Question 1

Is COVID-19 testing free?

Accepted Answer

Patient responsibility — or your out-of-pocket cost — for urgent care COVID-19 testing is based on your specific insurance coverage and plan. We are in-network with most major insurance providers. Please contact your insurance carrier for details about your specific plan, including copays and other associated fees for COVID-19 testing. It is best to do this before you visit to be sure of the cost to you. For patients without insurance, we have same-day payment rates available as well.

Question 2

Should I go to the ER if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

Accepted Answer

If your symptoms are severe (trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, uncontrollable pain) or you feel like you need to be hospitalized, you should seek emergency care immediately. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, we may be able to help you recover at any Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care centers. Save your spot online or schedule a Virtual Visit with one of our knowledgeable providers.

Question 3

Can I get tested multiple times for COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

If you have received a positive COVID-19 test result previously, we recommend you wait 14 days from the date of your last positive test before you test again. If your past COVID-19 test result was negative, you may schedule another clinical evaluation and test at any of our centers or use our Virtual Visit service for a remote evaluation.

Question 4

What is the difference between the PCR and the Rapid Molecular COVID-19 (Abbott ID NOW) Test?

Accepted Answer

Both the PCR and the rapid Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 tests can detect SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) by amplifying the genetic code at a higher sensitivity than antigen tests. Although both are nucleic acid amplification tests (“NAAT”) , the difference between PCR and Abbott ID NOW is how the amplification is achieved. PCR is a technology that uses temperature cycling to create high-fidelity copies of the genetic targets. This is the gold standard method of amplifying genetic code, but takes longer than other tests. In contrast, isothermal molecular amplification tests (“IMAT”), such as Abbott's ID NOW, can accomplish a similar outcome at a single temperature. Without the need to wait for temperature changes, this method runs slightly faster.

Question 5

How will I be billed for a COVID-19 test?

Accepted Answer

Patients are evaluated and examined at every encounter, including when a patient undergoes any kind of COVID-19 testing. All patients presenting for COVID-19 testing (including rapid and sample collection for offsite analysis) will be billed for a provider visit. It is your responsibility to understand whether and to what extent such charges will impact your out-of-pocket cost, as well as the extent to which your insurance covers urgent care visits and associated laboratory fees or charges.

COVID-19 Testing in St. Louis, MO

Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care COVID-19 testing options

Rapid NAAT/Molecular

Standard RT-PCR

Rapid Antigen

Virtual COVID-19 evaluation in St. Louis

Be seen quicker

View your test results

Urgent Care centers in St. Louis, MO

Looking for Virtual?

When to get tested for COVID-19

COVID-19 pricing and insurance

In-network insurance

Same-day pricing

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Healthy advice for everyday living

COVID-19 treatment: What you need to know

Common health conditions that increase covid-19 complications

Surprising health myths that don’t hold up to science

Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care COVID-19 testing options

Rapid NAAT/Molecular

Standard RT-PCR

Rapid Antigen

Virtual COVID-19 evaluation in St. Louis

Be seen quicker

View your test results

Urgent Care centers in St. Louis, MO

Looking for Virtual?

When to get tested for COVID-19

COVID-19 pricing and insurance

In-network insurance

Same-day pricing

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Healthy advice for everyday living

COVID-19 treatment: What you need to know

Common health conditions that increase covid-19 complications

Surprising health myths that don’t hold up to science

Health news and tips for the whole family

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