Understanding COVID-19
Testing Guidelines

Testing information

Many different options are available today if you need to be tested for Covid19. Navigating through the different options available can be difficult and often overwhelming. This guide is intended to help you better navigate your options. Please feel free to call us at any time if you have any additional questions.

Appointment Options

APPOINTMENT WITH A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER: If you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or simply wish to use your insurance, you must be evaluated by one of our healthcare providers.

Many insurance companies are temporarily waiving copays and deductible collections for COVID-related visits; we will not be collecting co-payments at the time of the visit but please be aware insurances may eventually require copayment/deductible to be applied.

Some insurance companies MAY NOT cover two COVID-19 tests in a single day and you may be responsible for the additional cost. Please contact your insurance provider for any related questions.

TEST-ONLY APPOINTMENT: For those people who are ASYMPTOMATIC (No coughing, no shortness of breath, no sore throat), 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 can choose to be tested without seeing a healthcare provider.

This testing option is offered at a self-pay rate of $135 (payment by cash, check, or credit card at time of sample collection) and applies to the Antigen-detection rapid nasal test only.

Available Testing Options

RT-PCR Testing - (rapid molecular testing) -The real time RT–PCR technique is highly sensitive and specific and can deliver a reliable diagnosis in as little as 30 minutes. Compared to other available virus isolation methods, real time RT–PCR is significantly faster and has a lower potential for contamination or errors, as the entire process can be carried out within a closed tube. It continues to be the most accurate method available for the detection of the COVID-19 virus.

PCR Testing - Used to identify active COVID-19 viral infection, this test is currently considered to be the most accurate test available at this time and is the most highly recommended. 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. Our practice has no control over the time it takes to receive results.

We also offer the option for virtual TELEMEDICINE appointments so that you may be evaluated by one of our healthcare providers in the comfort of your own home. It is our commitment to our patients to stay open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and to treat each patient with the respect and consideration he/she deserves. If you are needing clearance to travel or to return to school, sports, or work, please confirm if you are required to get a specific test (I.e. PCR). We are unable to guarantee the time it will take to receive PCR test results. This time is subject to change and is dependent on the time it takes the lab to process tests.

Free COVID-19 testing may be available through the CO Department of Public Health. They can be reached at (303) 389-1687 or (877) 462-2911.