Kaweah Health opens its fifth laboratory patient service center

EXETER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Making care more convenient and closer for neighbors in the South Valley.

"What it allows for is for patients to conveniently get access to laboratory services in their local community," said Randall Kokka, the Director of Clinical Laboratory Services.

"We wanted one on the east side of the county and Exeter was the perfect location."

Kaweah Health opened up its new laboratory patient service center.

The new facility, located on San Juan Avenue right across the Medical Clinic, has been in operation for several weeks. Kokka says the lab does blood draws and other specimen collections.

"If your specimens are fresher, they're higher quality, they're being tested locally," said Kokka. "You get your results faster. The continuity of care is better."

Before the facility opened in Exeter, people had to travel to Visalia for lab services. Kokka explained that lab results are critical for patient care.

"Seventy-percent, it's estimated, of diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on lab work," said Kokka. "It's pretty prevalent as far as a tool that physicians need."

Over the last few weeks, dense fog covered parts of Central California, making for a dangerous drive. So the new lab's opening couldn't have come at a better time.

"Driving in dense fog for about 10 miles to get your blood drawn is not very appealing," said Kokka. "If you can do it a mile away from your house here in Exeter, that's obviously very beneficial."

The center is open to anyone from Monday to Friday. People can either walk in or schedule an appointment online.

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