First COVID-19 Drive Thru Test Site in Montgomery County Opens Today

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- America’s ER opened the first COVID-19 Drive Thru Testing site in Montgomery County today (4/4/2020). We have already received some test results back from our test run last Thursday and the first patient who got tested came back positive for COVID-19.

Testing Open to Anyone
Insurance Accepted | Self Pay $150
Cash and Credit Cards Accepted
Stonebridge Church – 1 Stonebridge Church Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77382

Hours of Operation
• April 4: 9am-6pm
• April 5: 8am-6pm
• April 6: 8am-6pm
• April 7: CLOSED
• April 8: 8am-6pm
• April 9: 8am-6pm
• April 10: 8am-6pm
• April 11: 8am-6pm



***Q&A***

Why do we need a drive-through testing site in Montgomery County?
Covid-19 is spreading rapidly in Montgomery County and especially in zip code 77382. Limited testing capability currently exists in our community. Emergency departments are experiencing unprecedented numbers of patients requesting COVID-19 testing. We must meet these in a responsible and fast-moving manner. A drive thru testing site is the best option to provide large scale COVID-19 testing efficiently with minimal contact and exposure to health care providers or depletion of scarce PPE resources.

Why test people who show no symptoms?
We must avoid the unknowing spread of COVID-19 to the vulnerable residents of nursing homes, seniors and loved-ones with pre-existing conditions.

The most recent data we have from China suggests 86% of those testing positive are asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms.

Studies have also shown these individuals are the source of 79% of transmission to the public.

In order to be tested for COVID-19, most testing locations require you to either show symptoms, have a doctor’s order or both. In many cases, even if you are showing symptoms, testing may be denied. We believe early testing saves lives even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms because you may currently be infected and spreading the virus without knowing.

Why is early testing for COVID-19 vitally important?
Testing a broad sample of the general public allows identification of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in all age groups. Isolating all positive patients protects their loved ones and the general public. Tracing all contacts with positive cases further protects the vulnerable. Treating all positive patients only with approved or appropriate medications could improve mortality and decrease disease severity.

Why are you providing this screening and testing?
Wide-spread testing of the population has been proven by other countries to “flatten the curve”, identify “hotspots” in the community and help reduce further spread of COVID-19. As a private medical practice and a trusted source of healthcare, and a member of your community, America’s ER is committed to doing its part by increasing access to testing with drive-thru centers such as this to help identify areas of concern in our community and report these results to local and federal health departments.

I thought the test is supposed to be free. Why is America's ER charging for it?
Free testing is only available at government-sponsored testing centers which you can search for here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Unlike government testing labs, who receive the test for free, we process our tests at national commercial labs such as Quest and Lab-Corp who charge for this service. America’s ER is not a public entity, a recipient of public funding or a recipient of emergency funding. Our charges cover the cost for evaluation and screening, test collection, many of the required supplies, staffing expenses and reference lab testing fees.

Is this a legitimate COVID-19 testing site?
Yes. America’s ER is working tirelessly with local government agencies, elected officials and local organizations to launch this large-scale drive-through testing site to quickly meet our community needs. We are carefully considering logistics and procedures to protect our staff and the public. We are utilizing the same gold standard genetic based RT-PCR testing used in hospitals and by the Centers for Disease Control.

Isn't this using up test kits that other places are short on for people who actually show symptoms?
America’s ER does not use government issued test collection kits. We have an innovative and simple way of assembling the required sample collection kits which does not create a shortage of supplies. This provides necessary access to testing for our community. The AER testing program does not violate CDC testing guidelines. The testing methods and collection kits used in AER’s COVID-19 comprehensive test program have been approved by nationally recognized reference labs and boasts the same accuracy as those used by the CDC and local health departments.

Do I have to get tested here?
No. This testing site was designed to be a resource to the Montgomery County area, which is currently limited in its testing abilities. You may choose to get tested at a different privately held medial facility which may set their own prices for the test based on their unique expenses or you may seek to be tested at a government-sponsored test site where testing is free if you meet their qualifications.

When will I receive my test results?
Labs across the country are working hard to process thousands of COIVD-19 tests every day. While results are typically returned between 3-4 days, we have experienced turn-around times up to 10 days or longer depending on how many tests these labs are processing at one time.

Why are you located at Stonebridge Church?
The people of Stonebridge Church have been extremely generous and gracious in providing us with an excellent location as their normally scheduled congregations are currently not happening. The layout of their parking lot is ideal for our set up to make the testing process as efficient and organized as possible. We are very grateful for Stonebridge Church for their hospitality.

What forms of payment do your accept?
We can accept insurance, cash or credit card.

For more education and information, please visit our website: https://americaser.com/whats-happening/