COVID-19 Testing Protocol at AFC Urgent Care Stamford

Walk-In: We perform walk-in rapid COVID-19 testing based on the availability of testing supplies on any particular day. We offer a Rapid Antigen test as well as a Rapid Molecular Nucleic Acid Amplification test. (NAAT). We also offer RT-PCR COVID-19 tests which must be sent out to labs for processing. See types of test performed below.

Insurance Coverage: Testing is generally covered by most major insurance plans, from what we currently know. However, you may be responsible for some portion of the payment depending on your insurance plan. We encourage you to call your insurance carrier to be 100% certain.

Types of Tests Performed:

Rapid COVID-19 tests

A Rapid COVID-19 test is a nasal swab which can produce a same-day result. If a rapid test comes back POSITIVE, our protocol calls for an immediate follow-up with a RT-PCR send out test to be performed in order to confirm the positive result. RT-PCR COVID-19 tests take 2-5 days before results are available and we request that patients self-quarantine during this time.

RT-PCR Lab-Based COVID-19 tests

An RT-PCR lab-based test is a nasal swab which can produce a result in 2-5 days. This test currently has the highest accuracy rate for COVID-19 detection.

How long before I get my results?

For Rapid tests, the results are available the same day. For RT-PCR tests, results usually take about 2 to 5 days. This timing is based on current laboratory capacity and subject to changes/delays.

What is the cost of the test?

From what we have learned, most insurance will cover the cost of the testing. However coverage benefits vary from plan to plan and we encourage you to reach out to your carrier to be 100% certain before testing. The CPT code for this test is 87635. If you do not have insurance, the cost of the testing may range from $125 to $175.

General Information:

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that is quickly spreading worldwide, with over 55,000 confirmed cases in Connecticut as of September 18th, 2020. A coronavirus is an upper respiratory infection. COVID-19 currently does not have a known vaccination and spreads through direct contact with surfaces or people who are currently infected.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The novel coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms. If you begin to develop any of the following symptoms, you should contact a physician immediately to inquire about testing:

Persistent dry cough

High fever (over 102 F)

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Headache

Body aches

Chest congestion

Sore throat

Cramping of the stomach

Loss of taste or smell

COVID-19 has an incubation of between two and fourteen days, with symptoms often presenting about a week after exposure. However, many individuals who have tested positive for the virus have been asymptomatic, displaying no symptoms at all. Even without symptoms, you can still be highly contagious to those around you. Patients who are considered to be higher risk for the virus include patients over the age of 60 and people with chronic or underlying health conditions including lung and heart disease, diabetes, cancer or otherwise compromised immune systems.

Prevention of COVID-19

The virus is spread through direct contact with objects, surfaces and people already infected with the virus. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, take these steps:

Wash your hands frequently throughout the day with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can be used if water is not available. Take special care to wash your hands after changing a diaper, using the restroom, before and after handling food and before eating.

Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth. By touching your face with unwashed hands, you may be transmitting germs from other surfaces including your phone, laptop or desk to your body, which in turn can get you sick.

Wipe down your commonly used surfaces and devices with disinfecting cleaning agents. Make sure cleaning products used on your phone, laptop, tablet or keyboard are safe for use on electronics. You should take care to clean objects and surfaces at least once per day, because viruses and germs can live longer than on your hands and fingers which are in constant motion.

Before you have to cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth to contain germs. This can be done with a tissue or the crook of your elbow.

Current state guidelines call for social distancing, which means avoiding large groups of people until further notice. This excludes grocery stores, pharmacies and local urgent cares for medical treatment.

For more information about the novel coronavirus and how it is affecting your area, please call:

Connecticut Department of Health: 860-509-7994

Western Connecticut Health Network: (888) 667-9262