Our COVID-19 Testing, Vaccines, Safety Measures

Ringgold County Hospital, in accordance with CDC recommendations for healthcare providers, still requires the wearing of a face mask upon entering the building and throughout the entire patient appointment or visit to a patient currently hospitalized.

Per CDC guidance, staying up to date on vaccines and wearing masks can help prevent severe illness and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you. You may choose to wear a mask or respirator that offers greater protection in certain situations, such as when you are with people at higher risk for severe illness, or if you are at higher risk for severe illness.

It is important to wear a mask or respirator when you are sick or caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19. When caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19, a respirator will provide you the best level of protection.

We encourage frequent hand-washing and the use of hand sanitizer when water is not available.

Everyone entering the hospital, medical clinic, or specialty outpatient clinics are subject to screening for common signs and symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, such as fever, chills or sweats, cough, shortness of breath, and nausea/diarrhea.

We maintain and encourage everyone keep an appropriate distance from others when possible, especially in shared spaces, such as waiting rooms.

Visitor entry to the building is limited to the two main entrances:

• The main entrance is open Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 5 pm
• The Emergency Room entrance is open 24/7

Visitor access to various areas of the hospital has also been restricted. For example:

• Visitors are currently allowed to see patients in acute care, skilled care, or patients who are under observation.
• However, no visitors are allowed in the ER (although exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances).

Anyone who enters the hospital, medical center, or a specialty outpatient clinic, will be screened for COVID-19 signs and symptoms, such as a temperature check.

Public walking in the hospital is prohibited until further notice.

At Ringgold County Hospital, we encourage everyone who is experiencing symptoms to contact their primary care provider. Your provider, at his or her discretion, may wish to evaluate and treat you or suggest you be tested. Should testing be recommended, please call the Mount Ayr Medical Clinic at (641)-464-4470 to schedule your test. Stay home and self-quarantine until you are tested and receive your results.

You will have a choice of tests, based on current availability of testing supplies. All situations are unique, and you may want to consult with your primary health care provider with any questions about what type of COVID test is appropriate for you.

COVID testing supplies were initially provided by federal and state funding at no cost. Now, however, healthcare and other facilities are purchasing their own testing supplies as COVID-19 testing – much like testing for the seasonal flu or for bacterial infections – becomes a more routine part of everyday healthcare needs.

Ringgold County Hospital charges a nominal fee to cover the costs associated with testing, which is billed to your insurance. You will be responsible for any co-pays or deductibles, depending on the requirements of your insurance plan. If you are uninsured, you are responsible for the fee in its entirety.

In addition, because symptoms of COVID-19 may indicate a cold, flu, or other medical condition, you may require an evaluation by a healthcare provider to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective care. Such evaluations can result in a bill for a doctor visit.

At Ringgold County Hospital, we understand how important it is to receive your results as quickly as possible, especially since it can help determine how long you need to stay home, isolate, or quarantine yourself.

If you receive a State Hygienic Lab nasal swab test, it will be sent to an outside laboratory for processing. In this case, results typically take 2-3 days. Your wait time may vary, depending on the current demand for testing.

If you receive a rapid test, you should receive your results by the end of the business day on the same day you take the test.