As the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 presents a mounting threat to public safety in Illinois, Memorial Physician Services ExpressCare is providing same-day scheduling for COVID-19 appointments and testing through their telehealth service.

The first step is to schedule an ExpressCare telehealth appointment with a provider through the Memorial App, which can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets via the Google Play or Apple App stores. Users can also visit MyMemorialApp.com and access the ExpressCare telehealth section.

After a provider appointment is completed, the next step is to visit one of the two drive-thru labs in Springfield – one at 320 E. Carpenter St., the other at 2950 S. Sixth St. – to be tested.

The Carpenter Street location is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and is closed on the weekend. The South Sixth Street location is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Test results are available within 15 minutes to an hour after being tested.

“With COVID-19 on the rise in central Illinois, the telehealth option simply remains the safest option for patients as well as the health care professionals who treat them. It’s ideal for people with mild COVID-19 symptoms,” said Dr. Anna Richie, clinical director of Memorial Physician Services ExpressCare. “Then, once their telehealth visit is complete, patients can visit one of our drive-thru labs, where they can remain in the comfort of their vehicles while technicians perform any draws or testing at carside.”

Telehealth services are covered by health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Have proof of insurance handy when you have your appointment.