COVID-19
COVID-19 Testing Available at Polaris HC
Your health and safety are our top priorities and we remain dedicated to informing you about our COVID-19 services while ensuring you receive necessary care and information. Explore our range of COVID-19 services, learn about testing options, and find helpful resources in this comprehensive guide.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Types of COVID-19 Tests
At Polaris Health Care, we offer a variety of COVID-19 testing options to suit your needs:
Rapid Antigen Testing: Receive quick results in just 15 minutes.
PCR Nasal Swab Testing: The most accurate test to confirm the presence of the COVID-19 virus, often required for work, school, or travel.
Antibody Testing: Determine your COVID-19 antibody status, with rapid results available in 15 minutes.
Test Result Turnaround Times: Rapid testing results in 15 minutes.
PCR nasal swab results generally by the end of the next day, though some may take longer due to capacity and staffing.
COVID-19 Testing Eligibility
COVID-19 test results are returned within 15 minutes for rapid testing. Most results for the nasal swab test will return by the end of the next day. However, please note that some results may return later due to capacity/staffing.
We are committed to ensuring accessible testing for everyone. Polaris Health Care offers COVID-19 testing to:
- Anyone who wants to rule out COVID-19, regardless of symptoms.
- Individuals with any exposure to COVID-19, even if they are asymptomatic.
- Frontline or essential workers and first responders, with or without symptoms.
- Employees with employer requests for testing.
- Individuals with an order for testing.
Rapid Testing for COVID-19
Polaris Health Care now offers rapid antigen testing at all our locations. This test, approved for emergency use by the FDA, provides results in just 15 minutes. Please refer to the “How Much Is The COVID-19 Test?” section below for pricing details.
For travelers, we recommend the PCR nasal swab test, typically approved for domestic travel. International travelers should check with their destination’s travel advisory for specific requirements.
Accessing Your Test Results
Work Notes
We can provide a work note along with your test results. Please note that CDC guidelines may affect your return to work based on your vaccination status and test results.
- If you test positive, regardless of vaccination status, you must isolate for 5 days and be asymptomatic before returning to work.
- All individuals who have been tested should wear a well-fitting mask around others until 10 days after exposure.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Exposure
Understanding COVID-19 symptoms and exposure is essential:
Symptoms of COVID-19: can resemble the flu and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, aches and pains, and a sore throat.
Direct Exposure: means contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is showing symptoms.
Testing with Symptoms: We offer COVID-19 testing for all patients, regardless of symptoms. Pre-screening questions about symptoms or exposure will be asked before your visit.
Cost and Insurance
Understanding the cost of COVID-19 testing and insurance coverage:
Out-of-Pocket Pricing:
- Rapid COVID-19 Testing: $155 (includes test and office visit).
- PCR Testing: $200 (required for specific purposes).
Insurance Coverage: Coverage varies by insurance provider. Please check with your insurance for specific details. Patients using insurance will be seen by a provider, and an office visit will be billed out.
Free Testing: We cannot guarantee free testing; government-run facilities may offer free testing, but we do not have information on their locations.
For Patients Using Insurance:
- COVID-19 Costs Vary: We recommend contacting your insurance provider for specific coverage and costs. Our office will collect a co-pay at the time of visit, if applicable.
Regardless of symptoms, all patients using insurance for COVID-19 testing will be seen by a provider. This means that an office visit will be billed out.
Note: Patients who need work documentation, post-testing notes, or paperwork must discuss with a provider during your exam.
