Your health is a top priority, but what if your doctor or workplace needs you for imaging or lab tests and you can’t make an appointment in the middle of the day because of your work, school or other commitments? What if you feel sick and need to get tested for COVID-19?
NW Indiana 24/7 ER & Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With an on-site clinical laboratory and imaging suite, the microspecialty hospital works to ensure that every patient receives personalized care in a timely manner. Testing is available 24/7, including nights and weekends.
“We’re here when other imaging facilities are closed and open when it’s most convenient for you,” said Scott Samlan, MD, FACEP, CEO and physician partner. “We offer a full range of laboratory tests for our outpatient services program, available 24 hours a day. We have same-day results for complete blood counts, basic metabolic panels, cardiac panels, complete metabolic panels, D-dimer (blood clotting panel), blood sugar levels, liver function tests, lactate levels, urinalysis, test for Urine Pregnancy, Prothrombin Time (PT) and Rapid Urine Drug Screening.”
NW Indiana 24/7 ER & Hospital also offers 24/7 lab testing with results available the next day. Some of the tests include cholesterol panels, blood cultures (infection), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone levels, estrogen, progesterone, pregnancy blood test, thyroid panels, uric acid levels, C-reactive protein (quantitative ), ABO blood type and Rh factor.
These and many other lab tests are just a small part of the testing options at the Emergency Department and Hospital of NW Indiana.
The Emergency Department and Hospital of NW Indiana staff also offers on-site imaging services, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds.
“Imaging and laboratory services are a fundamental part of effective emergency care and are an important key to providing effective treatment,” Samlan said. “MRIs, X-rays and CT scans are invaluable tools that allow doctors to quickly determine the type, severity and location of an injury. Ultrasound and other imaging equipment help identify blockages, abnormalities, and other health problems.
A doctor’s order is required for outpatient services such as imaging or lab tests. To begin the process, the requesting physician must complete an order form and fax it to NW Indiana Emergency Department and Hospital via a secure system. Upon receipt and review of an order, the patient service manager contacts the physician’s office with any questions that arise.
The ER & Hospital of NW Indiana team then contacts the insurance company to begin the prior authorization process. The tests are covered by most private insurance companies. Once the prior authorization is confirmed, the staff informs the approval and schedules the test.
“Then you come in after school, after work or on the weekend at your convenience to get a medical test,” Samlan said.
Additionally, if a person feels as if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, such as shortness of breath, cough, fever/chills, muscle/body aches, headache, and others, an emergency COVID- 19 ratings available with results within 30 minutes.
Emergency evaluations for COVID-19 are performed in the emergency department (ER) by a board-certified emergency physician. Emergency room charges apply to those without a written order from a staff physician. All commercial insurance is accepted with a $0 upfront cost. Currently, due to federal law, the Emergency Department and Hospital of NW Indiana cannot accept Medicare or Medicaid plans for emergency evaluations of COVID-19. For those without insurance, there are also affordable pricing options.
Testing hours are from 7:15 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Prior authorization is required for all requests for laboratory outpatient services.
“With our dedicated staff and technology resources for outpatient care, you can be seen, treated and on your way home in minutes instead of hours,” Samlan said. “As an owner and practitioner, we care about the type of experience you will have and promise a higher level of personalized care and attention to each patient.”
NW Indiana 24/7 Urgent Care and Hospital is located at 7904 Cabela Drive, Hammond. For more information on outpatient services, including imaging and lab tests, visit https://www.nwindianaer.com/.