TULSA – As respiratory illness season approaches, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health is taking a proactive approach to patient care by launching drive-thru testing for influenza, COVID-19, and strep throat at Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare.
The service, which began Oct. 13, allows Native and non-Native patients with NativeBlue insurance, ages 13 and older, to receive testing without leaving their vehicles, offering a convenient alternative to traditional in-person clinic visits.
Zachary Lethermon (Cherokee), director of outpatient nursing for MCN Health, said the initiative was developed to improve efficiency and prepare for the anticipated increase in respiratory illnesses between November and February.
“We looked at how we can reduce some of the unnecessary visits in person and potentially reduce exposure to our other patients with someone with a respiratory illness,” Lethermon said.
The drive-thru service would reduce wait times for patients seeking other medical services by redirecting some respiratory illness testing away from traditional clinic appointments.
Patients arriving at Council Oak are directed by signage to the designated testing area, where clinic staff assist with registration and administer the appropriate swab tests.
Following testing, patients are scheduled for a telehealth appointment with an MCN Health provider, generally about two hours after registration. During the virtual visit, providers can review results, discuss symptoms, and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
If medication is prescribed, patients may have their prescriptions sent to an MCN Health pharmacy closer to their home. Providers can also recommend an in-person examination if additional medical attention is needed.
“It’s just offering a more convenient access,” Lethermon said. “You don’t want to be around other people who aren’t necessarily sick. It just gives you an alternative means to get the same level of care as if you would coming into the clinic.”
Although the service has averaged approximately three patients per day since its launch, MCN Health officials anticipate increased utilization as the respiratory illness season progresses.
Ashtyn Salsman, senior communications manager for MCN Health, emphasized that the initiative was established ahead of the expected seasonal demand rather than in response to existing overcrowding.
“I’m really proud that this is something that we’ve done proactively before we got into the thick of respiratory season,” Salsman said. “We didn’t do this because we’re already seeing the demand in our waiting room. We did it so that they have that access beforehand.”
Lethermon said the department is currently evaluating patient interest and utilization before considering whether the service could eventually expand to other facilities.
Drive-thru testing is available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare. The service is open to Native patients and non-Native patients with NativeBlue insurance, ages 13 and older. Patients are encouraged to bring their Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card and insurance information, if applicable, to assist with registration.
For additional information about the service, visit https://www.creekhealth.org/2026/10/12/mcn-health-offers-convenient-drive-thru-testing-at-council-oak/.
