Los Angeles County is transitioning Monday to new scheduling software for COVID-19 tests at its nine county-run sites, hoping to reduce delays and data processing errors.
The new software platform, developed by Fulgent Genetics Inc., the lab used for processing tests from county-run sites, is intended to be more user-friendly and interfaces directly with the lab. Developers say it should minimize the number of people whose results are delayed due to a mismatch in demographic information associated with the test kit.
“This change is part of continuous efforts to improve the user experience and make scheduling an appointment as efficient as possible,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, which oversees county-supported community testing locations.
“As we work to expand capacity at current sites and add new sites to keep pace with demand, this new platform will help us streamline our operations and ensure continued testing access,” she said.
The software also allows residents to cancel an appointment, making that slot available for someone else. The new platform will also enable the lab to collect and validate insurance information in order to bill an individual’s insurance, making community-based testing more sustainable.
Testing at all county-sponsored sites will continue to be free of charge regardless of insurance coverage.
The new appointment site can be found at la.fulgentgenetics.com/appointment. Scheduling platforms for city, state and other testing partner sites remain the same. The county’s main hub page at covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/ will continue to provide updated information and resources and link users to the new site.
Residents with insurance or who have a regular health care provider are urged to first contact that doctor or provider before scheduling an appointment at a county-run testing site. Clinical diagnostic tests, including those for the coronavirus, are best performed in an individual’s usual health care setting, county officials said.