Pullman Regional Hospital changes options for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing

As-needed testing begins June 12; patients can obtain provider’s order, pay for travel tests

As+of+June+12%2C+PRH+will+no+longer+be+testing+through+its+COVID-19+Testing+and+Triage+Center%2C+pictured+here.+Asymptomatic+testing+is+still+available+for+people+who+wish+to+be+tested.

COURTESY OF ALISON WEIGLEY

As of June 12, PRH will no longer be testing through its COVID-19 Testing and Triage Center, pictured here. Asymptomatic testing is still available for people who wish to be tested.

EMMA LEDBETTER, Evergreen news editor

Pullman Regional Hospital is replacing its COVID-19 Triage and Testing Center with as-needed asymptomatic testing starting June 12.

PRH has seen a steady decline in the need for symptomatic testing as more people get vaccinated, said Alison Weigley, PRH director of external relations. COVID-19 positivity rates have also declined.

Testing for people receiving care at PRH, including emergency, inpatient and pre-procedure patients, will continue as needed, according to a press release

Asymptomatic individuals can still obtain a test for travel, pre-procedure testing or peace of mind, according to the press release. 

If an asymptomatic test is ordered by a healthcare provider, most insurance companies cover the cost, Weigley said. 

If an asymptomatic individual is traveling, they can schedule an appointment for a test by calling 509-336-7359. The test costs $129, according to the press release.

PRH has conducted over 6,000 COVID-19 tests from March 2020 to March 2021, which is more than 30,000 hours of testing, Weigley said. 

Masks and social distancing are still required in healthcare facilities, she said.

*Editor’s note: This article has been updated from its original form to correct factual errors.