COVID-19 Testing Questions and Answers

We offer COVID-19 testing at all of our locations in Tyrone-St. Petersburg FL, Pinellas Park FL and Seminole FL. PCR and Antibody COVID-19 testing with approved insurances. Uninsured patients will also be testing for COVID-19. Call us for more information.

We offer 3 types of COVID-19 tests to see if you currently have the COVID-19 virus and Antibody testing to see if you already had the COVID-19 virus or were previously exposed to it.

• Rapid test: We use a swab to get a fluid sample from inside your nose. Test results are ready in about 15 minutes.
• PCR test: We use a swab that goes inside your nasal passage to get a fluid sample. Test results are ready in a few days. Samples are sent to LabCorp or Quest depending on your insurance.
• Antibody test: This is a blood test that shows if you had the virus or were exposed to it. This is performed by a simple blood draw in our office. Samples are sent to LabCorp or Quest depending on your insurance.

What is the COVID-19 rapid test?

We use a swab to get fluid from the inside of your nose. It takes about 15 minutes to test the sample to see if you have COVID-19. There is an additional charge for this test. This test is good for people who:

• Need to be tested before surgery or another procedure
• Want to visit family
• Need to travel (check restrictions on Antigen vs Molecular) we offer Antigen
• Want to be sure they are not spreading the virus

What is the PCR test?

We use a swab to get fluid from deeper inside your nasal passage. It takes a few days to test the sample to see if you have COVID-19. There is no charge for this test but an office visit applies. This test is good for people who:

• Require advanced testing for travel or surgery
• People who do not have time restrictions on results

What is the COVID-19 antibody test?

This blood test measures the level of COVID-19 antibodies (or cells that fight the illness) in your blood. This can show if you had the virus or were exposed to it. (Antibodies usually appear about two weeks after someone gets the virus or was exposed to it.) This depends on your body and your immune system. There is no charge for this test but an office visit applies. This test is good for people who:

• Want to know if they had the virus in the past
• Want to check for antibodies to the virus
• Check for recent or past exposure

Is there a difference between antibody testing and diagnostic testing?

• Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is performed via a nasal swab and can detect the active virus in symptomatic patients. Antibody testing is performed on asymptomatic patients and can detect antibodies developed from a past infection.

What do your results mean?

• A positive antibody test result indicates exposure to coronavirus, most likely COVID-19 due to the limited exposure of others during this time. Your body has developed antibodies against the virus, however, research is still being conducted to determine whether or not that indicates immunity to further infection.
• A negative result indicates that you have not been exposed to coronavirus, or that you have been exposed in the very recent past and your body has not had the opportunity to develop an immune response yet.
• It is important to continue following local health and safety guidelines, including social distancing, wearing a mask or face covering in public and avoid crowds and gatherings. Please check the CDC website for regular updates on how antibody testing is being interpreted.

How much does the COVID-19 tests cost?

There are no copays or deductibles for the PCR and Antibody testing. We will bill your insurance company for the tests and the office visit, but you won’t have to pay for any of the costs. Rapid testing fees do apply. The office visit is still covered by your insurance.

What are we doing to help keep you safe:

• We encourage online reservations, and check ins and waiting in your car or outside
• All spaces, including treatment rooms and waiting areas, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a consistent basis.
• All employees will wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) at all times. Patients are asked to wear a mask while in our facilities.
• Hand Washing is recommended when entering and before leaving our facilities. We also have hand sanitizer throughout our facilities
• We ask that only patients enter our facilities; family members are welcome to wait at home or in their vehicles.
• Social distancing measures are in place, including limited furniture in waiting areas. Half capacity with chairs marked not in use. Limited patients allowed in the facilities at one time.

For more important information please visit one of the following:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Website)
• Florida Department of Health (Florida DOH)
  • A COVID-19 hotline is available at (866) 779-6121 (Monday-Friday 8 AM to midnight); or email questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov
• World Health Organization (WHO Website)