COVID Testing FAQs

Get all the information you need on your COVID symptoms or answers about COVID-19 tests, including rapid COVID testing. 

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 to Do If You Test Positive for COVID in 2024

In 2024, the guidelines for a positive COVID test are still strict. According to the CDC, you should follow these guidelines if you have a positive COVID test in 2024:

• Stay home and isolate yourself from others for at least 5 days
• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be in public or around others
• Don’t travel
• Don’t share personal household items like cups, towels, and utensils

How Long Am I Contagious with COVID After Testing Positive?

It’s recommended to self-isolate for at least five days after testing positive for COVID-19 to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. However, you may still be contagious after this period. 

To protect those around you, wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask or respirator at home and in public for an additional five days after isolation ends. Be mindful of lingering symptoms, as you could remain contagious even if you feel better.

Do You Test for COVID at The Urgency Room?

Yes, we offer COVID testing at The Urgency Room. We use the Abbot ID NOW rapid COVID test. This type of test detects the virus's genetic material and provides results in about 15 minutes, making it a fast and reliable option for screening. 

The test involves a quick nasal swab. Because it’s a rapid test, you’ll receive your results before leaving. You can also see a provider online by scheduling a telehealth appointment or in-person for testing, making it convenient to get the care and answers you need.

What Type of Test Does The Urgency Room Use? 

We use the Abbot ID NOW test, a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification) test. This is a viral rapid test offering same-day results.  

What Is the Accuracy of the Rapid ID Now COVID Test?

Abbot states that various studies demonstrate ID NOW COVID molecular test performance between ≥94.7% and ≥98.6% agreement. 

What about False Negatives?

Rapid tests are considered to be 99.8% accurate. However, if you’re concerned about receiving a false negative result, we encourage you to reach out to The Urgency Room for further evaluation.

Symptoms FAQs

How Long Until COVID Symptoms Go Away?

Everyone responds to the infection differently. Some people are asymptomatic even with a positive test. Others will experience symptoms for a couple of weeks.

As of April 2023, the National Institute of Health has estimated that roughly 10% of adults infected with the virus will suffer from long-term COVID. 

With long COVID, you could experience symptoms for 12 weeks or even months after becoming infected. Those concerned about experiencing long COVID should meet with a healthcare professional to discuss their symptoms and develop a proper treatment plan. 

What Are The Symptoms of Omicron?

According to Yale Medicine, the symptoms of Omicron are similar to mild cold symptoms. Some common symptoms of Omicron include a runny nose, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms.  

Experts have suggested that the summer uptick in cases and hospitalizations in 2023 was significantly lower than COVID-19 spikes in previous years. It’s important to remain vigilant about new strains of COVID in 2024 to stay prepared to protect yourself and others.

What’s the Difference Between The Flu and COVID?

Many people have trouble telling the difference between the flu and COVID. Both can cause a cough and shortness of breath, but there are a few differences:

• COVID symptoms tend to last longer than the flu

• Shortness of breath tends to come later with COVID than the flu
• Shortness of breath is often more severe with COVID than with the flu 

However, these signs aren’t obvious right away. So, if you’re unsure whether you have the flu or COVID, it’s important to get tested. 

What Does The Latest COVID Variant Feel Like?

COVID is still an active threat. New variants continue to emerge. Symptoms can vary depending on the person and their level of vaccination, but the common symptoms to watch out for include:

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

Visit the CDC’s website for further information and the latest updates.

Online Visits

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 that you should be tested 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.

Can I Drive Up for COVID Testing?

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

Costs Associated Questions

Does My Insurance Cover COVID Testing?

We recommend you check with your insurance carrier on your testing coverage. At The Urgency Room, you will also see a provider. The test and visit coverage will depend on your 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 COVID testing guidelines before 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 get in touch with your insurance company directly.

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 the 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

Online visits start at $178.00.  There are additional charges for testing and any other services provided at The Urgency Room. 

***Check with your insurance carrier regarding coverage or patient responsibility for COVID-related visits. We are unable to quote insurance-applied patient responsibility for COVID visits.  

Miscellaneous Questions

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 follow the CDC guidelines and encourage 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 or serology tests at The Urgency Room.

If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact us.