Des Plaines-based Illinois Bone & Joint Institute began testing pre-surgical patients for COVID-19 at drive-thru stations on May 8.
All patients are tested for the virus 72 hours before surgery to ensure the lab has 48 hours to process results.
The practice established testing sites at its Des Plaines and Hinsdale, Ill., locations.
IBJI physician assistants will verify the identification of patients and administer swab tests at the drive-thru sites, with results being delivered over the phone from the surgical team.
Patients must receive a negative COVID-19 test to undergo surgery.
Elective surgeries in Illinois resumed May 11 in accordance with Gov. J.B. Pritzker's recent guidance.