Note: The Self-Pay Rapid Antigen Test at CURE is NOT covered by insurance and an out-of-pocket cost of $199 will be collected at the time of your appointment.
Please refer to the FAQs below for more detailed information.
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Overview:
- The rapid antigen test is performed using a nasal swab, similar to the standard PCR COVID-19 test we also offer. Both tests will determine if there is an active coronavirus infection at the time of the test.
- If you need to be tested for travel, to see a high-risk family member, or to return to school or work, this is a great option. Always follow state, local, and CDC recommendations when it comes to testing travel requirements. Pre-registration and payment are expected prior to testing.
- Anyone that is symptomatic and or has had a known exposure to COVID-19 should opt for PCR testing which is paid fully by most insurances.
- The Self-Pay Rapid Antigen test costs $199. Payment is made prior to the test.
- There are some other providers that are participating in a city sponsored program. Cure Urgent Care is not eligible to participate in that program.
- Rapid Antigen Testing is not the right option if you wish to submit a claim to your insurance carrier. If you wish to submit a claim to insurance, you are welcome to schedule a visit with a provider who will determine if it is medically necessary for you to have a PCR test.
- Not all insurance carriers are viewing Rapid testing as medically necessary. Nearly all insurance carriers are covering 100% of costs for PCR testing.
- Rapid Antigen Tests are less accurate than a PCR Test. Quidel, the manufacturer of our Rapid Antigen Test states that the test can detect 96% of infections within the first 5 days of the infection. Sensitivity of testing is dependent on an individual’s viral load which is a function of time since first infection and the severity of the infection.
- We will notify you results within 1-2 hours of testing.
- No, we are not contractually allowed to submit partial claims for patients while simultaneously billing patients during a single encounter. If you are symptomatic or have had a known exposure, the clinical recommendation by our providers and insurance companies is that you take a PCR Test that should be billed to insurance. Our turnaround times are typically 2-3 days.
- Rapid Antigen Tests are less accurate than a PCR Test. Quidel, the manufacturer of our Rapid Antigen Test states that the test can detect 96% of infections within the first 5 days of the infection. Sensitivity of testing is dependent on an individual’s viral load which is a function of time since first infection and the severity of the infection.
- If you have a positive test result, it is very likely that you have COVID-19. You should follow CDC guidelines for quarantine. If you have any follow-on symptoms, contact your provider or Cure Urgent Care for follow-on treatment.
- Unfortunately, the Rapid Antigen Test is not covered by your insurance and there is an out-of- pocket cost of $199. As a Medicare or Medicaid patient, you are not allowed to waive your insurance coverage so we cannot offer you the Rapid Antigen Test to anyone on these state-funded plans. We do offer PCR Testing which is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, with relatively quick results.
- A negative Rapid Antigen Test result means that proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 were not found in your sample. It is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative). This means that possibly you could still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative. The amount of antigen in a sample may decrease the longer you have symptoms of infection. Specimens collected after you have had symptoms for more than seven days may be more likely to produce a negative result.
What Precautions Should I Take After Receiving My COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test results?
Please Note: Regardless of your results, you should continue to practice the following safety measures as determined by the CDC: social distancing, quarantining, frequent hand washing, and wearing a face mask in public.