Clinics offer virus tests for surgery patients

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Wednesday that outpatient elective surgeries will resume beginning Monday, with one stipulation that, prior to having the procedure, the patient must be COVID-19 tested 48 hours beforehand.

Healthy Connections says it is offering COVID-19 testing at its clinics in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Mena, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida and De Queen. Patients can call 888-710-8220 for an appointment.

“These tests can be done regardless of patient symptoms,” a news release said. “Healthy Connections can also work with surgical providers to test their patients before the procedure.”

Jeffrey Slatton, Healthy Connections Business Development, told The Sentinel-Record on April 8 that the clinics are opening up COVID-19 testing to anyone because a test shortage is not currently anticipated.

“At this point in time, we have tests, we believe we can get more tests, and at some point in the future perhaps that’s not the case, but right now that’s the case, and

we’re being told we can get more tests,” he said.

COVID-19 tests at Healthy Connections Clinics are conducted using a nasal swab in both nostrils.

According to the release, the complete requirements that were announced include:

• The procedure must be scheduled so the patient is not expected to spend the night in the hospital.

• The patient must not be sick or have a lot of underlying medical conditions.

• The patient must have had no contact with a

COVID-19 patient within the previous 14 days.

• The patient has no symptoms of COVID-19.

• Patients must be tested for COVID-19 within 48 hours of the scheduled surgery.

“This is being done to ensure the safety of both the patient and the clinic staff during the procedure,” the release said.

Healthy Connections specialists, including Pittman Moore, MD (OB/GYN), Richard Bennett, DPM (podiatrist), Vito Calandro, MD (cardiologist), and Fred Heinemann, MD (cardiologist), will also resume some surgical procedures beginning Monday, according to the release.

“Healthy Connections dentists in Mena and Hot Springs are still open and doing ‘emergency’ procedures. These procedures include most services that aren’t considered maintenance,” it states.

Slatton said COVID-19 testing at Healthy Connections is covered by most health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. Testing for qualified Healthy Connections “sliding-fee” patients is also done at no cost to the patient. For patients without health insurance, Healthy Connections has a reduced medical coverage option for those who qualify.