Inova Discourages ER Visits For Mild, Asymptomatic COVID Testing

FAIRFAX, VA — COVID-19 testing demand has increases along with cases as the more-contagious omicron variant spreads in the DC region and the U.S. But Inova Health System has a message for people with asymptomatic or mild infections: don't come to the emergency room.

On Monday, Inova Health System's hospitals around Northern Virginia shared the message on social media discouraging emergency room visits for testing. The Inova Emergency Departments are prioritizing patients with medical conditions needing emergency care or those with critical illnesses.

"We strongly discourage patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms from coming to the emergency room so we may preserve resources for those in our community with emergent medical needs," the post from Inova reads.

Instead, people with no symptoms or mild symptoms are encouraged to find a community testing site. If you have an Inova primary care provider, you can request testing through your primary care provider's office. Inova Urgent Care locations can also provide testing after evaluation from a provider. Inova is planning to set up a community testing site and will share more details when available.

Inova is also implementing restricted eligibility for monoclonal antibody treatments due to limited supply and high COVID-19 cases. Treatment can only be requested online for Virginia residents 12 and older who have a positive COVID-19 test with symptom onset and have certain risk factors. These risk factors include those moderately to severely immunocompromised, pregnant, 65 and older, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35 for adults or greater than the 85th percentile for children age 12 to 17, with chronic kidney disease, with diabetes, with cardiovascular heart disease, with chronic lung disease, with sickle cell disease, with neurodevelopmental disorders, or medical-related technological dependence.

Residents can search for testing sites around their ZIP code on the Virginia Department of Health website. As testing demand may impact availability, residents should check with individual locations on how to schedule a test. At-home antigen test availability may also be limited or out of stock at pharmacies and participating libraries.