Hy-Vee Inc. has announced that select 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 the state of Iowa to offer this service.
With one test, patients can get tested for 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 and older by appointment only. The test is administered through an outdoor, drive-thru testing process.
Patients need to 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 under 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 pharmacist. Patients will be able to receive treatment if tested positive. The prescription may require a copay.
“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, Inc. “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 available by appointment at the following Iowa-based locations:
- North Ankeny Hy-Vee – 410 N. Ankeny Blvd.
- Cedar Falls Hy-Vee – 6301 University Ave.
- Edgewood Hy-Vee – 5050 Edgewood Road NE
- Chariton Hy-Vee – 2001 Court Ave.
- West Broadway Hy-Vee – 2323 W. Broadway
- Fort Dodge Hy-Vee – 115 S. 29th St.
- Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee – 1700 E. Washington St.
- Gordon Plaza Hy-Vee – 3301 Gordon Drive
- Waukee Hy-Vee – 1005 Hickman Road
To register for the test, patients must visit hy-vee.com/my-pharmacy/services/testing 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.
Signage will be placed at each testing site to inform patients where to go to receive test. Pharmacy staff will complete an assessment with the patient before testing. Once the assessment is complete, a 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 nose 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.
