CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) PATIENT TESTING

Two kinds of testing are used: COVID-19 PCR tests and antibody tests. The PCR test indicates if you have a current infection, while the antibody test indicates if you had a previous infection. These tests are administered according to CDC guidelines.

COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab testing occurs when a health care provider determines that symptoms are such that testing is warranted. For example, testing may be ordered if you are exhibiting signs of fever with a temperature greater than 100 degrees, a new cough (within the last day or two) or shortness of breath that is not due to allergies or a chronic condition, and you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Testing also could occur to investigate something detected during a screening.

Testing involves checking a sample from your respiratory system by swabbing beyond the nose into the pharynx. It can take 1-2 days to receive results from the lab. 

COVID-19 antibody testing (or serology testing) is used primarily for epidemiologic purposes to help determine how much of the U.S. population has been infected. Antibodies can be found in the blood of people who are tested after infection and can indicate if people have had an immune response to the infection.

We use antibody testing to identify potential convalescent plasma donors and support epidemiologic studies. This form of testing should not be used to diagnose COVID-19 or assess protective immunity. CDC states that at this time, we do not know if antibodies make you immune to the virus.

Many health insurance policies provide coverage for the COVID-19 test. You will be asked to provide your insurance information at the time of your appointment. You may receive a bill from Marshfield Clinic Health System if your insurance information is not on file. Uninsured patients will be billed directly for COVID-19 testing.

Following your COVID-19 test, your insurance provider may send you an explanation of benefits. An explanation of benefits is not a bill.

For questions about whether your health insurance policy provides coverage for COVID-19 testing or other services, please contact your insurance company.

For questions about your Health System bill for services that are not covered by your insurance company, please call 1-888-258-9775 to speak to a member of our customer service team.

Click below to learn how you can protect yourself and others while waiting for your test results.

Steps to take while you wait for and after you get test results >

Pasos a seguir mientras espera resultados y después de obtener los resultados de las pruebas >

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Our Occupational Health team provides on-site COVID-19 virus testing services to help employers and employees return to work safely.

Click here to learn more >

If you would like to stay up-to-date on the latest testing information and news, visit reliable sources such as the CDC and this webpage regularly.