Select Hy-Vee pharmacy locations in Iowa pilot COVID-19 and flu test-to-treat service
Select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations in Iowa will begin offering a new COVID-19 and flu test-to-treat service as part of a pilot through eTrueNorth. Hy-Vee is one of the first pharmacy providers in Iowa to offer this service.
With one test, patients can get tested for both COVID-19 and flu at select Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations and receive prescribed treatment from a Hy-Vee pharmacist. The test is free and available for ages 12+ by appointment only. The test is administered via an outdoor, drive-thru testing process.
Patients must either have COVID-19 or flu symptoms or have been exposed to someone with the illness to be tested. Patients must register online to receive a test voucher number, testing site and appointment time. Patients will receive results in as few as 30 minutes after completing the test. Those who test positive for COVID-19 or influenza A/B will receive a prescription for an antiviral treatment by a Hy-Vee pharmacist. Patients ages 12+ will be able to receive treatment if tested positive. The prescription may require a copay.
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“We are proud to introduce this new service as part of our commitment toward making health care more accessible and convenient for our patients,” said Aaron Wiese, president of Hy-Vee. “This pilot allows our pharmacists to practice at the top of their license and provide additional care and support for our patients and their families.”
The COVID-19 and flu test is currently available by appointment at the following Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations:
- North Ankeny Hy-Vee 410 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa
- Cedar Falls Hy-Vee 6301 University Ave., Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Edgewood Hy-Vee 5050 Edgewood Road NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Chariton Hy-Vee 2001 Court Ave., Chariton, Iowa
- West Broadway Hy-Vee 2323 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Fort Dodge Hy-Vee 115 S. 29th St., Fort Dodge, Iowa
- Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee 1700 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, Iowa
- Gordon Plaza Hy-Vee 3301 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa
- Waukee Hy-Vee 1005 Hickman Road, Waukee, Iowa
Testing times vary by location. To register for the test, patients must visit here and complete the COVID-19 and flu online assessment. If eligible for a test, individuals can select a location, time and date for their appointment. Testing is only valid for the date and time printed on the voucher.
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Signage will be placed at each testing site to inform patients where to go to receive the test. Pharmacy staff will complete an assessment with the patient before testing. Once the assessment is complete, a trained Hy-Vee Pharmacy employee will administer the anterior nasal swab test. Testing is expected to take less than 2 minutes. During the testing process, patients must wear a mask and will be asked to lower it beneath their noses during the test. The testing process will be complete in 15 minutes. Patients will be notified by phone when their results are available. Results may be available in as few as 30 minutes.