WMC’s Test Iowa service to close July 15

The Test Iowa location in Decorah, facilitated by Winneshiek Medical Center, will close Thursday, July 15.  This closure aligns with the State of Iowa’s announcement that it is discontinuing the service.

Last fall, Test Iowa, a statewide initiative to expand the availability of COVID-19 testing, collaborated with Winneshiek Medical Center to open a testing site for northeast Iowa.  The site opened October 12, 2020.  Since the onset of the local service, Test Iowa, staffed by Winneshiek Medical Center employees, has provided 6272 COVID-19 tests to people of the region.

Dave Rooney, WMC Administrator of Operations and Incident Commander of the COVID-19 response at WMC says, “We would like to thank Steve and Julie Spilde for offering their business, Steve’s Car Care, as a long-term location for Test Iowa swabbing.  The indoor, drive-through location allowed our staff to be out of the elements, and allowed people getting the COVID test to remain in their car.  We wouldn’t have been able to provide this service to the level we did without their support.”

COVID-19 testing still available

COVID-19 testing continues to be offered at Winneshiek Medical Center Monday-Friday during daytime hours, and charges are submitted to the patient’s insurance.

• State Hygienic Lab tests: WMC staff send the tests to the State Hygienic Lab for resulting. There is a collection charge for the test, but the processing is completed at no charge to the patient. At this time the test is available to anyone who requests it for any reason. The continuation of this service is dependent on the State’s current criteria for testing.  Turn-around-time for receiving results is generally under 72 hours.
• Mayo Clinic Reference Lab tests: WMC staff send tests to the Mayo Clinic Reference Lab for processing.  There is a collection and processing charge for this test and turn-around-time is generally under 40 hours.
• Rapid Testing (PCR): Appropriate for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19, and provides results within 20 minutes. There is a collection and processing charge for this test.

To be tested for COVID-19, call Winneshiek Medical Center for an appointment at 563-382-2911.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccine are available to anyone who would like to be vaccinated.  You do not need to be a patient of Winneshiek Medical Center or Mayo Clinic Health System to be vaccinated at WMC.  Simply call WMC for a vaccine appointment that will meet your schedule: 563-382-2911.