COVID-19: Vaccine | Testing | Visitor Guidelines | Patient Guidelines | Resources 
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COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Testing

Update: COVID-19 Related Testing Costs

Federal funding is ending for COVID-19 testing across all healthcare systems. Yale New Haven Health System will continue to offer COVID-19 testing at our locations, but we are required to change how we bill for this test beginning June 15, 2022.
For answers to frequently asked questions, read more below.

 

Update: Testing Appointments

  • As of June 15, 2022, appointments will be required at all COVID-19 testing sites.
  • Hospital Emergency Departments do not provide COVID screening tests. If you need a COVID screening test, please schedule through one of our sites.
  • Due to current demands for testing, results are typically available within 2 days.
  • Repeat PCR testing is NOT generally indicated within 90 days of a positive test, either antigen or PCR, especially among patients with symptoms of COVID-19. PCR tests for COVID-19 may remain positive for more than 1 week following the initial test. If you are required to test for return to school or work, consider home testing with an antigen test if your employer’s or school’s policy allows this.

 

Yale New Haven Health has multiple COVID-19 public testing sites to accommodate adults and children who may have symptoms (symptomatic), those without symptoms (asymptomatic), and also those scheduled for procedures at our locations. Appointments are recommended, but not required for most sites. Drive-through, walk-up and draw station testing centers are located throughout Connecticut, with an additional site in Westerly, Rhode Island and New York. Click here to find a COVID-19 testing location near you.

All COVID-19 tests at Yale New Haven Health are PCR tests, which detect genetic material in the virus. These tests are considered to be the highest quality tests because of their superior accuracy in detecting COVID-19, even in people who are asymptomatic.

Our testing sites offer:

  • Due to current demands for testing, results are typically within 2 days.
  • All results will be generated by a sensitive viral RNA test using PCR or an equivalent gold-standard method. We are not able to honor requests for a specific type of test to be run.
  • Negative results may be reported as “Negative” or “Not Detected” depending on the test used. Regulations will not allow the result to be changed from one to the other.
  • All results will be released into YNHHS Epic MyChart and will include the laboratory CLIA#, address, and phone number.
  • We offer same day and next day appointments with convenient self-scheduling.
  • Testing availability 7 days/week.

I want a COVID-19 test and do not have a medical procedure scheduled.

I believe I have symptoms (symptomatic) of COVID-19:

If you have symptoms and would like a test, please call your doctor’s office. They will give you instructions for testing and provide you with a referral to obtain a test at one of our testing locations.
If you do not have a doctor, call the Yale New Haven Health COVID-19 Call Center at 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644).

I have no symptoms (asymptomatic) of COVID-19:

If you have no symptoms and would like a test, schedule a test online at one of our select locations.

All of our locations allow for online self scheduling.

Click to Schedule Now

 

Have questions? Call the Yale New Haven Health COVID-19 Call Center at 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644).

I have a medical procedure scheduled that requires a COVID-19 test.

Pre-Procedure

If you need a test for a medical procedure at Yale-New Haven Health System, you will be contacted to schedule that test within three days of your procedure. Please do not use the self-schedule website to schedule your test. If you are being tested for a medical procedure and have questions about the test process or would like to schedule your test, please contact the YNHHS COVID Hotline Call Center for assistance at (833)- ASK-YNHH or (833)-275-9644 7 days per week 7am-7pm for assistance.

 

Learn more about antigen (at-home) tests


 

 

FAQ: Covid-19 Related Testing Costs


Depending on your insurance policy and benefit plan, you may be responsible for some portion of your testing costs (such as a deductible, co-pay or co-insurance).
If your insurance company denies coverage for your COVID-19 test, you will receive a bill for testing. Our business office will determine the test cost at that time.

I need a test to have surgery. Will Insurance cover the test?

When providers order a COVID-19 test, they will indicate if the test is needed for surgery or a procedure. In these cases, COVID-19 testing before your surgery or procedure will be billed to your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, you will not be billed for this test.

What if I need a test for a different reason?

There are many other reasons why you may need or want a COVID-19 test. Some of these reasons are listed below:

  • Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
  • Had a close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
  • Required to test by an employer, school or other organization
  • Testing for travel, recreation or some other reason

 

While many insurance companies will cover the cost of COVID-19 testing, each insurance carrier may have a different policy. Insurance carrier’s coverage for COVID-19 testing may differ depending on the reason for testing. Please check with your insurance carrier before scheduling your appointment at a Yale New Haven Health testing site.

 

Depending on your insurance policy and benefit plan, you may be responsible for some portion of your testing costs (such as a deductible, co-pay or co-insurance). If your insurance company denies coverage for your COVID-19 test, you will receive a bill for testing. Our business office will determine the test cost at that time.

Who can answer questions about the cost of a test?

Please contact your insurance carrier with questions regarding the cost of a test. Staff at our testing sites are happy to assist you, but they are not able to answer questions about specific costs or insurance policy benefits.


Please use our Patient Estimator to get an estimate of the cost of your test.

What happens if I do not have insurance?

Please use our Patient Estimator to get an estimate of the cost of your test.


Additional resources:

FAQ: Covid-19 Testing Appointments

Should I get tested even if I have been vaccinated?

Yes, it is important to continue to be tested if you are experiencing symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, even after vaccination. Please do not attribute your symptoms to allergies or a cold simply because you have been vaccinated. There continues to be transmission of COVID-19 by people who do not have symptoms or who do not know they are infected. Timely and frequent testing will help identify and prevent the unintentional spread of COVID-19 throughout our communities.

Why is testing for COVID-19 still important since so many people have been vaccinated?

There are some populations that are not eligible for vaccination. Continuing to be tested for Covid-19 helps the entire population by detecting variants and preventing transmission to individuals who have not been able to be vaccinated. It is also critically important to continue testing for the health of our families, friends and communities as the state of CT continues to open up our schools and businesses.

Can I get my child tested?

Yes, we perform COVID-19 tested on all ages from 0 and up.

How will I receive the results?

All results will be available via YNHHS MyChart and to the ordering provider. 

How long does it take to get my results?

Due to current demands for testing, results are typically available within 2 days. 

What should I do if I test positive?

It’s important to call your primary care provider. If you do not have one, please contact the YNHHS COVID Hotline Call Center at (833)- ASK-YNHH or (833)-275-9644 7 days per week 7am-7pm.