COVID-19 FAQs: Care at LVHN

Preguntas frecuentes sobre el COVID-19: atención en LVHN

I am sick and think I may have COVID-19 infection – what should I do?

I think I may have had COVID-19. How can I get a COVID-19 antibody (serology) test?

Where can I receive a COVID-19 test?

What is LVHN’s visitation policy during COVID-19 outbreak?

Is it safe to receive care for medical issues not related to COVID-19?

Is it safe to schedule an elective surgery, lab test or screening?

Q: I am sick and think I may have COVID-19 infection – what should I do?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with the following symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you think you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone who does, stay home. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is providing COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. You can:

  • Nurse line: 888-402-LVHN (5846), option 4 
  • LVHN ExpressCARE Video Visit: Visit MyLVHN.org or open your MyLVHN app. Tap on the menu, then select “Schedule ExpressCARE Video Visit.” 
  • Complete an E-Visit (detailed questionnaire visit submitted to a provider) by visiting MyLVHN.org or your MyLVHN app. Tap on the menu, then select “E-Visits".
  • Contact your primary care provider: Call or visit MyLVHN.org or open your MyLVHN app. Tap on the message, select “Send a message” and follow the prompts. 

We want to screen you via these technologies so that you receive guidance about testing and next steps without leaving your home.

Q: I think I may have had COVID-19. How can I get a COVID-19 antibody (serology) test?

HNL Lab Medicine offers antibody blood tests for the COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2. If you think you may have had COVID-19 or if you had known exposure to the coronavirus, but never received COVID-19 testing, the antibody test may provide answers.

  • Self-pay – This option requires a prescription from a health care provider . The self-pay option is available to everyone but is especially beneficial for those who are uninsured, underinsured or have high deductible plans. To self-pay, bring your prescription/lab order with you. Before your blood is drawn, inform the phlebotomist that you would like to self-pay.
  • Lab Tests Direct – This option allows you to order the COVID-19 antibody blood test without a prescription from a health care provider. These results can be shared with your health care provider(s).

You can have your blood drawn at an HNL Lab Medicine Patient Center location and no appointment is needed. During the pandemic, select HNL Lab Medicine Patient Centers are closed or have reduced hours. Find all available locations at HNL.com/locations. You can also call HNL Lab Medicine Customer Care at 877-402-4221. For more information about COVID-19 antibody tests, visit the HNL Lab Medicine website.

Q: Where can I receive a COVID-19 test?

If you are sick or if you need to obtain COVID-19 clearance, view a list of select LVHN COVID-19 testing locations.

To promote patient safety, LVHN may require people who have an upcoming scheduled procedure to receive COVID-19 testing. View our pre-procedure COVID-19 testing locations.

Waiting protocol to protect you and others
To further reduce risk of exposure to coronavirus, we are asking patients to wait in their car instead of in the waiting room at our testing locations.

When you arrive at the office, go inside and check in with the registration desk. You will be asked to provide your mobile phone number. Then you can return to your car and wait until the office calls your mobile phone, letting you know you can be seen.

By doing this, you will reduce your risk of exposure to coronavirus in a busy waiting area, as well as potentially protect others if you do happen to have coronavirus or another infection.

Q: What is LVHN’s visitation policy during COVID-19 outbreak?

LVHN has put into place several temporary visitation policies in our hospitals, Family Birth and Newborn Centers and outpatient facilities. We have implemented these strict visitation guidelines for your protection and the safety of our caregivers.

Q: Is it safe to receive care for medical issues not related to COVID-19?

Yes, as your health care partner, LVHN puts the safety of patients first. With COVID-19, our commitment to safety is more evident than ever.

Q: Is it safe to schedule an elective surgery, lab test or screening?

Yes, from spacing out appointments to creating additional cleaning protocols and screening temperatures at the door, we are taking extraordinary measures to deliver the safest care possible.

If you have other questions concerning COVID-19 or about LVHN services, please call 1-888-402-LVHN (5846).

Get a COVID-19 Pre-Screening

Help is available through an E-Visit, video screening or our nurse helpline.

Learn more