Get tested for current infection with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival.
Rapid Point-of-Care tests, test performed or interpreted by someone other than the individual being tested, can be performed in minutes and can include antigen and some NAATs. Self-tests are rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
The cost for testing should be covered by most insurance plans or through government-sponsored programs.For private pay patients, please contact your health care provider for cost to administer a COVID-19 test.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Operation Expanded Testing (OpET) program increases access to testing nationwide, especially for communities that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based diagnostic tests (which detect viral nucleic acids) are considered the gold standard for detecting current SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Positive results are usually highly accurate but negative results may need to be confirmed with a PCR test. Rapid tests are most effective one to five days after symptoms start.
See full answerThe Biden-Harris Administration is strongly incentivizing health plans and insurers to set up a network of convenient locations across the country such as pharmacies or retailers where people with private health coverage will be able to order online or walk in and pick up at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free, rather than going through the process of having to submit claims for reimbursement. Consumers can find out from their plan or insurer if it provides direct coverage of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests through such a program or whether they will need to submit a claim for reimbursement. If you are charged for your test after January 15, keep your receipt and submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone ages 5 years and older at no cost. Vaccines were paid for with taxpayer dollars and will be given free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Self-tests can also be purchased online or in pharmacies and retail stores and may be reimbursed through your health insurance. They are also available at no cost through some local health departments and Community Health Centers. For a list of authorized self-tests, see FDA EUA Testsexternal icon.
If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe.
PCR tests are more accurate than antigen tests. "PCR tests are the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2," says Dr. Broadhurst. "It is the most accurate testing modality that we have.
Diagnostic tests can show if you currently are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests:Molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests Antigen tests, often referred to as rapid tests