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COVID testing & Rapid testing near me in Sumner, IA

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40 instant-book locations

238 S Main St, Fayette, IA 52142238 S Main St
View hours of operation
  • Mon 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • ThuUnknown
  • FriUnknown
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

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201 8th Ave SE, Oelwein, IA 50662201 8th Ave SE
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112 W Jefferson St, Union, IA 52175112 W Jefferson St
Open until 8:30 pm
  • Mon 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Tue 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Wed 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Thu 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Fri 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Sat 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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308 N Maple Ave, New Hampton, IA 50659308 N Maple Ave
Open until12:00 pm
  • Mon12:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Tue12:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wed12:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thu12:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Fri12:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sat12:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sun12:00 am - 12:00 pm
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
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320 W Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677320 W Bremer Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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1311 4th St SW, Waverly, IA 506771311 4th St SW
Open until 9:00 am
  • MonUnknown
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • WedUnknown
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • FriUnknown
  • Sat 8:00 am - 10:00 am
  • SunUnknown
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2700 4th St SW, Waverly, IA 506772700 4th St SW
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2181 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 507032181 Logan Ave
Open until 9:00 am
  • MonUnknown
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • WedUnknown
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • FriUnknown
  • Sat 8:00 am - 10:00 am
  • SunUnknown
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1850 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 507031850 Logan Ave
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun10:30 am - 5:00 pm
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Self-pay pricing

Solv ClearPrice™
Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

PCR Test
Time to results unknown
$129
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1825 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 507031825 Logan Ave
Open until11:59 pm
  • Mon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Tue12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Wed12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Thu12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Fri12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sat12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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205 Franklin St, Waterloo, IA 50703205 Franklin St
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 205 Franklin St
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905 Franklin St, Waterloo, IA 50703905 Franklin St
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Tue12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Wed12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Thu12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Fri12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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2000 Westfield Ave, Waterloo, IA 507012000 Westfield Ave
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3640 University Ave, Waterloo, IA 507013640 University Ave
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3910 University Ave, Waterloo, IA 507013910 University Ave
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Bill Icon

Self-pay pricing

Solv ClearPrice™
Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$129
Visit Clinic

1825 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 507021825 E San Marnan Dr
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 1825 E San Marnan Dr
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2712 Orchard Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 506132712 Orchard Dr
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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2302 W 1st St, Cedar Falls, IA 506132302 W 1st St
Open until 7:00 am
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 am
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 2302 W 1st St
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2509 White Tail Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 506132509 White Tail Dr
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Bill Icon

Self-pay pricing

Solv ClearPrice™
Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$129
Visit Clinic

1655 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 507021655 E San Marnan Dr
UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care, San Marnan - 1655 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo
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1501 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 507021501 E San Marnan Dr
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy, Inside Target - 1501 E San Marnan Dr
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2060 Crossroads Blvd, Waterloo, IA 507022060 Crossroads Blvd
Open until 6:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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302 Enterprise Dr, Independence, IA 50644302 Enterprise Dr
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1422 Flammang Dr, Waterloo, IA 507021422 Flammang Dr
Open until 9:00 am
  • Mon12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Wed12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Fri12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 10:00 am
  • SunClosed
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
Visit Clinic

111 W Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701111 W Ridgeway Ave
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Bill Icon

Self-pay pricing

Solv ClearPrice™
Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$129
Visit Clinic

1334 Flammang Dr, Waterloo, IA 507021334 Flammang Dr
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118 S Main St, Clarksville, IA 50619118 S Main St
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 7:30 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Antigen Test
Time to results unknown
Visit Clinic

2710 St Francis Dr, Waterloo, IA 507022710 St Francis Dr
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Tue12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Wed12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Thu12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Fri12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Visit Clinic

4612 Prairie Pkwy, Cedar Falls, IA 506134612 Prairie Pkwy
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
UnityPoint Clinic, Prairie Medical Park - 4612 Prairie Pkwy, Cedar Falls
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5100 Prairie Pkwy, Cedar Falls, IA 506135100 Prairie Pkwy
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
1.0(1 reviews)
UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care, Prairie Parkway - 5100 Prairie Pkwy, Cedar Falls
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226 Bluebell Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613226 Bluebell Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Tue12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Wed12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Thu12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Fri12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
5.0(1 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

I was Seen by Dr. Tar this past weekend & very impressed with the treatment by the Dr. & nurses!!!! I had fallen & Needed stitches & a tetnus shot & I didn't feel a thing with either of the procedures!!!!! I had to go back in the next day to have my dressing replaced & the nurses were awesome. They were so friendly & made you feel so comfortable!!! Thank you so much Dr. Tar & nurses who took care of me !!!!!! Marci G.
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3812 Pheasant Ln, Waterloo, IA 507013812 Pheasant Ln
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1753 W Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo, IA 507011753 W Ridgeway Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
2.0(1 reviews)
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

UnityPoint Clinic, United Medical Park - 1753 W Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo
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6301 University Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 506136301 University Dr
Open until 9:00 am
  • Mon12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Wed12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Fri12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 10:00 am
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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1000 Brandilynn Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA 506131000 Brandilynn Blvd
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525 Brandilynn Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613525 Brandilynn Blvd
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945 Tower Park Dr, Waterloo, IA 50701945 Tower Park Dr
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

214 Viking Plaza Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613214 Viking Plaza Dr
Open until 7:00 pm
  • MonClosed
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Visit Clinic

915 Short St, Decorah, IA 52101915 Short St
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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In your neighborhood

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COVID-19 Testing FAQs

  • How much does COVID testing cost in Sumner?

    In many cases, COVID testing can be free. Many state and local health departments continue to offer free testing to community residents as part of their response to the pandemic. In other cases, commercially insured patients, or those on Medicare or Medicaid, may receive testing at no out of pocket cost, or with a nominal office visit copay. For cash paying patients, or those that need rapid COVID testing which will deliver results in under an hour, COVID tests can range from $50 to $150 each. It is best to call your healthcare provider prior to getting tested to better understand the cost of the specific test you require.

  • Where can I get free COVID testing in Sumner?

    COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. Check with your Sumner-area health department as they are generally a good source for free COVID tests, or can at least point you in the right direction. Additionally, you can ask your primary care provider to recommend a free COVID test site.

  • Where can I get COVID testing in Sumner?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Sumner including urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care offices, health departments, and more. Different venues will have different types of tests available, many at different price points. Some testing sites are allowing walk-in patients, however, many are still requiring some degree of advance booking to control patient volume.

  • Where can I get a rapid COVID test in Sumner?

    Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Sumner-area urgent care centers and physician offices, usually at an additional cost ranging from $50 up to $150 per test. Usually this will allow you to get results back in under an hour, and require advanced booking through the provider. However, if you can wait 24 hours for your results, many labs are turning around send-out lab tests in that time frame, which could save you some money.

  • How to make an appointment for COVID testing in Sumner?

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Sumner are bookable directly through Solv. Simply browse the list of healthcare providers conducting COVID tests above, find one with a “Book Online” button, and book a time that aligns with your schedule stating “COVID-19 Test” as your reason for visit.

  • Can I get tested for antibodies if I am sick with COVID-19 Sumner?

    An antibody test for COVID-19 might inform you if you previously had a coronavirus infection. Because it can take between 1–3 weeks after an infection for your body to develop these antibodies, an antibody test during an active infection would not be successful. To see if you are currently infected, you need a viral test.

  • Do I need a COVID test if I have been vaccinated?

    Even if you have been fully vaccinated, if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, experts believe that you should be tested yourself, particularly if you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms commonly aligned with the coronavirus.

  • How long does COVID testing take?

    Getting a COVID test is quick. Most tests are done with a nasal swab, which takes less than a minute to swab both nostrils. Depending on where you get your COVID test, this means you could be in and out of the testing site in as little as 10-15 minutes. During busy times—particularly around holidays—testing sites may be busier than usual and wait times may be longer.

  • How long does it take to get COVID test results in Sumner?

    Most labs are returning send-out molecular (PCR) COVID test results within 24-48 hours of the test. Some sites take longer, so call and ask if the reason for the test is proof for travel. Rapid COVID tests are processed on-site and are able to deliver results in under an hour, sometimes in as little as 15 min.

  • Do COVID tests detect the Delta variant and Omicron variant?

    Regular COVID tests are able to detect both the Delta variant and Omicron variant in that they can determine whether or not you have the coronavirus. However, they can't tell which variation is involved. That would necessitate genomic sequencing, which is a different process from regular virus testing that not all labs can undertake. Sequencing is uncommon and can cost up to $100 per test. Since the treatment is the same for any variant, it is not clinically useful to an individual patient to know whether the infection was caused by a variant or not.

Recent COVID-19 Testing Reviews (20)

Amanda, our doctor, was friendly, knowledgeable and thorough. Our experience getting the actual covid test administered was a little rough around the edges, but we made it!

- Verified patient on 4/14

Had a drive up covid test. Getting scheduled and set up was super easy and quick with fast results!! Just couldn’t be happier

- Verified patient on 2/19

I had a virtual appointment and was scheduled quickly for a drive up covid test which is exactly what and when I needed.

- Verified patient on 12/7

It was excellent. They called me early which was great as I wanted to know about the process of getting a covid test. Dr Stilley was kind, professional and thorough.

- Verified patient on 12/8

I was not expecting the $100 charge for the visit as well as the $70 charge for th Rapid Covid test. I obviously missed something. But you may want to think about making that more obvious in the booking process.

- Verified patient on 1/3

Needed a Covid test and scheduled a video appointment for a screening. Appointment was quick and doctor was friendly. We joined the call 10 minutes ahead of our appointment time as was suggested so since the call started 30 minutes late, we waited online for 40 minutes. That is really my only complaint.

- Verified patient on 7/7

My virtual dr visit was very easy - the doctor was very understanding & personable. When I had the COVID test, it went very easy too. So appreciated that since my husband & daughter had bad experiences at Test Iowa.

- Verified patient on 10/30

Very good experience! Very kind doctor, right on time, was able to get a Covid test and results on the same day. I would definitely recommend DoctorsNow. Thanks to all of the staff who continue to work through this pandemic to serve all of us!

- Verified patient on 11/21

I was there for a Covid test. We were there early and waited 1 1/2 hrs with an appointment. More staff needs to be there to help with check in process and Covid tests when there is a large number of people getting tested. The staff was very nice! Taylor was extremely helpful and very nice as overwhelmed as she was with the number of people waiting.

- Verified patient on 7/2

We had a telecall for a COVID test. They were able to get my son and I both in at the same time. All staff members were kind, knowledgeable & efficient.

- Verified patient on 8/28

Jim gave me my Covid test and was awesome he was personable well spoken and reflected a caring attitude that all should be proud of

- Verified patient on 1/21

I was just there on Sunday for a pre-surgical Covid test and was told to come back Monday AM which I did. I drove up to the door - could see people inside - and called the number on the door, only to get voicemail. I left a message saying I was at the door. No one called back! 20 minutes later someone else came to the door, rattled it and someone came out and let him in! I went up to the door while he was being let in, saying that I had been waiting fo 20 minutes, and was rudely told to get back in my car and wait my turn! When I finallyl did get in I asked the receptionist why she didn’t answer my call that I was at the door, she snapped that she was “terribly busy and had over 50 voicemails backed up to answer”. I’m more than angry; I’m pissed off! I’ve been a patient of Drs Now since you opened this location, and I expected better than this. The phone message system isn’t working; you should install a door buzzer to alert the staff that someone is outside in person waiting.

- Verified patient on 6/26

Covid test and virtual DR visit went smoothly and Dr was very polite and attentive. This was a new experience for me but it went as good as it did.

- Verified patient on 5/28

Doctor called me earlier than the scheduled time and asked if it was ok, appreciated the earlier call. She was helpful and thorough. The man who did the covid testing was amazing! He explained everything, was patient, coached me through it, and great bedside manner. Thank you!

- Verified patient on 7/12

Went very smoothly, I called and asked how the process works and the lady helped me start and sent me the link to complete everything. My son had his Virtual visit in our truck on our way to the office to get a COVID test done. I called the number and it was less than 5 minutes to get him tested and we were on our way back home.

- Verified patient on 4/23

Requested a COVID test due to an exposure. Dr was very nice, nurse was very nice. I will definitely visit here again if necessary.

- Verified patient on 8/5

I came for a Covid test. Everything went quickly and simple. Check in was easy and convenient, staff was friendly from start to finish!

- Verified patient on 10/22

It was a positive experience. Dr. was informative with giving me the current CDC guidelines for COVID testing and risk of being contagious. She also provided teaching nutritional methods of continuing to stay healthy which I appreciated.

- Verified patient on 11/19

The wait time was long for a Covid test even though my son had an appointment And they were only doing appointments today. The staff at the Johnston doctors now is extremely nice and patient considering how busy they have been. Taylor in the front desk is amazing!

- Verified patient on 7/3

Excellent experience. In for a Pre-Op physical at Johnston location and COVID test at WDM location. Staff in both locations friendly, helpful and caring. Had to call with several questions over a period of days. Always helpful and timely in reply.

- Verified patient on 1/13

Sumner COVID Testing & Rapid Testing

Types of COVID Tests

There are two types of coronavirus tests (COVID-19 tests) available, those that can test for a current infection (viral test) and those that can test for a past infection (antibody test).

Viral COVID testing can be done in a few different ways, the most common being nose swabs, but saliva tests are becoming more popular. Some tests are processed out on-site and can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. These are called rapid COVID tests. The majority of tests, on the other hand, are collected at the clinic on-site and then submitted to off-site labs for processing. Results can take up to 2-3 days to arrive. 

Antibody testing looks for a past infection and may not reveal if you have an active COVID-19 infection because antibodies can take up to three weeks to form in your body. The presence of COVID antibodies may help to prevent you from becoming infected with the same virus again; but, because the clinical understanding of COVID-19 is still developing, it's unclear how long that protection will continue.

Who should get tested for current infection

The CDC currently defines four instances where COVID testing is recommended:

  1. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
  2. If you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you have been vaccinated, or tested positive in the past 3 months and not experiencing symptoms, you do not need to be tested.
  3. If you are unvaccinated and participated in high-risk activities where distancing is not an option. This could include travel, large social or mass gatherings, crowded indoor settings, etc.
  4. If you have been referred to get a COVID test by your healthcare provider or local health department. 

How is testing done for COVID-19?

Most COVID tests are collected by a nasal swab. A member of the medical team puts a swab inside your nose for a few seconds on each side to collect the sample. After that, the samples are packaged according to CDC guidelines and tested on-site or transported to a facility for testing. The lab will test samples for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID infection and either your care provider or the lab will notify you with the results as soon as they are available.

PCR vs Antigen Testing

Viral COVID tests are available as molecular and antigen tests. The molecular test, also known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, usually delivers results within a few days since most of these tests are sent to offsite labs for analysis. The average turnaround time for PCR test results is 48 hours, but in some instances may be significantly longer due to backlogs related to insufficient lab volume and capacity. Antigen tests are also known as rapid tests and have an average turnaround time of between 15 to 30 minutes.

Both PCR and rapid COVID tests can be used to test people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, those who were close contacts to COVID-19, and those without COVID-19 symptoms who live or work in a high-risk setting (such as a nursing facility); or those individuals who are identified as part of outbreak detection and response. The rapid COVID test is also recommended for the screening of residents or healthcare workers at skilled nursing facilities along with a PCR confirmation, and for repeat screening for the early detection and prevention of outbreaks in congregate settings (such as schools, workplaces, and prisons).

COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. To reduce the risk of facing extra costs related to COVID testing, ask your primary care doctor to recommend a free COVID test site, and confirm there are no charges or fees for the test that are not covered by your insurance plan. Additionally, avoid getting a COVID test at a hospital or free-standing emergency room, as these facilities may charge fees for COVID testing and related services.

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