Covid-19 FAQ

What do these COVID-19 tests detect?

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PCR (Nasal Swab): It will detect if you are actively infected with the COVID-19 virus.  It is a send out test that can typically result in 3 days but may take up to 7 days depending on the lab volumes.

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• A positive result indicates that viral genetic material is present, but it does not indicate that bacterial or other infections also are present. We have separate tests to identify this.

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• A negative result indicates that the SARS-CoV2 virus that causes COVID-19 is not found.

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Antigen (Rapid): Will detect if the SARS-CoV2 proteins are present.  At best, they can miss 20% of cases, up to 50% of positive cases.  This test is most appropriate if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are less appropriate for asymptomatic screening.

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• A positive result indicates that viral protein is present, but it does not indicate that bacterial or other infections also are present. We have separate tests to identify this.

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• A negative result indicates that the SARS-CoV2 protein is not present.  You may still be infected with the virus and we highly recommend a PCR test if you are presenting with symptoms.

 

Serum Antibody IgM/IgG (Blood Test): This test is designed to detect antibodies against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This test will detect if you have had prior exposure to COVID-19 and have built antibodies for the virus.

 

• IgM antibodies are usually the first antibody produced by the immune system when a virus attacks.

  • A indicates that you have been infected and that your immune system has started responding to the virus.

  • When IgM is detected, you may still be infected or you may have recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection.

 

• IgG antibodies develop in most patients within 7-10 days after symptoms of COVID-19 begin. They remain in the blood after an infection has passed.

  • These antibodies indicate that you have had COVID-19 in the recent past and have developed antibodies that may protect you from future infection.

 

As COVID-19 is a novel (new) infection, it is unclear if positive antibodies definitively offer immunity and how much protection it will provide against reinfection. Therefore, the recommendation is to still practice universal precautions. 

 

How are these tests administered? 

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PCR (Nasal Swab): This test uses a long nasal swab to collect material, including physical pieces of coronavirus, from the back of the nose where it meets the throat. This can be performed at your office visit with us by one of our experienced team members.

 

Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test): Administered via a blood sample and can be performed in office at your visit by one of our experienced team members.

Do I need to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 PCR or Antibody test?

No, we do not accept appointments and it is first come, first serve. Please click here to get in line.

 

 What criteria do I need to meet to receive one of these tests? 

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Doctors Urgent Care firmly believes that widespread testing and contact tracing are the best methods for detection and prevention of further spread of COVID-19. Therefore, we are testing everyone that requests it.

 

The following questions should serve only as a guide to testing based on exposure, symptoms and risk factors per CDC recommendations. If you answer yes to any of the below, you should be tested.

 

PCR (Nasal Swab):  

Do you have any of the following symptoms or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19?

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• Fever 

• Persistent cough

• Shortness of breath

• Sore Throat

• Body aches 

• Loss of sense of smell or taste

• Red/purple blotches on your toes

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Have you traveled outside of the United States or to areas within the United States that have experienced high community spread within the last 14 days?

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Have you had close contact in the past 2 weeks with a person who has been confirmed to have COVID-19?

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Are you a healthcare worker, first responders, or front-line service provider AND have had close contact with a person in the past 2 weeks who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19?

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Are you 60 years or older and have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease?

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• Do you live with someone who is 60 years or older, have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease?

• Do you smoke/vape?

• Do you have a suppressed immune system, HIV or are pregnant?

• Does your employer require a negative test to demonstrate you are not actively carrying the virus?

• Did you test positive for COVID-19 already and want to ensure you are no longer actively carrying the virus?

 

Serum Antibody IgM/IgG (Blood Test): 
 

• Did you have COVID-19 symptoms (Fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, body aches) and have now recovered after 14 days?

• Did you receive a positive test result for COVID-19 and now have recovered after 14 days?

• Do you believe you have come in contact with someone who had the COVID-19 virus?

 

​How long will it take to receive my results and how do I view them? 

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Timing may vary depending on the volume of tests being performed by our commercial lab partner, but it typically takes 3-7 days for patients to get results. A member of our team will call you once results have been received and reviewed by one of our physicians. Due to high call volumes, please wait 7 days before contacting our office for follow up.

 

Do I need a referral or prescription to be tested for COVID-19 at Doctors Urgent Care?

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COVID-19 testing is only available for patients who are seen and evaluated at our centers. Testing is only offered as testing supplies remain available to us. We do not currently require referrals and do not accept prescriptions for testing from outside health care providers without being seen.

 

How much do each of these tests cost? 

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Due to insurance carriers changing their policy, Doctors Urgent Care is now collecting co-payments for COVID-19 related visits.  If your insurance carrier is one of the few that is covering covid related visits at 100%, please notify the front desk so we can confirm with your carrier.  If you will be paying with cash, the office visit and testing will be $155.  *The lab will bill the patient separately only if the patient requests a PCR test at $55.  The lab inquiries regarding the lab bills should be discussed directly with the lab partner.

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If you are uninsured, this includes visitors to the US, your office visit and covid tests and treatment will be covered under the HRSA program.  We simply need your social security number, or passport number to process the payment for your visit.  This information will be needed at the time of your visit.

 

If you have specific concerns, you may want to call your insurance provider ahead of your visit to confirm they will cover the cost of your Doctors Urgent Care visit and test.

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I am Covid-19 positive and need a referral for Antibody Monoclonal Infusion.  Are you able to provide me a referral?

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All patients will need to have a Covid-19 positive result from our facility, either on an Antigen test or PCR test, and our providers will complete an online referral for Antibody Monoclonal Infusion.