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covid

COVID-19 Testing

We proudly offer RAPID polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, rapid antigen tests, and antibody tests (including COVID-19 testing for travel) at all of our immediate care locations across Connecticut and New York.

When to Get Tested for COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 if:

  • You’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (possibly including shortness of breath, coughing, fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches, congestion, a runny nose, throat soreness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or new loss of taste or smell)
  • You were recently exposed to COVID-19 (you should wait at least five days after exposure to improve the accuracy of your test results)
  • You’re planning to be in contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms (for example, an older adult, an immunocompromised person, or someone with an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease)

If you find yourself in a high-risk setting, you may also need to undergo a COVID-19 test for screening purposes.

Types of COVID-19 Tests

The following two types of viral tests can identify current COVID-19 infections:

  • Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) – These tests detect COVID-19 viral genetic material. They generally take more time to produce results than antigen tests, but tend to be more reliable. A PCR test is a type of NAAT. At Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care, we offer RAPID PCR tests for our patients so you can get accurate results returned the same day.
  • Antigen tests – These rapid tests detect proteins specific to the COVID-19 virus. They often produce results more quickly than NAATs but are typically less reliable. Most self-tests are antigen tests.

Antibody tests (also known as “serology tests”) cannot diagnose current COVID-19 infections, but can instead be used to determine whether someone was previously infected with the virus. These tests detect certain proteins (IgM and IgG antibodies) that are produced by the body’s immune system in response to a COVID-19 exposure. Unlike the diagnostic tests referenced above (which involve an anterior nasal swab), antibody tests require a blood draw.

Urgent Care COVID-19 Testing Near You

If you’re concerned that you might have COVID-19, we invite you to schedule a 24/7 telemedicine visit with one of Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care’s experienced providers. During this appointment, we’ll remotely prescreen you for COVID-19 and let you know whether you should visit one of our immediate care centers for an in-person test. If we recommend testing, we’ll let you know how to preregister, and we’ll prioritize your test once you arrive. For information on how to obtain your test results, visit our Patient FAQs page.

Your health and well-being are of utmost importance to the team at Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care, and we want you to know that we are doing everything possible to keep you safe during these uncertain times. As always, you can visit our urgent care centers with complete confidence. In addition to our standard infection control protocols, we are taking further steps to protect our patients and staff from COVID-19, including sanitizing our facilities throughout the day.

quote icon

Throughout the visit I felt like the staff really cared.

The doctor took his time talking with me about my symptoms, and I felt like he listened to all my concerns and took that into consideration when recommending the right treatment. Thank you!

Patient: Hamden, CT

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you associated with any hospitals?

We are proudly associated with Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut and New York. We, also, work collaboratively with local providers, including your primary care or specialty doctor, across Connecticut and New York.

What are your staff’s qualifications?

Our experienced providers are trained in emergency, family, and internal medicine. In fact, you’ll find many are the same experts who have treated patients in local area hospitals.

How much will my visit cost?

Fees vary, though are significantly lower than a visit to the emergency room and generally the same or slightly higher than a visit to your primary care doctor.

If you have insurance, the total charges will be determined based on your insurance provider’s policy regarding urgent care and the level of care you receive during your visit with us. If you have further questions, please contact your insurance company.

For information on the estimated cost of a self-pay visit, please call your local Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care center.

If you have a question regarding billing, please visit our Billing & Insurance page to learn more.

To pay your bill online visit our Pay My Bill page.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurances. Your co-pay is collected and required at the time of service. Please visit our Accepted Insurance page for more information.