COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION

COVID-19 testing is available through our practice in various forms. The options can be confusing, so we have included information below to help you make a decision on which testing option is best for you. All testing is subject to availability of supplies.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

  1. TEST-ONLY VISIT: For those who are ASYMPTOMATIC (do not have any symptoms of COVID-19), have NOT had any contact with a person with COVID-19, and have NOT had a positive COVID-19 test within the last 14 days, you may be tested without seeing a healthcare provider. This testing option is offered at a self-pay rate of $150 (payment by cash, check, or credit card) for a PCR or Antigen-detection nasal test (please see below for details). Please be aware that PCR tests are sent out to a third-party lab (either state or private lab) and depending upon the national CARES Act status you may receive a bill from the lab for processing the test (currently $100). As of now, the time it takes to receive results is subject to change and is dependent on the time it takes the lab to process tests. Our practice has no control over the time it will take to receive PCR results and it changes daily depending on regional outbreaks.
  2. BE SEEN BY A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER: If you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or wish to use your insurance, you must be evaluated by one of our healthcare providers. We are offering virtual Telemedicine visits for all of our potentially infectious patients.

Castle Pines Urgent Care Telemedicine

Please refer to your insurance policy benefits for any urgent care copay and/or deductible, as these differ depending on your specific insurance provider and plan.

AVAILABLE TESTING OPTIONS1

  1. PCR Testing2 – Used to identify active COVID-19 viral infection, this test is currently considered to be the most accurate test available. This test is conducted by performing a nasal swab with a long Q-tip, similar to the flu test. Samples are preserved in a special liquid and sent to an outside lab for processing. The time to receive results varies depending on the number of tests the lab has to process daily and is subject to change. In general, it may take the lab anywhere from 2-7 days to process a test, although we have seen periods up to 14 days. Our practice has no control over the time it takes to receive results.
  1. Antigen Testing – Often called the “Rapid Test,” this test is used to identify active COVID-19 viral infection in clinic. Similar to the flu test, this test is conducted by performing a nasal swab and results are generally obtained in one hour or less. The accuracy of this test is moderate and it has been shown to result in some “false negatives” (I.e. a COVID-positive person falsely tests negative). It is considered a good test for someone strongly thought to be negative (I.e. no symptoms and no contact with a COVID-positive person). It is recommended that any person with symptoms of COVID-19 and/or contact with a COVID-positive person should receive a PCR test and self-quarantine while awaiting the test result.

Medicaid – Medicaid will only authorize a PCR test and not a rapid antigen test. This is their rule; we are under contract with them and must abide by the contract terms. Please contact CO State Medicaid if this has affected you.