How to get tested for the coronavirus
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How to get tested for the coronavirus
Who can get tested? Anyone living in Bexar County who shows symptoms of infection by the virus — such as a cough, a fever or shortness of breath — is eligible for testing. A physician’s referral is no longer required. Tests are reserved for those showing symptoms.
How to go about it? An appointment is required to get a test. Patients who believe they have symptoms may call 311 and select option 8 or they can visit Metro Health’s “self screening” tool at www.sanantonio.gov to complete a short questionnaire. The screening results will indicate if a patient should be tested for COVID-19. If the online tool determines a test is necessary, the patient can call 210-233-5970 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week to register.
When and where? The San Antonio Pre-Approved Testing Center is conducting tests seven days a week at Freeman Coliseum next to the AT&T Center. The testing center’s operating hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required. Some private medical providers also are offering tests.
What does it cost? The COVID-19 test itself is free. Patients without health insurance will be tested at no charge, Metro Health said.
How long to get results? Generally, the turnaround time is five to seven days.
Who else is testing? Some hospitals offer in-house testing and some private medical providers also are offering tests. Patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 can register for an appointment with Texas MedClinic at https://www.texasmedclinic.com/coronavirus-covid-19/ or call one of Texas MedClinic’s offices, according to Metro Health’s self-screening tool. Patients seeking a test there will be required to undergo a medical exam. There is a charge for the exam, but not for the test itself. Most commercial health insurance plans should cover those costs.
What if symptoms are severe? Patients experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate care by calling a doctor, Metro Health said.
