Coronavirus Testing Services
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COVID-19 Testing Services
We offer a range of COVID-19 testing services to help you stay informed and protect your community:
- PCR Tests: These tests provide highly accurate results and are suitable for diagnostic purposes.
- Rapid Antigen Tests: Designed for quick results, these tests are valuable for individuals who need a rapid assessment of their COVID-19 status.
- Specialized Tests: We may offer specialized testing when necessary for specific cases.
Testing is available for both walk-in patients and those with scheduled appointments. Our goal is to provide timely and reliable results to help individuals and the community.
COVID-19 Treatment
If you or a loved one are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, our experienced healthcare professionals are here to provide the care and support you need:
- Early Intervention: We emphasize the importance of early treatment for COVID-19 to help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Telehealth Consultations: We offer telehealth consultations for COVID-19 patients, allowing you to receive medical guidance and monitoring from the comfort of your home.
If you find yourself at an elevated risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms and have tested positive, it's imperative to initiate treatment as soon as you detect the onset of symptoms. The effectiveness of treatments is significantly enhanced when administered in the initial stages of the illness. Therefore, it is of utmost importance not to delay seeking treatment if you are among those at a heightened risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Taking prompt action can substantially impact your recovery and overall health.
Frequently Asked COVID Questions
For more Coronavirus information, take a look at our FAQ below.
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What are the types of COVID-19 Tests?
HealthCARE Express offers four types of COVID-19 tests:
Rapid Antigen Test
This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes. Rapid tests are considered most reliable in a patient who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. We request that patients wait 3 days after presumed exposure to COVID-19 to be tested.
PCR
The CDC recommends the COVID-19 PCR lab test, as it is considered highly sensitive and very reliable. Labeled as the "gold-standard" in COVID detection, this test detects genetic material that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection. The test is a nasal swab test and is sent to a lab. Results typically take 24-72 hours to be returned.
Rapid Molecular PCR Test
Primarily used by asymptomatic patients for travel or pre-op purposes, the rapid molecular PCR test is a nasal swab test that has high sensitivity and yields same-day results. Due to limited supply, HealthCARE Express offers
Antibody Test
COVID-19 antibody test is a test designed to detect previous infection of COVID-19. Results typically take 24-72 hours. Antibody tests work by taking a blood sample and analyzing the sample for the presence of antibodies, which may indicate potential immunity to the patient.
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How much does a COVID test cost?
Typically, insured patients are generally not responsible for the cost of COVID-19 testing and related services including co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs. However, if you are asymptomatic there are circumstances where your instance carrier may deny coverage for COVID-19 testing or require co-pays.
If you are asymptomatic and have no known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 but need to be tested for travel, pre-op, or before visiting loved ones, your costs will likely vary based on your insurance. Contact your insurer for complete information.
If your visit is not covered by insurance, or you do not have health insurance Healthcare Express will still be able to test you and will charge self-pay pricing for the medical evaluation and for the cost of the COVID test. The price of the service will depend on the state where your clinic or testing center is located, the provider evaluation, and the reason for the visit.
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How to I get my COVID-19 testing results?
Test results are available on the patient portal or by downloading the healow app from google play or app store, and using practice code JBHHAD. Visit our Lab Results help page for more detailed instructions.
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What are the common symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID -19 Symptoms
Symptoms of the COVID-19 virus may vary from case to case, and typically develop between two and fourteen days after exposure. To reduce chances of infection, it is important to follow health and safety guidelines, including social distancing and wearing a mask or protective face-covering in public areas. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
- Fever or Chills
- Cough
- Body aches and muscle pains
- Shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion in the nose or chest
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
If you are older than 65 or have a pre-existing health condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, it is particularly important to be tested and receive guidance from a medical professional.
When to Call 911
Seek emergency medical care if you or someone around you is experiencing severe symptoms, which may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lingering chest pain or pressure
- Sudden confusion
- Inability to fully awaken
- Pale, gray, or blu-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
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What do I do if I test positive for COVID?
If you test POSITIVE and you have symptoms:
- If you fall into the high-risk category for severe COVID-19 complications and receive a positive test result, it's crucial to seek treatment promptly once symptoms surface. The effectiveness of treatments is highest when administered in the early stages of the illness. Therefore, it's paramount not to postpone seeking treatment if you are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Immediate action can make a significant difference in your recovery and well-being.
- Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Improve ventilation at home to help prevent spread to family members
- Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Practice every day hygiene and cleaning.
- Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
- Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Wear a high-quality mask when around other people if able.
If you have NO symptoms, you can be with others after 5 days have passed since you had a positive viral test for COVID-19.
If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for symptoms.
If you tested positive, please reach out to your doctor to see if you would benefit from treatment or medications.
If you are pregnant and tested positive for COVID-19, please contact your OB/GYN immediately for further guidance.
For any chest pain, trouble breathing, passing out, worsening symptoms or any other concerning symptoms seek medical attention immediately!
For current guidance on COVID-19 isolation guidelines please visit this CDC Link.
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What is the difference between flu and COVID-19?
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both highly contagious respiratory illnesses; however, they are attributed to distinct viral sources. COVID-19 results from an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses. Identifying whether you have the flu or COVID-19 based solely on symptoms can be challenging since there is symptom overlap. Yet, some PCR tests can effectively differentiate between the two conditions. In the event you don't have access to such tests, many testing centers offer separate examinations for both flu and COVID-19. If you're experiencing symptoms, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss testing for both flu and COVID-19. Healthcare Express offers testing for illnesses to help confirm diagnoses and implement the appropriate treatment plan.
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Who is considered to be at high-risk COVID-19?
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Elderly Adults: Advanced age is a major risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness. Those aged 65 and older face a heightened vulnerability, with older adults experiencing more severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate.
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Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, or compromised immune systems, are at an increased risk. These conditions can weaken the body's ability to fight off the virus.
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Obesity: Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes. The excess weight can put additional strain on the respiratory system and other vital organs.
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Pregnant Women: Pregnant individuals should take extra precautions, as they may experience more severe symptoms due to changes in their immune system and physiology.
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Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: Those residing in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are at a higher risk due to close living quarters and shared spaces.
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Essential Workers: Frontline workers, such as healthcare professionals, first responders, and essential service providers, are at an increased risk due to their frequent exposure to the virus.
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Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Certain racial and ethnic minority groups may face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes due to disparities in healthcare access and social determinants of health.
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For Travel, The Type of COVID Test Can Matter
Planning a vacation? If so, you may need a COVID-19 test. Many countries are currently requiring proof that travelers don't have COVID-19 before they enter, including the U.S.
It is best to check the rules of each country or state you plan to visit before your trip and check with the airline to be sure that you choose a test that qualifies for travel.
Healthcare Express offers both Rapid Antigen and PCR COVID-19 testing at all clinic locations. Rapid Molecular PCR COVID-19 testing is now also available at select Healthcare Express clinic locations. Due to limited supply travel testing is available by online appointment only.
While you may want to go for the quick, same-day results of a rapid COVID-19 test, some destinations actually require the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test before you can fly out to your destination. The PCR COVID-19 lab send-out test can take 24-72 hours to receive results so if you choose this test. You may want to get tested at least a few days before your planned departure to ensure that you receive your results in time or opt for our Rapid Molecular PCR test with same-day results.
Take a look at the CDC guidelines for more information!
Your Safety is Our First Priority
Your well-being is paramount to us, and we've implemented several measures to maintain a safe environment during your visit to our clinics. Our team, from the front desk staff to our healthcare providers, remains dedicated to your safety. They continue to wear protective gear while serving you. Furthermore, our clinics are equipped with germicidal UV systems that effectively eliminate 99.9% of airborne pathogens.
Our commitment to your safety extends beyond protective gear. We uphold rigorous cleaning and sanitation standards that surpass CDC guidelines, ensuring a consistently healthy and clean environment. Hand sanitizer is readily available in our lobbies, and for your convenience, we offer virtual visits and, online appointment booking, and contactless check-in options for those who prefer to schedule their visits online.
We Are Open For Business!
All HealthCARE Express locations now offer COVID testing. You may browse our locations for walk-in service or schedule a virtual visit.