American Family Care: Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinic

American Family Care

COVID-19 Rapid Testing

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Don't wait to get the medical attention you need.

Head to American Family Care for Rapid Results COVID Testing

Know if you are infected with COVID-19 in minutes. American Family Care centers offer rapid results COVID testing with our rapid COVID-19 swab test. This diagnostic test is for those who have symptoms or have been around an infected person. However, not everyone needs to be tested. Call your local AFC to find out whether you need a COVID-19 test. Our doctors offer virtual screenings and in-person consultations.

A person wearing gloves holds a test tube in one hand and a small vial in the other, in a medical center's laboratory with various lab equipment in the background.

How Do Rapid Results COVID Testing Work?

A Rapid COVID-19 test is a lab test that can quickly detect the presence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Rapid COVID testing uses a swab obtained from your nose, which is then inserted into a testing cartridge that can detect the presence of COVID-19.

Health professionals widely use rapid COVID tests to determine if you have an active COVID-19 infection. There are many types of Rapid COVID tests.  Most over-the-counter (OTC) COVID tests are antigen-based, which means they detect proteins found on the outside of the virus. Another type is a molecular or PCR test which recognizes specific parts of the COVID DNA/RNA.  These tests are usually more accurate than OTC antigen tests and can detect the COVID-19 virus at much lower levels and, therefore, sooner than antigen tests.

It is also essential to know that a rapid test is far different than an antibody test. An antibody test determines if a patient with a previous COVID-19 infection has developed antibodies that fight off the virus rather than if the patient is currently infected.

Does my Insurance Cover Testing?

Most private healthcare insurance plans cover COVID-19 tests if testing is deemed medically necessary. If you believe you were exposed to COVID-19, came into close contact with a COVID-19 patient, or exhibited any symptoms, your healthcare plan will likely cover testing. We recommend contacting your nearest AFC center to see if your healthcare plan covers rapid results COVID testing.

Getting Tested for Travel Purposes

If you need to get tested for travel purposes or peace of mind, these reasons for testing aren’t typically covered by health insurance. If you don’t fit the medically necessary testing criteria or do not have insurance, AFC offers very affordable rates for testing. Contact your nearest AFC to get information on testing prices.

If you need a COVID-19 travel certificate for travel out of the country (or to certain other states with coronavirus-related travel restrictions), we can also provide this certificate to you. Ask us about results and turnaround times before finalizing your travel plans. Make sure you check your destination’s requirements before getting tested. We cannot offer refunds if you order the test too soon or order the wrong test. Our staff cannot provide clear guidance on this as there are dozens of destinations, each of which has different requirements.

How to Book Your Rapid Test

Walk-ins are welcome at AFC. You can also book your test online or call your nearest AFC to book an appointment and find out if they offer testing. Depending on the test recommended for you, the results should be available within 15-30 minutes for rapid testing or in a few days for send-out PCR testing.

Available at Your American Family Care:

  • COVID-19 tests
    • COVID-19 Swab Test 
    • Rapid COVID-19 Test 
    • COVID-19 Antibody Test
  • COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Socially-distanced and sanitized waiting areas 
  • Convenient phone screenings with a doctor through AFC TeleCare 

 

Understanding COVID-19 Test Results

  • A negative test means the virus that causes COVID-19 was NOT found in your system.
  • A positive test means the virus that causes COVID-19 WAS found in your system. 
  • Stay home for at least 14 days.
  • Keep isolated from other family members.
  • Rest and monitor your health. Call 911 if you experience trouble breathing or have constant chest pain.

Note: No test is 100% accurate. False positives and false negatives can and do happen. 

 

 Protect Yourself. Protect Others.

  • Wear a Mask.
    • Cover your nose and mouth. 
  • Wash Your Hands. 
    • 20 seconds with soap and water. 
    • Or use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. 
  • Keep Your Distance. 
    • Keep two arm-lengths or 6 feet away from those who don’t live with you. 
    • Avoid crowds.
  • Get a Flu Shot. 
  • Get Tested.
  • Get Vaccinated. 

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AFC CORPORATE OFFICE

3700 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242

Our Mission and Values:

Our mission is to provide the best healthcare possible in a kind and caring environment, in an economical manner, while respecting the rights of all of our patients, at times and locations convenient to the patient.

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