Do You Need a COVID Test?
Please note: we only do COVID tests after you have been evaluated by a provider, either in person or virtually. Woodcreek Pediatrics - Mary Bridge Children's is not a free testing site. You will be charged by the provider for their evaluation and for the test itself.
We offer limited testing - use these guidelines to figure out what to do:
You have COVID symptoms.
- YES: please schedule an appointment in one of our urgent care centers. At this time, we are limiting COVID evaluations in our Convenience Care clinics to patients with symptoms.
- No: go to the next step.
You were recently exposed to a positive case but you haven't developed symptoms yet.
- YES: schedule a video visit for evaluation. Pediatric patients can be seen via the Mary Bridge virtual urgent care service; adults can seek evaluation from the Indigo Online Care site.
- No: go to the next step.
You do not have symptoms and were not exposed to COVID.
- There's only one situation where we see someone who hasn't been exposed and has no symptoms: when a patient age 0-21 needs a pre-surgical COVID test. For these patients, please use the virtual service listed in the step above.
- Otherwise, Woodcreek Pediatrics - Mary Bridge Children's cannot help you with a COVID test. If you're looking for a screening test for travel, a return to school or work, or you're just plain curious, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has a list of locations where you can go for that service. Additionally, you can order free tests through the federal government's COVID test ordering site.
Our Test is Positive - Now What?
As everyone knows, the pandemic is straining healthcare resources to the limit - Woodcreek Pediatrics is no exception. We are struggling with keeping our clinics staffed and that means longer waits for you to get a return call about your sick child. We apologize for these delays and want to offer you these first steps in caring for your family.
First thing: quarantine. The pandemic continues to race through our community and the most effective way to stop it is to make sure sick people don't infect anyone else. Here are the most up-to-date guidelines on how to do it: WA State Department of Health Quarantine Guidelines. If staying at home is a hardship, you may be able to get some help from the Care Connect Washington program. And use masks and distancing, even in your own household, to limit spread among uninfected members of your family.
Second: notify the following of the positive test:
Third: evaluate and treat. Most COVID infections in kids are mild and look like a regular cold. If that's how yours looks, treat it that way - fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medication for controlling fever is sufficient. BUT, if you child's symptoms worsen - significant difficulty breathing, very high fever, or anything else particularly worrisome - do not hesitate to seek treatment: set up an in-person appointment in one of our Convenience Care clinics.
Finally: be patient. As disruptive as the infection will be in your life, you need to give it time to clear. Follow the quarantine guidance closely and try to prevent the infection from spreading beyond your household.
First thing: quarantine. The pandemic continues to race through our community and the most effective way to stop it is to make sure sick people don't infect anyone else. Here are the most up-to-date guidelines on how to do it: WA State Department of Health Quarantine Guidelines. If staying at home is a hardship, you may be able to get some help from the Care Connect Washington program. And use masks and distancing, even in your own household, to limit spread among uninfected members of your family.
Second: notify the following of the positive test:
- Anyone who has been in close contact with your child (within six feet for more than 15 minutes, regardless of mask usage) in the 48 hours prior to their symptoms first showing up.
- The WA State Department of Health - that can be done by phone at 800.525.0127 or via the WA Notify app, available in your app store.
Third: evaluate and treat. Most COVID infections in kids are mild and look like a regular cold. If that's how yours looks, treat it that way - fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medication for controlling fever is sufficient. BUT, if you child's symptoms worsen - significant difficulty breathing, very high fever, or anything else particularly worrisome - do not hesitate to seek treatment: set up an in-person appointment in one of our Convenience Care clinics.
Finally: be patient. As disruptive as the infection will be in your life, you need to give it time to clear. Follow the quarantine guidance closely and try to prevent the infection from spreading beyond your household.
Coronavirus Information for Kids
Worried about coronavirus (COVID-19)? Get up to date information, including some great advice on talking about the epidemic to your kids, from Mary Bridge Children's Hospital here. Their guide on Helping Children Cope has lots of good, practical information.
MultiCare also has a really good webpage filled with COVID-19 information here.
Kids Mental Health Pierce County is providing guidance to families on how to handle behavioral health issues during the outbreak.
MultiCare also has a really good webpage filled with COVID-19 information here.
Kids Mental Health Pierce County is providing guidance to families on how to handle behavioral health issues during the outbreak.
How do I Protect My Family from COVID-19?
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has some good advice for those who are concerned about exposure to coronavirus.