A Message to Our Patients

Nothing is more important to us than your health and safety, especially in times like these. We have always valued the trust you place in us and in our skilled physicians, nurses and team members who bring an unmatched commitment to delivering the highest quality, safest and most compassionate care.

IU Health is doing everything possible to combat COVID-19—adding new resources, protecting our team members, and working around the clock to adapt to the ever-changing situation. We have a great deal of experience with challenging diseases and are ready to handle anything that comes our way. Working with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we have made sure that all proper procedures are in place across our system to protect everyone in our care.

We are incredibly grateful to you and our communities for your amazing support. Mostly, we are moved by the courage, hope and skills of our team members, who are making the difference to so many people throughout Indiana and beyond.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions that IU Health has received.

Can I get tested for the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

We understand that many people are interested in getting tested and that there is a lot of confusion around testing availability and procedures. Here’s the most important information you need now on this topic.

Public testing is not available at this time because testing resources are limited. To make sure that tests are available for those most in need, we are focusing on high-risk, seriously ill patients and health care workers who may have come in contact with the virus. This approach matches the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Indiana State Department of Health.

If you are experiencing symptoms or think you may have COVID-19, you should first get screened by using the free IU Health Virtual Visit app or by calling your doctor. Symptoms include: a new cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or muscles aches within the past 14 days.

What is IU Health doing to provide safe, quality care to the community?

To slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), IU Health quickly created a 24/7 virtual screening center and trained more than 270 IU Health nurses to staff it.

In three weeks, we have screened more than 20,000 Hoosiers, providing most with the peace of mind that they did not have COVID-19. But we were also there for more than 1,000 who were directed to isolate themselves. There were also 75 patients that we directed to seek additional medical care, helping them to secure the help they needed while reducing the risk of further spread and exposure.

Where can I find the latest, most accurate updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

To provide you with the latest updates from the most trusted sources, we have created an online resource center that is updated regularly. There, you will find helpful information from our expert physicians about steps you can take to prevent the spread of the virus and how to get a free screening if you think you have it.

It’s important to know that at this time the best medical advice is simple: wash your hands and practice social distancing by staying at home, avoiding crowds and refraining from touching one another.

For additional, up-to-the-minute information and helpful information for keeping yourself and your family safe during this time, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Is IU Health open for other health care needs?

Yes. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please use the IU Health provider directory to find a doctor and call to schedule an appointment.

IU Health remains committed to providing all patients the highest quality of care. Our skilled professionals are adjusting plans and procedures to best meet the needs of everyone in our communities. Here is what you can count on:

Primary Care. We are now seeing most primary care patients virtually or by telephone when appropriate. Our team will work with you to determine the best way to safely care for you. Click on the link to make a primary care appointment.

Urgent Care. Most IU Health urgent care centers are open and ready to see patients. Click on the link to find one near you.

Emergency Medicine. All IU Health Emergency Departments are open and seeing patients in need of emergency care. Click on the link to find the closest IU Health Emergency Department near you.

Orthopedics. While many procedures have been postponed, our team is available to help you determine the best way to connect with us on care. Click on the link to find a provider and schedule an appointment.

If you have a question about making an appointment or seeing a physician, please feel free to contact our offices directly. Contact information can be found on the IU Health provider directory.

As always, we at IU Health are here to provide the highest level of care at all times…whether the need is personal or community-wide. And while that might be our job, to the thousands of us that work here, it’s much more than that. It’s our mission, our calling. We are grateful for your trust and support. Together, following the medical advice of our expert physicians to wash hands and practice social distancing, we will get through this. And we promise that we won’t rest until we do.