COVID-19 screening and testing
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, there are two options for screening and testing at Gundersen Health System:
1) Online screening and self-scheduling in MyChart
If you have a MyChart account and can be tested for COVID-19 at one of our designated locations, log in to MyChart to be screened for COVID-19 online and self-schedule a test. You can also set up a MyChart account.
Where can I self-schedule a COVID-19 test?
2) Screening and scheduling by phone
If self-scheduling a COVID-19 test is not available in your area, or you prefer to talk to a nurse by phone, call the Gundersen COVID Nurse Line at (608) 775-4465 before you come in. You will be asked screening questions to determine your next steps.
If you qualify for COVID-19 testing, our nurses will help you schedule a test at one of the following Gundersen locations:
- Boscobel: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Decorah: Monday-Friday, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
- Hillsboro: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
- La Crosse: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-noon
- Moundview-Friendship: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sparta: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 to 4 p.m.
- Tomah: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- West Union: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 to 10 a.m.
- Whitehall: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Our nurses are fielding many calls on a variety of illnesses including COVID-19. We appreciate your patience as we work as quickly as possible to meet your needs.
Note: You must be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested at Gundersen Health System.
For questions about COVID-19, ask Ayla, our digital helper. You can find her in the lower right corner of our website.
Common COVID-19 testing questions
What kind of test is used?
You can expect a nasal swab test at our Gundersen Health System testing sites. This type of test is highly accurate, making it unlikely you'll receive a false positive or negative.
When can I expect my test results?
While we're working to get COVID-19 test results in a day or less for those who need them right away—frontline medical staff and hospitalized patients, to name a couple—it may take 24 to 48 hours for those who do not require them immediately. Thank you for your patience.
How will I get my results?
If you test positive for COVID-19, a nurse will call you to advise you on what steps to take. Since Gundersen must report your positive test to your 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 here. After you provide basic information, a code will be emailed to you so you can complete the process.
Are there locations in the community where I can be tested?
The La Crosse County Health Department regularly updates a helpful community testing page. Visit the page for dates, times, locations and testing guidelines.
