covid-19

Your Preferred ER For COVID-19 Testing

As COVID-19 continues to raise healthcare concerns, we want to assure you that The Emergency Center is always here and ready to help, 24/7/365. Our team is closely monitoring the situation, adopting the safest protocol, and doing everything we can to give you the highest standard of emergency care.

On-Site COVID-19 Testing For ER Patients

The Emergency Center offers several emergency use authorization (EUA) approved forms of COVID-19 testing at all of our facility. We can test patients who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 on the spot. Result time varies depending on the type of test administered (see ‘Types of Testing’ below).

These tests are available to patients who present to our emergency room with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or who have had a high-risk exposure to COVID-19. The Emergency Center is a licensed free-standing emergency center and not an outpatient COVID-19 testing center.

***The cost of COVID-19 testing is covered by most major insurances and separate from your ER copay. Insurers have pledged to waive some costs to patients for COVID-19 testing. Patients need to verify with their insurance the specific patient out-of-pocket cost.

***Self-pay rates for The Emergency Center visits start at $500 (which includes all COVID-19 testing). Self-pay rates may increase for special imaging or complex patient services to $900.

***Additional tests, such as influenza A and influenza B, X-rays, and other tests not directly related to COVID-19 are processed differently as determined by the insurance carriers.

Who Is Eligible For COVID Testing?

The Emergency Center has the ability to test all patients who present to our emergency center with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or who have had a high risk exposure to COVID-19. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the physician.

Types Of COVID-19 Tests The Emergency Center Offers

The Emergency Center offers several types of COVID-19 tests. Our result times are unique to The Emergency Center and is not true for all hospitals/health care facilities.

Rapid Molecular PCR Test Rapid Antigen Test Antibody Test
What is it? Molecular test that is able to detect active infection with same day results Rapid diagnostic test to detect active infection* Test that looks for antibodies made by the immune system in response to the virus
What kind of sample? Uses a cotton swab to collect mucus from your nose Uses a cotton swab to collect mucus from your nose Administered by drawing blood from a vein in the arm
What does it detect? Used to detect the virus’ genetic material Detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus Shows if you’ve been infected by COVID-19 or other SARS-related viruses in the past**
How soon do patients get results? Results back within 30 minutes Results back within 15-20 minutes Results back within 15-20 minutes

*We may order a rapid molecular PCR test if your rapid antigen test shows a negative result but you have symptoms of COVID-19.

**Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after initial infection.

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Patient Safety Is Our Top Priority During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The safety of our patients and facility staff is of the utmost importance. The Emergency Center team thoroughly and frequently cleans all areas, follows disinfection protocol established by the CDC, and uses an air filtration system to clean the air in our emergency center.

Every member of our team is screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Our staff is also fully equipped with masks and appropriate PPE. We screen all patients for symptoms upon arrival and provide masks if needed.

What To Do If You’re Experiencing COVID Symptoms

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 — like fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of smell and taste — The Emergency Center team can help you get a quick symptom evaluation and recommended course of action.

On your way to The Emergency Center? Please give us a call so we can prepare for your arrival. We also ask that you please wear a mask.

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Preventing The Spread Of The Coronavirus

When in public, it is recommended to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is an essential step in preventing the spread. Practice social distancing by putting space (at least 6 feet) between yourself and others. The CDC defines close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. (e.g., three 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).

Protecting Yourself & Others From The Delta Variant

The COVID-19 Delta variant is highly contagious and harder to treat. According to the CDC, this new variant is now the most common strain of the virus in the U.S. To protect yourself and others from the spread, it’s recommended that everyone (including vaccinated individuals) wears a mask in public indoor places in areas of high transmission. Getting vaccinated has also proven to be highly effective in preventing the spread of the virus in communities.

The Emergency Center is fully equipped to provide fast test results and direct the care of patients who are COVID-19 positive. As an emergency care provider, our goal is to start treatment before symptoms become too severe in the hopes of preventing hospitalization.