Exer Urgent Care Offering Coronavirus Testing In Palos Verdes

PALOS VERDES, CA — Exer Urgent Care, an emergency room alternative, announced Thursday that on-site testing for the new coronavirus is available at their Rolling Hills Estates location and other clinics in Los Angeles County.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that any Los Angeles County resident who has symptoms may apply to be tested for the virus, so in an effort to support patient care, Exer is offering testing at all their locations, and drive-up testing at seven clinic locations: Calabasas, Stevenson Ranch, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, Westwood and Redondo Beach.

In order to be tested, patients need a prescription, the Exer news release said. Exer is offering patients an online evaluation via VirtualCare by Exer. VirtualCare is an online urgent care service providing real-time access to a health care provider via video chat. Patients do not need an appointment, they can remotely login and will be connected to an Exer medical provider the news release said.

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From there, patients can be screened for coronavirus by answering questions about risk factors and symptoms. The risk assessment evaluation for COVID-19 follows local and state guidelines. Through the telemedicine visit, patients will talk through symptoms and past medical history during the virtual exam to determine whether a COVID-19 test is recommended, the news release said. If a test is recommended, the doctor will give the patient a prescription and directive to report to their nearest Exer clinic.

“At Exer, patient safety is our number one priority. During these unprecedented times we’ve closely monitored information from the CDC to ensure we are adjusting our protocols and practices to best serve our communities,” Dr. Brian Wilbur, Chief Medical Officer with Exer Urgent Care, said. “With more testing options available, coupled with our VirtualCare platform we are committed to providing accessible healthcare options for our communities.”

Exer has a lab partner capable of processing results within one to two days, the news release said. Testing is being offered while supplies last to those who meet the CDC-based screening criteria and anyone who is experiencing symptoms should call into VirtualCare to begin the screening process, Exer said.

Exer also established new protocols. All locations have tripled disinfectant cleaning efforts, will provide masks to patients, and are adhering to self-swab practices to limit exposure of the virus. The new rigorous decontamination protocol is in an effort to mitigate the spread of the new virus, the news release said.

"Exer is diligently working to make more tests available in the coming days and to continue providing patients with the highest level of quality care” Wilbur said.

For more information about Exer Urgent Care visit the Exer Urgent Care website.

Exer Urgent Care Rolling Hills Estates is at 395 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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