Have questions about COVID-19 testing?
We've got answers
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.
Where can I be tested?
If you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, testing is available for PRESCREENED patients at the following Gundersen locations:
- Boscobel: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Decorah: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Hillsboro: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 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.
- West Union: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Whitehall: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: To be pre-screened for testing, call your primary care provider or our Telephone Nurse Advisors (24/7, 365) at (608) 775-4454 or (800) 858-1050. You also can connect online with a provider 24/7 through Gundersen's VirtualVisit app, which is available on the App Store or Google Play. Patients must be 2 years or older for this option.
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.
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 48 to 72 hours for those who do not require them immediately. Unfortunately, as more people meet criteria to be tested for COVID-19, quickly providing test results is becoming more difficult. This is happening across the United States. We are working with county and state health officials on ways to fix this. In the meantime, thank you for being patient.
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 MyCare. If you do not have a MyCare account, you can sign up here. After you provide basic information, a code will be emailed to you so you can complete the process.
I think I need to be tested. What's next?
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, it's best to call your primary care provider or our Telephone Nurse Advisors (24/7, 365) at (608) 775-4454 or (800) 858-1050. They can provide further direction based on your situation. Here's some additional information on what steps to take next.
