COVID Testing FAQs

Do you test for COVID at The Urgency Room?

• Yes.  We offer the Abbot ID NOW rapid COVID test.  It is a highly sensitive, NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) test.
• You can see a provider either online or in-person for a COVID test.

Do you have to have symptoms to get a COVID test?

• No, you do not need to have symptoms to test for COVID at The Urgency Room.
• All patients with or without symptoms can be tested via online visit or in-person.

What is online COVID testing?   

• See a provider online and then visit The Urgency Room of your choice for the test only. 
• Visit our COVID Testing page from 8am to 8pm and click the link to start your online visit.
• Answer a few questions and one of our providers will prepare a care plan.
• After your visit, your provider will instruct you to visit one of our locations where you will conduct the test yourself, no waiting.
• As soon as your visit is complete you are good to go, we will text you as soon as your results are available.

Why do you have to visit the clinic for an online appointment?

You must visit the clinic to conduct the actual test.  The wait will be minimal as you will administer the test yourself and you will not have to wait for the results.  We will contact you as soon as your results are available.

Can you walk in for COVID testing?

• Yes.  We're happy to see you in-person to care for your symptoms and testing concerns related to COVID.
• You do NOT need to be symptomatic to receive a COVID test.
• The Urgency Room is not a free community testing site however, please visit the MDH for additional testing opportunities across Minnesota:  COVID Community Testing Options in Minnesota 

Can I sign up for an online visit if I am experiencing SYMPTOMS of COVID?

Yes, as long as your symptoms are stable, our telehealth platform can be a great option for COVID symptoms and concerns.  As we mentioned before, if it's determined after your visit you should be or prefer to be tested, you can go to The Urgency Room following your visit to complete the test and have your results in minutes.

What type of test does The Urgency Room Use? 

Our test is a lab-based COVID test . We use the Abbot ID NOW test, an NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) test. This is a viral rapid test offering same-day results.  Typically, there are two types of tests for COVID-19: viral testing and antibody testing. Viral tests determine if you currently have an infection while antibody tests determine if you have had the virus previously. There are 2 common types of viral tests: molecular and antigen.  Molecular tests (administered at The Urgency Room) are the most sensitive, as they look for the viral DNA, whereas antigen tests look for surface markers.

The ID NOW test was designed to be used in “point of care” environments and ideal for places like The Urgency Room, where samples are not transported offsite, are run immediately, and patients are not staying for long periods of time. The goal is to provide highly accurate, rapid testing to identity infection quickly and in-turn, reduce the spread. 

What is the accuracy of the Rapid ID Now COVID test and what about false negatives?

Abbot states that various studies are demonstrating ID NOW COVID molecular test performance is between ≥94.7% and ≥98.6% agreement. At The Urgency Room, you’ll be tested for COVID and assessed by a doctor for your unique situation; a provider will talk with you about your plan including the plan in the case of a false negative. 

Can you drive up for COVID testing?

We do not offer any form of drive-through testing at this time.

Is COVID testing covered by your insurance?

We recommend you check with your individual insurance carrier on your testing coverage.  At The Urgency Room you will also see a provider.  Coverage for the test and visit will depend on your individual insurance plan and coverage.  Please call your insurance to validate your plan is in-network with The Urgency Room.

• We encourage you to check your insurance company's guidelines for COVID testing prior to your visit.  
  • Most insurers have an information page dedicated to COVID testing FAQs
  • Please validate with your insurance plan that it is in-network with The Urgency Room.
  • If you feel your bill is not correct, please contact your insurance company directly.
  • We are NOT a no-cost community testing location.  You can locate all free testing sites and clinics on the MDH website.

How much does a visit for COVID testing cost?

In-Person Visit:
The estimated in-person cost for COVID testing is $385.00.  This estimate combines testing and a visit with an Urgency Room provider.  This amount can change based on services received. We will bill insurance for COVID testing. **Check with your insurance carrier regarding coverage or patient responsibility for any COVID related visits.  We are unable to quote insurance applied patient responsibility for COVID visits.  

Online Visit:
The estimated charge for an online visit and COVID testing is $185.00. This amount can change based on services received.***Check with your insurance carrier regarding coverage or patient responsibility for any COVID related visits.  We are unable to quote insurance applied patient responsibility for COVID visits.  

When can I return to work/school after my rapid COVID test?

Return to work and school requirements vary with each employer and institution.  We are following the CDC guidelines and are encouraging our patients with both positive and negative results to refer to their website:  CDC Guidance on Returning to Work

Are antibody tests available?

No, at this time we are not conducting antibody tests at The Urgency Room.

Looking for more COVID Information?

Click here for additional information on COVID and how we're keeping our patients and staff safe at The Urgency Room.

Still Have Questions About COVID Testing?

Send us a message and we'll get back to you!  Messages are returned within one business day, Monday through Friday.  Messages are not monitored on the weekends but we will follow up with you at the start of the next business week.