COVID-19 FAQs & Important Updates

You may have heard the federal government is expiring the Public Health Emergency (PHE) status of Covid-19, effective 5/11/23. But how does this affect you? Certain responses provided by the federal government during the emergency will change, and some will remain intact. Here is a broad overview of the healthcare changes you can expect, effective Thursday, 5/11/23.

From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, released 2/9/23:

Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. Our response to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, remains a public health priority, but thanks to the Administration’s whole of government approach to combatting the virus, we are in a better place in our response than we were three years ago, and we can transition away from the emergency phase.

More detailed information may be found HERE.

Click Here for Covid-19 Testing Discharge Instructions

What is the cost of COVID-19 Testing?

Please be advised we are not a free testing site. Cost of test varies dependent on the type of Covid-19 test you receive and cost relative to insurance/non-insurance coverage. Please call our center or inquire upon check-in. An administered COVID-19 test must also be accompanied with an office visit, and there may also be a co-pay/fee for your office visit, dependent on your insurance coverage.

I do not feel sick but need a doctor's note for work. Do I need to have a medical visit?

If you are asymptomatic and seeking Covid-19 testing only to provide documentation of a result, the cost for test-only is $50. This service does not include a visit or advice from one of our providers and must be communicated with front desk personnel at time of registration.

What treatments are available if I test positive for COVID-19?

Paxlovid is authorized for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adult and pediatric patients age 12 years and older weighing at least 88 lbs. Paxlovid is an oral antiviral drug that should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within 5 days of symptom onset. Paxlovid is available for patients by prescription only. * A COVID-19 TEST CONDUCTED AT OUR CENTER IS REQUIRED FOR PRESCRIPTION.

When can I expect the results of my COVID-19 test?

The COVID-19 Rapid test results are within the same day of test. *The COVID-19 PCR test and COVID-19 Antibody test are sent to a lab and results are typically returned in 3-5 days. Please note this turn around time is typical, but not guaranteed.

When is the ideal time to test for Covid-19?

The ideal time to get tested for Covid-19 is 3-5 days after suspected exposure or symptom onset.

What does a positive test result mean?

A positive test result means that you have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. Click HERE for updated quarantine & isolation guidelines from the CDC.

What does a negative test result mean?

A negative test result does NOT necessarily rule out infection with COVID-19. Based on available data, it can take 2–14 days from the time of exposure to COVID-19 to develop symptoms or become an infected asymptomatic carrier. This means that depending on when you are tested compared to when you were exposed, you could have a negative test result and still be infected with COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms can appear within 2-14 days of contracting the virus, and they can range from mild to severe. The symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*This list does not include all possible symptoms.

How long do I have to wait after being sick to get an antibody test?

At least ten days post symptom onset of suspected COVID-19.

Please note: The health and safety of our patients and team members is our top priority. As such, we respectfully ask that our adult patients do not have visitors accompany them to the center during their visit. Respectfully, we request only one parent or guardian accompany pediatric patients during their visit.

When should I consider getting a COVID-19 Virus Test?

There are many reasons why getting a test may be right for you. Here are some of the main factors to consider:

1- Are you showing symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

2- Have you been exposed?

If you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you can help stop the spread by getting tested to find out if you too have been infected with the virus. Some individuals carry Coronavirus, but do not have any symptoms.

3- Caring for someone at high risk

Have you traveled or been at a high risk gathering and will be visiting or caring for someone at high risk?

A virus test will help you to plan for their safety.

People of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk:

• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher)
• Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Sickle cell disease
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Children who are medically complex, who have neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than other children.
• SEE FULL LIST FROM CDC