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COVID testing & Rapid testing near me in Nashville, TN

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4.88(999 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

2249 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 371292249 Medical Center Pkwy
OpenSat 12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
  • Mon12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
  • Tue12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
  • Wed12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
  • Thu12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
  • Fri12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
  • Sat12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
  • Sun12:00 pm - 11:59 pm
pm-pediatric-urgent-care-murfreesboro-tn
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Recent patient review

Everyone is so nice and we were not rushed out the door! Excellent place!
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4.8(3k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

3024 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 372163024 Gallatin Pike
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-nashville
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Recent patient review

Everyone was very friendly i loved my experience
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PCR Test
Time to results unknown
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

4.65(1.6k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

30 Burton Hills Blvd, Nashville, TN 3721530 Burton Hills Blvd
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
telemedicine-tennessee-virtual-visit-telemedicine-tn
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Recent patient review

Great service. Just awaiting medical note for work.

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4.85(2.2k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

2412 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 372142412 Lebanon Pike
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-donelson
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Recent patient review

This was a very fast process. Very easy to book, user friendly on forms, & very pleasant employees to deal with.
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PCR Test
Time to results unknown
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

4.83(2.7k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

1905 Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN 371151905 Gallatin Pike N
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-madison
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Recent patient review

I was seen right away. My medical issues were taken seriously and every question I had was answered. Lauren was professional and reassuring and answered every question I had. I would highly recommend her to anybody who needs medical treatment if you can’t get in with your pcp or don’t have a pcp.
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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
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

4.84(3.1k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

4726 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 370764726 Lebanon Pike
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-hermitage
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Recent patient review

This is my go-to place for quick, friendly and attentive care. Amanda NP is the best, so caring and compassionate, all of the staff are always kind and helpful. I recommend the online booking to cut down on wait time, it really helps. I highly recommend receiving care here !
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PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$50

Available times

4.85(3.6k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

509 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064509 Hillsboro Rd
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-franklin
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Recent patient review

The times to select for appointment does not reflect business hours. I waited in the waiting room for over an hour and I was the second person in line when the doors opened. They could not see my reservation time even though I did it twice. The system was down so I was in the exam room for another hour. My prescription was called into the wrong CVS. All of the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
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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
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

4.8(2.7k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

2662 Memorial Blvd, Springfield, TN 371722662 Memorial Blvd
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-springfield
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Recent patient review

Such a good experience every time we visit. We love this clinic. Beth is amazing.
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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
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

4.8(2k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

710 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066710 Nashville Pike
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-gallatin
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Recent patient review

I booked my appointment with Solv before I went in & then had something come up where I had to change the time (twice!) and Solv made it so incredibly easy. The staff at the clinic were wonderful. It was my 2 year old that I was bringing in and they were so kind and extra accommodating for him in little ways that made a big difference!
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Self-pay pricing

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
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

4.64(2.1k reviews)
253 W Main St, Gallatin, TN 37066253 W Main St
OpenSat 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Mon 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tue 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wed 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thu 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
moore-life-urgent-care
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Recent patient review

Less than an hour wait for a walk in. Treated me good and assessed the pain quickly. Also the nurses were very cute 😛
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Self-pay pricing

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
Rapid
Results in 15 min
Antigen Test
Results in < 1 hour
$50

Available times

4.82(3.2k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

1144 Fortress Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 371281144 Fortress Blvd
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-murfreesboro-west
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Recent patient review

Drop the mask requirement. The covid scare has been over for a year.
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Self-pay pricing

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
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

4.86(4.4k reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their clean offices

Sparkling Clean

2445 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 371292445 Memorial Blvd
OpenSat 9:00 am - 5:00 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 - 5:00 pm
  • Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
ascension-saint-thomas-urgent-care-murfreesboro
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Recent patient review

Wait as a walk in was longer than I expected but acceptable. Staff was excellent.
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Self-pay pricing

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
$120
Antigen Test
Rapid
Time to results unknown
$170

Available times

1919 Lathrop St, Nashville, TN 372031919 Lathrop St
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424 E 12300 S, Nashville, TN 37205424 E 12300 S
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2001 Mallory Ln, Franklin, TN 370672001 Mallory Ln
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2615 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 371292615 Medical Center Pkwy
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4.9(252 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

301 Church St, Nashville, TN 37201301 Church St
View hours of operation
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
complete-health-partners-downtown-nashville
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4.7(353 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in patient reviews and ratings

Highly Rated

1020 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 372031020 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd
OpenSat 8:00 am - 7:00 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 - 7:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
carenow-urgent-care
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Bill Icon

Self-pay pricing

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
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$100
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in 15 min
$100

226 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219226 5th Ave N
View hours of operation
  • Mon 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tue 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wed 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thu 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
walgreens
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1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 372131 Titans Way
View hours of operation
  • Mon 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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VIDEO: Dr. Isaac Thomsen, pediatric infectious disease specialist, discusses COVID-19 and Delta variant and what in means for kids.Watch now!

Latest COVID-19 Testing Updates

Oct 31, 2022
A surge in respiratory syncytial virus is putting severe strain on children's hospitals nationwide. Hospitals first began seeing the unseasonable RSV rise in August. Now, many are reporting a case increase of over 300 percent compared to last month. (Becker's)
Oct 28, 2022
With the BQ.1.1 variant on the rise in Europe, experts express concern of a rise in COVID cases this winter; encourage everyone to max out their boosters and vaccinate their children (Houston Chronicle)

COVID-19 Testing FAQs

  • How much does COVID testing cost in Nashville?

    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 Nashville?

    COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. Check with your Nashville-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 Nashville?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Nashville 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 Nashville?

    Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Nashville-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 Nashville?

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Nashville 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 Nashville?

    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 Nashville?

    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)

Everyone was very nice and calming, which is wonderful for someone like me with anxiety. I went for a covid test, which was quick and easy and I feel like I'm in good hands here.

- Verified patient on 8/9

I didn't feel any time was put into figuring out what was wrong. I spent a total of 5 minutes with the NP and was sent on my way. I came in with a sore throat and pain on that side of my face. He took a quick look and said it didn't look like strep and asked if I wanted to take a covid test and that was pretty much it. I cannot say if the cost was what I expected as I have not received a bill.

- Verified patient on 9/28

Great! Staff was professional and very informative about my Covid Testing!

- Verified patient on 5/1

Covid test walk-in. Long wait but worth it for such a nice staff

- Verified patient on 8/5

I needed a covid test and it was done in my car. The staff was friendly and explained things to me well. I felt like they were concerned for my well being and the well being of others.

- Verified patient on 8/9

I went for a Covid Test for my employer and knew the wait time would be long given everything going on. Many patient were not kind to the staff, but they kept their cool and treated everyone with respect.

- Verified patient on 8/19

COVID test was brought to my car She was dressed in appropriate attire and professional

- Verified patient on 8/2

I love this clinic!! I come when I need a covid test, and everyone is so friendly and helpful!!!

- Verified patient on 4/11

Very convenient place to get my covid testing required for travel/work.

- Verified patient on 11/22

It was fine. I was in and out quickly. I wish they would stick to the covid precautions. There are signs on the door that said masks must be worn. I know they’re also only allowed to let 3 people in at a time. When I got there a group of 5 unvaccinated women were there (they were talking about it). They were there just to get Covid tests to go to a concert. Only one of them was wearing a mask. It was super frustrating because responsible people are doing what they can to stop spreading covid but when we need medical care we’re still being exposed to people that won’t even wear a mask. This seems unacceptable in a medical facility.

- Verified patient on 9/18

Walk in to get Covid test. Worked me in and got me out. Very nice

- Verified patient on 12/19

Excellent care. My husband and I went in for a Covid test and everyone treated us with kindness, concern and professionalism. There was no wait time. Thank you.

- Verified patient on 9/2

I am new to the area without a PCP. I had been very sick and felt I needed a COVID test. The staff took a thorough history and exam, and even did a chest tray. I had pneumonia and they treated me ASAP. They may have saved my life. I am a retired RN and give this facility my highest praise.

- Verified patient on 7/16

Quick and easy covid testing. Was patient with my 10 year old daughter being very reluctant to get her test completed.

- Verified patient on 7/28

As a walk in for a rapid Covid test they were able to get to me today with a 1 1-2 hours. All other places I tried was going to be 5-10 days.

- Verified patient on 12/31

Came for a covid test. Wait time was long we had an appointment.but everything else was GREAT

- Verified patient on 7/6

Had a great experience and will definitely recommend Urgent Care. The nicest staff and very professional. Quick and painless covid testing! The only thing I would suggest is not making patients come I side to sign in, because I made an appt for 4:00 and signed in, but then as I was waiting in my car I noticed my new scheduled time got moved to 7:45. Fortunately I live close and could run home until closer to that time. But it would save people 2 trips if scheduled appts were kept for the same time, or if we could sign in online instead of in person. Thanks!

- Verified patient on 12/31

I have an appointment at 9:30 am for a Covid test I arrived at 9:30 and had already done all my paperwork and check in online. However I had to wait until 10:30 am before I could be seen. even though I was just there for a Covid test… I was treated as if I was a new patient with a medical need. I didn’t understand that until I saw my bill which was $$120. I knew the Covid test would not be free but did not expect… And was not told upfront… That I would be paying for the full service of the facility as opposed to just a test.

- Verified patient on 9/2

I had an urgent need for a covid test one day before traveling to visit several top accounts of mine. The clinic was completely filled with patients and the overload was not expected by staff nor me. The wait took longer than expected. The staff was very working hard to accommodate all needs. Each were very apologetic for the unexpected wait. I was impressed with their concern as well as the good advice and direction of treatments offered. Pleased.

- Verified patient on 8/8

I went in on Sunday as a new patient wanting a COVID test as I suspect I came into contact with a non-mask wearing person who is now testing positive. I was in at 1 pm, filled out the paperwork, saw a nurse almost immediately for a history and a a test, saw a nurse practitioner for contact tracing and I was out of the office by 1:35 pm. Very efficient. AND... Urgent Care will bill Medicare for this service!!! Thank you.

- Verified patient on 1/12

Nashville 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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