Mercy Health continues to monitor and follow the latest novel coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This page is frequently updated with COVID-19 information and resources.
Please call 911 for emergency medical situations.
COVID-19 Testing
There are many places in our community where you can go for COVID-19 tests, including local health departments.Currently, Mercy Health only offers testing for patients who have a Mercy Health primary care provider (PCP).
If you don’t already have a Mercy Health PCP, please visit a retail pharmacy or contact your local health department for information on testing locations in your area. Click here if you don’t already have a Mercy Health PCP and would like to make an appointment.
Do not go to the Emergency Department (ED) if you are only seeking a COVID-19 test. If you are experiencing an emergency or need urgent care, call 911 or follow this link to see our emergency locations and urgent care locations.
COVID-19 Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
According to the CDC, not everyone with COVID-19 shows symptoms. Reported illnesses have ranged from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to mild symptoms to severe illness. Here is a list of some possible symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
What can you do to reduce your risk of getting coronavirus?
Follow CDC guidelines for prevention, which include:
- Those who are 5 and older should get vaccinated.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others to protect other people in case you are infected. Remember, you could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick or have symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Monitor your health daily and be alert for symptoms.
Watch these informative videos from the CDC regarding COVID-19:
What does it mean to be "exposed" to COVID-19
If you have been exposed to COVID-19, it means that you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 which is defined by the CDC as:
- Within 6 ft for a total of 15 minutes or more
- Care at home of someone with COVID-19
- Direct physical contact such as hugging/kissing
- Sharing eating/drinking utensils
- Someone with COVID-19 sneezed/coughed on you
If you are experiencing symptoms, see the next question.
What should you do if you think you have coronavirus?
If you are concerned that you or a family member have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, call your primary care provider. You will be advised what to do next and your provider may schedule you for a virtual appointment. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can choose a provider through our online provider directory.
If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, a severe headache or other potentially life-threatening problems, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
What are the current visitor restrictions?
We monitor the latest information on coronavirus and state guidelines in each of the communities we serve. As the pandemic evolves, our visitor policies may change over time. To ensure the safety of patients, visitors and health care workers, visitation to patients may be limited. We recognize that having family support is important for the well-being of our patients. Restrictions may be lifted when it is deemed safe for our patients, health care workers and visitors.
For more information, visit the facility’s individual location page or contact them directly.
Patients visiting our Mercy Health Physicians practices and clinics are encouraged to come without visitors, but one person will be allowed to accompany the patient to a visit if needed to ensure appropriate understanding and implementation of care plans discussed at the visit or to support physical needs of the patient.
Visitors must be healthy with no signs of active illness (no fever, cough, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms).
What are the current options to receive care?
Virtual visits are available for most providers at this time. To discuss options for care, please call your provider to schedule a virtual appointment. If you do not have a primary care doctor, you can choose a provider through our online provider directory and call the office to schedule a virtual visit appointment.
Please note, if you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Providers in the following specialties are currently offering video visits. Call your provider's office to ensure they're participating in video visits and to schedule your virtual appointment:
- Primary Care
- Dermatology
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Ear, Nose & Throat
- Heart & Vascular
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Rheumatology
- Senior Care Services
- Spine Surgery
- Urology
- Urogynecology
- Vascular Surgery
Will I receive a bill if I am screened, tested or treated for COVID-19?
At Mercy Health, the health and well-being of our patients and communities is our top priority. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding COVID-19, and we are committed to being as responsive as possible to the needs of our patients. We also understand that there may be instances where patients find themselves facing financial difficulties.
Effective March 5, 2021, patients who received treatment for COVID-19, or potential COVID-19 related treatment, will begin to receive statements for services that are not otherwise covered by any state or federal program, or by individual health insurance coverage.
As of this date, Mercy Health will also resume the collection of upfront payments at the time of service, as determined by an estimate of your out of pocket costs for care.
Mercy Health encourages patients who may need assistance, please contact us at the phone number on your statement to explore payment options.
Other trusted sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- State Department of Health
- Ohio Department of Health: 833-427-5634
- Kentucky Department of Health: 800-722-5725
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Local city and county health departments