Ease the burden on local healthcare by vaccinating, masking

As new cases of COVID-19 surge throughout the region, Gundersen Health System staff continue to provide incredible care for patients with many different conditions and illnesses. However, the surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations is making this care much more difficult.

Gundersen Boscobel needs your help to keep our Emergency and Urgent Care Departments available for those who are experiencing serious, urgent or emergent health concerns, including moderate-to-severe symptoms of COVID-19.

If you are experiencing mild symptoms or need to be screened and tested for COVID-19, Gundersen Boscobel offers two options:

• Online screening and self-scheduling in MyChart
• Telephone screening and scheduling by calling the Gundersen Boscobel Clinic at (608) 375-4144

Gundersen is seeing between 40 and 50 COVID-positive hospitalized patients across its system at any given time. Gundersen Boscobel is experiencing a high-volume of clinic phone calls, Emergency and Urgent Care visits and hospitalizations. We ask for your patience as we work to best serve the health care needs of our community during this time.

To help ease the burden on healthcare, Gundersen asks everyone to get a free, safe COVID-19 vaccine. Layering protections on top of vaccine – masking, distancing, hand hygiene – at work, school, and any indoor, public spaces significantly lowers your risk of COVID-19 infection and keep COVID-19 hospitalizations low to ease stress on local healthcare, and allow local businesses, schools and organizations to continue normal operations.

Immunocompromised patients and non-patients age 18 and older who have completed their two-dose series of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can schedule their third dose of the Moderna vaccine at Gundersen Boscobel through MyChart or by calling (608) 375-4144.

Common COVID-19 testing questions:

Can I be tested if I do not have symptoms of COVID-19? 

We offer testing whether you have symptoms of COVID-19 or need to be screened for travel purposes or to return to school or work.

What kind of test is used?

We use a non-rapid nasal swab test. It’s highly accurate, making it unlikely you'll receive a false positive or negative.

When can I expect my test results?

At this time, it may take up to 48 hours for those who do not require results immediately. This timeframe may fluctuate based on testing demand and could be extended.

How will I get my results?

If you test positive for COVID-19, a Gundersen nurse will call you to advise you on what steps to take. Since Gundersen must report positive tests to the county, your local health department may also contact you. If your results are negative, you will get a letter and results in MyChart. If you do not have a MyChart account, you can sign up at mychart.gundersenhealth.org

Are there other locations in the community where I can be tested?

The Grant County Health Department offers free testing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon at the former Lancaster Shopko building. For other testing locations, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community-testing