PM Pediatrics, the nation’s largest provider of pediatric urgent care, has expanded its drive-up COVID-19 testing to all family members living in the same household, including parents, siblings and extended family, at all of its offices offering drive-up testing, including Spring Valley, NY, Cherry Hill, NJ, Dedham, MA, Richardson, TX, Rockville, MD, Los Angeles, CA, Selden, NY, Manhasset, NY, North Brunswick, NJ, Pompton Plains, NJ, Fairfax, VA and Wayne, PA.
Patients must still first be evaluated by a pediatric expert from PM Pediatrics to determine if they are eligible for the test, either in-person for patients age 0-26, or via the PM Pediatrics Anywhere telemedicine app for all ages.
Testing is conducted under secured tents located in the parking lot of each location. Results are reported in approximately four days. All COVID-19 screening appointments must be booked in advance.
“This initiative is based on common sense and convenience, giving all members of a household the medical information they need to manage their health status,” said Dr. Jeffrey Schor, co-CEO of PM Pediatrics. “Our PM Pediatrics Anywhere app continues to be an excellent avenue for medical guidance and peace of mind, as well as helping families maintain social distancing practices by limiting trips out of the home.”
PM Pediatrics Anywhere, the PM Pediatrics telemedicine app program, recently expanded to all 13 states in which one of its more than 55 offices is located, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington DC, Texas and California. A full list is here.
PM Pediatrics accelerated the rollout of the telemedicine program in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Since March 1, more than 26,000 parents have signed up to use the telemedicine program. PM Pediatrics doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are treating about 300 telemedicine patients daily. Average wait time for an appointment is under four minutes.
In addition to screening for symptoms of COVID-19, PM Pediatrics’ experts can answer a variety of questions about any pediatric emergency, from rashes to sprained ankles.
“Some injuries still need to be seen in person in a timely fashion, such as large lacerations, burns, broken bones and other non-coronavirus-related conditions,” said Dr. Christina Johns, Senior Medical Advisor for PM Pediatrics. “Everyone is staying home, which is absolutely appropriate, but sometimes more free time at home can mean more injuries, and some of them should not have a delayed evaluation. Telemedicine can also provide an excellent gateway to help families determine what level of in-person care they may need, if any.”