• Both the Rapid Antigen and the PCR tests are very sensitive and are useful tools for determining if you currently have a COVID-19 infection. Because asymptomatic patients may have less virus present in their nasopharynx, the more sensitive PCR test would be most helpful in determining current infection in those cases. 
• If you have symptoms suspicious for COVID-19 and the Rapid Test is negative, your provider may recommend the PCR test to confirm that you are truly negative. You should continue to quarantine until final results return (2-3 days). 
• AIR TRAVEL: Before traveling by air, it is recommended that you check with your destination airport/city/country to determine their unique requirements as some do REQUIRE proof of a negative PCR test within the 72 hours prior to arriving. For this reason, it is recommended that you arrive at AsireCARE for testing before 10am 3 days prior to your departure so we can assure early arrival at our partner lab. 

• Antibody levels (titers) are assessed to determine if your immune system has developed immunity from future infection. 
• Antibody titers will measure both IgM and IgG. IgM is present early in infection (5-7 days after onset) but only lasts several weeks. IgM is helpful in determining current or very recent infection. IgG usually elevates 2 weeks after infection onset but will stay elevated for 3-5 months, offering protection against future infection for as long as antibody levels remain elevated. 
• Checking antibody titers is a helpful tool in determining immunity when there is concern for a high-risk exposure to COVID-19. If there is evidence of immunity, no quarantine is required after exposure. It is always advisable, however, to continue to monitor for symptoms after exposure. 
• Antibody titers are also helpful in determining the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is best to wait until 2 weeks after completion of vaccine series to ensure adequate immune response.

SELF PAY (No insurance):

• RAPID COVID-19 ANTIGEN TEST
  • Asymptomatic (screening only): $100
  • Symptomatic (includes evaluation): $150
    • Additional testing (ex: x-ray) will be billed separately

COVID-19 PCR TESTING: always billed separately by our partner lab upon completion of the test

• $109

INSURANCE

• Visits and testing will be billed to your insurance 
  • Copays will be collected at the time of the visit
• What you can expect:
  • Since the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on 3/18/2020, most people should not face costs for the COVID-19 test or associated costs. Starting on March 18, 2020, and lasting for the duration of the public health emergency, all forms of public and private insurance, including self-funded plans, must now cover FDA-approved COVID-19 tests and costs associated with diagnostic testing with no cost-sharing, as long as the test is deemed medically appropriate by an attending health care provider. This includes high-deductible health plans and grandfathered plans but does not apply to short-term, limited-duration plans. As outlined by CMS in a series of FAQs, there is no limit on the number of COVID-19 tests that an insurer or plan is required to cover for an individual, as long as each test is deemed medically appropriate and the individual has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or has had known or suspected recent exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Federal guidance does not require coverage of routine tests that employers or other institutions may require for screening purposes as workplaces reopen. (Borrowed from Kaiser Family Foundation— KFF.org)