PSA with resource links: If you want a COVID test, DON'T start with your doctor.

[Ms. Toad]

Your doctor will likely charge you for an appointment. Your doctor will likely charge you for the test. Your doctor may not be able to get results back as quickly as the dedicated testing facilities.

There are free tests available. You generally don't need a doctor's referral. You don't need insurance. I've had two - results back in under 36 hours each time. (I did have to wait a couple of days for the appointment each time - but had my results back in under a week from requesting an appointment.) I'll have a third one through work on Wednesday (with "instant" results.)

Here's a state-by-state list of resources: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html

Many pharmacies also run test sites (I've used the Rite-Aid one twice):

CVS Health
Rite Aid
Walgreens
eTrueNorth
Walmart in partnership with Quest Diagnostics (This site suggests there may be copays and you may require a prescription)

I've beeen seeing a lot of references to the costs of COVID 19 tests, the lack of access, etc. Since I'm now in my second round of needing tests (due to family members' less than responsible behavior) I thought I'd share what I've learned to help remove barriers to getting tested!

[alwaysinasnit]

1. K&R Thanks for posting.

[Cornus]

2. Thanks for the links

I checked out CVS and after filling out their form was told I don't qualify. I suspect it's because I don't have any symptoms.

[Ms. Toad]

3. Rite Aid doesn't reqiure symptoms. I haven't had occasion to use CVS. n/t

[Hekate]

4. Kick

[captain queeg]

5. Thanks. I might try to get tested before thanksgiving

Though the plan is to have dinner outside in a covered patio. Still, some people are pretty worried even about that.

[BainsBane]

6. Yeah, I never went to the doctor

I called up one of the places that gives COVID tests and made an appointment. I believe they billed my insurance, or didn't bill because I had insurance.

Not all pharmacies do COVID tests, at least not here in MN. It's not like getting a flu vaccine. Last I saw, only a few CVSs give them.

[Ms. Toad]

7. There's a long list of CVS affiliated sites

Not all at the pharmacies. Not every Rite Aid offers them (the one closest to me does, which is why I picked them.) Most require appoitments.

They never even asked about insurance - even though the advance literature said they might.

I just hate seeing people paying for a doctor's visit, and a test, and often getting results later than if they go to the community testing sites.

I had 100% free labs under my insurance - but I had a doctor who insisted that I make an appointment with his nurse to have the blood drawn. At that point, I needed near-daily tests - so I was paying $25/pop for the nurse's visit when I could have gone to the lab for free. The first justification I was given was that the insurance allows them to charge for it as a nurse's visit. When I threatned to go elsewhere, he justified it based on timing and on the nurse needing to watch for signs of bleeding. Since I'd previously been on the medication - monitored monthly-ish for years - also a load of bunk. Took me a bit of running around, but I found a lab that would do same-day processing (and draw it for free). I get angry when doctors are padding their own pockets by relying on the ignorance of patients.

[uncle ray]

8. a doc's rec does help though, for you to get paid to quarantine while waiting for results.

at least if you want to claim the federal benefit. i was tested last week, my employer needed a doctors rec for the test to get the federal pay. i chose to use my regular sick time since my doctors office didn't feel the need to see me, just said to get tested over the phone.

[Ms. Toad]

10. I was solely addressing inclination to run to a doctor's office for purposes of access to a test.

If that's all you need, it is all but certain you will be charged (unnecessarily) for the office visit - and perhaps for the test itself.

I've seen way too many people paying money (which, in some cases they can't afford) to get tested.

[Rebl2]

9. The county

I live in offers them free in different cities within the county. The health department administers it at an outdoor site. Just choose which city that’s convenient for you and sign up on line by filling out the information that’s required. Then they call you with the test results in a couple of days usually.

[Karadeniz]

11. Saved!

[Chellee]

12. Thank you. This is helpful.

I hope your own test comes back negative.

[Ms. Toad]

13. The one that came back yesterday was -

A bit early, since my daughter was exposed a week ago yesterday, and my test was Wednesday.

My fingers are crossed more tightly for the one scheduled for this next Wedndsday - since if she caught it a week ago, this Wednesday would be prime time for me to be positive if I caught it from her.

(She had one negative test - also a bit early - but has no symptoms so far.)

[KatyaR]

14. Our City/County Health Department is doing free tests via drive thru.

I've had two. They took less than 5 minutes and I had the results back in about 36-48 hours.

[Ms. Toad]

16. Same process with Rite Aid -

Drive up like I'm picking up a prescription, grab the kit, swab the nose, hand it back, wait for the emailed result. It's been a bit more than 48 hours each time - but barely.

[MustLoveBeagles]

15. K&R