The convenience of “test-and-treat” services at pharmacies is becoming a major draw for Iowans looking for fast care for common illnesses, as flu activity pushes more people to seek medical attention. Pharmacist Leslie Herron, who owns Sumpter Pharmacy in Adel, said the service has been available for several years for conditions such as flu and strep throat.“The neat thing about our laws in Iowa allow pharmacists to actually treat, which means you come into a pharmacy, you have a test, and if you’re positive, we can prescribe medication and send you home right away with everything that you need,” Herron said.At Sumpter Pharmacy, Herron said patients can be tested and treated not only for flu and strep throat, but also for ear infections, pink eye, urinary tract infections and other health issues. The goal, she said, is to reduce strain on other parts of the health care system. “We keep people out of the ER, we keep people out of urgent care,” she said.The flu season started a little earlier than usual this year, contributing to a surge in demand for care, according to UnityPoint Health-Des Moines. Dr. Ashley Priaulx, vice president and medical director for UnityPoint Health-Des Moines, said the system saw heavy volumes recently. “Last week we were seeing a lot of patients in our emergency departments … urgent care … primary care with the flu,” Priaulx said. “This week it has come down a little bit. But we are still seeing a high number that are sick and needing care.”Priaulx said pharmacy test-and-treat can be a good alternative for people with mild symptoms who want quick access and quick results, but she cautioned patients not to disconnect from their regular medical care. “I think that’s definitely an option for patients to get quick and easy access or quick and easy results for mild symptoms,” she said. “But we always definitely encourage folks to stay in close contact with their own provider.”As for the test-and-treat costs, Herron said insurance typically covers prescriptions, but not the pharmacy visit itself. “Roughly $60,” Herron said. “So it’s roughly a copay.”The copay can be paid through health and flex spending accounts.» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
The convenience of “test-and-treat” services at pharmacies is becoming a major draw for Iowans looking for fast care for common illnesses, as flu activity pushes more people to seek medical attention.
Pharmacist Leslie Herron, who owns Sumpter Pharmacy in Adel, said the service has been available for several years for conditions such as flu and strep throat.
“The neat thing about our laws in Iowa allow pharmacists to actually treat, which means you come into a pharmacy, you have a test, and if you’re positive, we can prescribe medication and send you home right away with everything that you need,” Herron said.
At Sumpter Pharmacy, Herron said patients can be tested and treated not only for flu and strep throat, but also for ear infections, pink eye, urinary tract infections and other health issues.
The goal, she said, is to reduce strain on other parts of the health care system.
“We keep people out of the ER, we keep people out of urgent care,” she said.
The flu season started a little earlier than usual this year, contributing to a surge in demand for care, according to UnityPoint Health-Des Moines.
Dr. Ashley Priaulx, vice president and medical director for UnityPoint Health-Des Moines, said the system saw heavy volumes recently.
“Last week we were seeing a lot of patients in our emergency departments … urgent care … primary care with the flu,” Priaulx said. “This week it has come down a little bit. But we are still seeing a high number that are sick and needing care.”
Priaulx said pharmacy test-and-treat can be a good alternative for people with mild symptoms who want quick access and quick results, but she cautioned patients not to disconnect from their regular medical care.
“I think that’s definitely an option for patients to get quick and easy access or quick and easy results for mild symptoms,” she said. “But we always definitely encourage folks to stay in close contact with their own provider.”
As for the test-and-treat costs, Herron said insurance typically covers prescriptions, but not the pharmacy visit itself.
“Roughly $60,” Herron said. “So it’s roughly a copay.”
The copay can be paid through health and flex spending accounts.
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» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
