COVID-19 (Coronavirus): What You Need to Know

As a trusted health care provider in Kansas City since 1882, Saint Luke’s is deeply invested in our community’s well-being. Like you, we are closely monitoring developments with COVID-19, and at every step of the way, we are taking precautions, limiting the potential for exposure, and working to safeguard the health of our community.  As areas in our region go through phases of reopening, we believe it is key to the safety of all patients and employees to continue our current screening measures before entering our facilities and temporary restriction on visitation.

Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 news and community updates from Saint Luke's.

Facility Guidelines

Saint Luke’s is temporarily revising our visiting guidelines for facilities in the health system.

Make a Donation

Strengthen our community by supporting urgent clinical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virtual Visits

Saint Luke’s is offering video visits to patients of all ages for primary care, specialists, mental health, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about COVID-19.

What if I have an upcoming appointment at a Saint Luke's clinic or hospital?

​Saint Luke’s has instituted a number of guidelines for patients visiting our clinics and locations. These guidelines are designed to keep our patients and staff safe. Read our clinic and office guidelines for what you need to know.

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

​Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms that may include:

  • Fever of 100 degrees or higher
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches

In the past 14 days, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have developed any of the symptoms above, stay home and contact a Saint Luke's provider to discuss your care and testing options. Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen.

What should I do if I’ve had contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19?

Even if you feel healthy, you can still potentially spread the virus. It is a high priority to reduce the spread of infection throughout our community. We encourage you to monitor your health, and watch for a fever of 100 degrees or higher, loss of smell or taste, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, sore throat, or body aches

Don’t go out to events, stores, activities, restaurants, or to visit family or friends – and don’t have them come visit you. Self-isolate in your own home for 14 days.

How can I get tested?

Saint Luke’s offers appointment-only testing for new and existing patients who meet the following criteria:

  • In the past 14 days:
    • Exposed to someone with COVID-19 or someone suspected of having COVID-19
    • Any new symptoms that may include fever of 100 degrees or higher, loss of smell or taste, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, sore throat, or body aches

How to Schedule an Appointment

Primary care: Existing patients – contact your primary care provider

Convenient care: New or existing patients – contact your nearest Convenient Care Clinic

  • Best option for mild-to-moderate symptoms or exposure concerns
  • Call location to schedule a video visit; nurse practitioner will perform virtual exam and order a COVID-19 test at your nearest testing location
  • Cost: Convenient Care virtual visit fee ($89 for existing patients, $99 for new patients); insurance will be billed for your test, but you will not be charged
  • Medicaid not accepted

Urgent care: New or Existing patients – contact your nearest Urgent Care Clinic

  • Best option for more severe symptoms
  • Visit location for exam and on-site testing
  • Cost: Urgent Care copay applies; insurance will be billed for your test, but you will not be charged
  • Medicaid accepted

Testing Locations

COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement

  • Uninsured Testing
    • In accordance with the First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and CARES Act, uninsured patient testing on or after February 4, 2020 will be submitted for reimbursement from federal funding through the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Processes for this funding are in development through HHS. Saint Luke’s hospitals will accept the federal program reimbursement as payment in full and patients will not be billed for this testing. If you feel you have received a bill in error, please contact our billing department.
  • Health Insurance Plans
    • The following information is provided in accordance with the CARES Act:
      • SLHS hospitals will accept $51.31 as reimbursement for low volume COVID-19 testing billed with CPT Code 87635 or HCPCS code U0002.
      • SLHS hospitals will accept $100 as reimbursement for high volume COVID-19 testing billed with HCPCS code U0003
How can I donate convalescent plasma?

In order to donate, you must meet several criteria, including having a lab confirmed positive test for COVID-19 and you must be symptom-free for 14 days. 

To get started, complete the online registration form and upload your positive test result. A Community Blood Center representative will call you to make your appointment. 

Call 816-968-4081 with questions.


Resources

Saint Luke's Community Resource Hub

Connect with community programs near you that offer free or reduced-cost services, like food, housing, financial help, and more.

Get connected through Saint Luke's Community Resource Hub.

Mental Health

These are uncertain times. Saint Luke’s board-certified psychiatrists and licensed psychotherapists are here for you. Virtual visits are available now for adults and children. 

Schedule a virtual visit with a specialist.

Saint Luke's Video Resources

Watch videos about COVID-19 and what Saint Luke's is doing to keep you safe.

Watch Saint Luke's Videos.

Cisco Webex® Resources

Saint Luke’s is using Webex online meetings to connect with patients and their families when in-person visits aren’t possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, schedules, or distance.

Learn how to use Cisco Webex.

State and Local Health Departments

Centers and Organizations