COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

The novel coronavirus, also known scientifically as COVID-19, is a virus the affects the upper respiratory system and has lead to mass shutdowns of schools, businesses, recreational facilities and organizations worldwide. As the virus continues to spread, AFC Urgent Care has begun offering diagnostic testing for active cases as well as antibody testing to detect past infection.

COVID-19 can appear in a range of symptoms and severity. Many positive cases have been detected in patients with none to mild symptoms, while others have experienced more severe symptoms leading to serious complications. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

• High fever (over 102 F) or body chills
• Dry, persistent cough
• Shortness of breath or trouble maintaining regular breathing
• Recent loss of smell and/or taste
• Sore throat
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Headache, muscle and full body aches
• Chest and nasal congestion and runny nose
• Fatigue

Certain patients may be at a high risk for more severe to fatal symptoms of the virus, including patients with compromised immune systems, chronic conditions and patients who are over the age of 60. If a patient meeting any qualifications of being high-risk begin to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, they should be examined immediately and taken to the emergency room if they have difficulty breathing and feel constant pressure in their chest.

AFC Urgent Care offers two types of testing to detect both active coronavirus cases as well as past infections. ***Disclaimer: Certain insurers may require a copayment.

Diagnostic NAAT/PCR Testing can be performed on both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients to detect current, active cases of the novel coronavirus. It is done by taking a swab not unlike a Q-Tip and taking a sample from your lower nasal cavity. The swab test is painless and can be performed in a few short moments, with test results returned from the lab in 3 business days, depending on lab capacity or any unforeseen circumstances.

Antibody testing detects past infection with COVID-19 through the presence of antibodies, an immune response to a virus after an infection has healed. It requires a simple blood draw and takes about 10 minutes. Results will be available to inform you if you have been exposed to the virus in 4-7 business days, depending on lab capacity or any unforeseen circumstances.

Yes, we do! At all of our AFC Urgent Care Centers in Massachusetts. You do not need an appointment. Each center may have a limited number of tests each day.

We do not at this time. We are only offering the Abbot ID Now Rapid molecular Test.

Rapid COVID-19 test, also called rapid molecular test, which detects proteins from the virus which causes COVID-19. This type of test is considered most accurate in those individuals who are experiencing active symptoms of COVID-19.

The Abbott ID Now is the gold standard of rapid testing utilized by the federal government, the airline industry and many institutions.

Yes, AFC Urgent Care is committed to the highest standards and has partnered with companies that have the latest capability in the fight against covid. Our Rapid Testing has successfully detected the genetic variants of SARS-Cov-2 including the Delta and Lambda variants that have spread around the globe.

There is no appointment needed, although we are seeing people on a first come first served basis.

***Due to the recent increase in testing, we may ask you to wait in your car so that we can clean and sanitize the exam rooms before you come in. Also, please remember to wear a mask when coming into our center. Wait times may vary based on the volume of patients in the center.

You should wait at least 10 days before being re-tested for COVID. If you are asymptomatic: Quarantine for 10 days after the first positive COVID test and then re-test.

Results for rapid testing will be provided to you within approximately 20 minutes while you wait. If you need written documentation of your rapid results please make sure to request this during the time of your visit.

***It is important to note that this is an ever changing arrangement with the federal and state grant programs for any testing location across the state.

At this time, most insurances are covering the evaluation and tests making it free. However, it’s best to check with your insurance provider for a confirmation.

AFC participates in a federal program that has been covering the cost of Covid-19 testing if you are truly uninsured. You will need to provide your social security number along with government issued ID ( ie: Drivers license, passport, etc.). For those who do not have insurance or qualify under the Federal program, we do offer affordable self pay options.

AFC Urgent Care works with employers and employees to help them meet the criteria for returning to work as in accordance with guidance from the CDC and other public health authorities. We’ll provide you with a return to work form along with your results if needed. Please note, although the Abbott ID Now Rapid molecular test is a widely accepted form of covid testing, it is your responsibility to confirm with your employers HR department or company/organization representative if the Rapid test is acceptable.

Depending on the airlines and destination it is your responsibility to check with the airlines and/or destination if the Abbott ID Now is an approved covid-19 test for your trip. The CDC for specific requirements.

AFC Urgent Care is a trusted testing partner for the state of Hawaii, we will provide the proper documentation that has been approved by the state of Hawaii for safe entry. Travelers with testing results from sources that are not Trusted Testing Partners with the state of Hawaii will require the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

***Disclaimer: Certain insurers may require a co-payment.

AFC works with most insurance providers. At this time most insurance companies are covering the cost of COVID-19 evaluation and testing. It is always best practice to check with your insurance provider to review your coverage.

With COVID-19 and the potential threat of new variants circulating in the country and around the state of Massachusetts, we make sure that you feel safe with us by cleaning and sanitizing our facilities before you walk-in and after your visit. We are the only urgent care centers who have made the investment to purchase state-of-the-art- air purification systems developed by NASA that have the capability of killing the COVID-19 virus as well as other bacteria and viruses from the air and surfaces. Our staff are also equipped with PPE gear, masks and gloves. That being said, depending on the discretion of the centers, current CDC and state DPH guidelines as well as how busy the centers are, you may be asked to wait to be seen in your cars until called in.

Yes. Currently we are offering The Johnson and Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccine on a walk-in basis.

This year's flu season looks different, with Covid-19 still a major threat for all of us. It will be tricky to distinguish between the two since they can both exhibit similar symptoms of body aches, chest tightness, cough and fever. Testing is the best way to identify the pathogen(s) causing these symptoms and rule out the possibility of Covid-19. Although many COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms overlap, there are certain distinctions between the two.

We highly recommend following the local department of health as well as the CDC guidelines about the continued use of masks, social distance, and other precautions. Even if you test negative for your COVID-19 test, there is the possibility that you can still contract the virus if you’re not careful. Wearing a mask, practicing safe social distancing, and consistent cleaning will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.

Vaccinated or not, you still need to follow guidance at your workplace and local businesses. We highly suggest wearing a mask and following state, local municipal as well as the CDC guidelines about social distancing, and other protective measures to protect you and others around you.

Although we do provide COVID-19 testing, please be advised that we are an urgent care center first and foremost. Our goals are to address all your urgent care needs, from sprained ankles, to x-rays to diagnosing and treating infections, cuts, bruises, etc. We ask that you keep this in mind and value your patience when visiting our center for COVID-19 testing.

The health and safety of our AFC Urgent Care team and our patients is important to us. We are working with the state and local health departments to make sure that our team has access and options for the COVID-19 vaccines. Almost all of our staff have been fully vaccinated and we are continually working with our staff to provide education and resources so that they can all be vaccinated in the near future. Again, we make sure that you feel safe with us when receiving urgent care.

Travel related Covid testing is covered by some insurance providers but not by all. Therefore, at AFC we charge an upfront fee and require patients to submit a claim to their insurance provider for reimbursement.