small community hospitals ,it needs to service the residents within that community. They have a responsibility to do so.

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