CareNow Urgent Care clinics can provide COVID-19 testing for those experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms as well as those without symptoms who have specific indications for testing. Just like other diagnostic tests, our providers will review your history, current symptoms and perform and examination before ordering a test.
Who can be tested?
Any person exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should discuss testing with their provider. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. Some surgeons may require a negative test prior to certain elective surgical procedures, so check with your surgeon.
What should you expect with a COVID-19 test?
For rapid testing, results are collected on-site and you will know your results before you leave. If your sample needs to be sent out for confirmatory testing, the provider then packages the samples according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the samples are shipped to a laboratory. The provider or our trained clinical staff will put on protective clothes, mask and face shield, and then collect samples.
Collecting a sample is usually taken from the nose but in some cases may be obtained from the back of the throat just like a strep test. This mildly uncomfortable process, the same used to test for influenza, takes just a few seconds.
The provider then packages the samples according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and then the samples are shipped to a laboratory. The laboratory tests the specimens for the presence of the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.
The provider reports the test results to the patient and to public health authorities according to your state requirements.
What are the types of COVID-19 Tests?
CareNow offers two types of COVID-19 tests:
- A rapid test that provides results within minutes and
- A test that is sent to an outside laboratory
During your visit, a CareNow provider will evaluate you to determine if a rapid test or a send out test is most appropriate based on your situation and test availability. If a rapid test is determined to be appropriate the provider will further advise as to which type of test is recommended should more than one type be available.
Test using outside laboratory
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is currently considered the gold standard in COVID-19 testing due to the reliability of the results. These tests are sent to partner reference labs for processing and results.
Rapid test
CareNow also offers rapid COVID-19 testing at select locations. The Abbott ID is a molecular rapid test and the Quidel Sofia is an antigen rapid test.
| PCR (Independent Lab) | Molecular Rapid (Abbott ID Now) | Antigen Rapid (Quidel Sofia) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Test |
|
|
|
| Results | 1-3 days depending on third party lab processing times | ~15 minutes | ~15 minutes |
How much does a COVID test cost?
If your visit is not covered by insurance, CareNow will charge between $135-$200 for the medical evaluation and $100 for the COVID test. The price of the service will depend on the state where your center is located, the provider evaluation and reason for visit.
COVID-19 test results
Rapid tests can take between 5 and 13 minutes and you can get results before you leave.
If you do not have the rapid test and your sample is processed through one of the outside lab companies below we anticipate your COVID-19 test results will be available within 1 - 3 days. During times of surges, lab turnaround time may exceed this timeframe based on demand.
CareNow will contact you when your results are available. You can also create a MyHealthONE account to view your lab results and a summary of your visit.
After your screening, you should self-isolate at home and follow the CDC's instructions.
What to bring
Bring your driver's license and insurance card, if you have one. If you have an order from a provider to be tested, you should bring that as well, but it is not required.
CareNow can help
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 please Web Check-In® to wait safely from home and we will call you when it's time to come in. You can also call the clinic when you arrive and choose to wait from your car to ensure additional social distancing.
How we keep you safe
When you visit CareNow, your safety is our priority. All our staff members wear protective gear including masks and gloves. We have routine cleaning and sanitation standards that exceed CDC guidelines.
Additionally, you will notice we have made changes to our waiting room to accommodate more space to ensure appropriate social distancing practices to minimize contact with others.
Lastly, while you are in the exam room being tested, you will observe that our providers wear protective clothes, masks and face shields when they collect samples.
