COVID-19 Testing Information

 
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Test Information:

We are offering both nasopharyngeal swab testing for the virus causing COVID-19 by PCR and/or serology including; rapid antibody screening by finger prick or blood draw for IgM and IgG antibodies to the novel coronavirus.

Nasopharyngeal swab testing by RT-PCR may detect coronavirus before symptoms occur in exposed individuals and up to a week or more throughout the illness. The highest viral loads are usually found in the first week and taper off after that. Very sick individuals can shed virus for weeks. Some individuals with mild illness may shed virus for longer than a week but much is unknown at this time about these individuals and a carrier state. The RT-PCR test for COVID-19 is FDA approved for emergency use.

 A negative test does not mean you don't have COVID-19! If you are sick and test negative, you should remain at home and quarantine until you have no symptoms for at least three days according to the CDC. If your test is positive, it is very likely that you have COVID-19.  It is possible to test negative one day and then test positive two days later. A negative test is not a free pass to limit social distancing at this time.

 The nasopharyngeal swab test turnaround time is 2-4 days. This may become quicker as labs increase their capacities to do these tests.

 Rapid antibody screening uses a drop of blood to test for a person’s IgM and IgG immune responses to the virus. IgM antibodies increase in number 7-10 days after infection. IgG antibodies rise 14 days after infection and persist for months or years, offering potential immune defense against COVID-19. There is ongoing research underway to determine antibody protection following COVID-19 infection. The rapid antibody fingerprick test is not FDA approved at this time. The manufacturer has applied for emergency use authorization and is waiting for approval.

 The finger prick test gives results in 5-10 minutes.

Serology testing by blood draw is available If the result of the rapid antibody test is indeterminate. This is an FDA approved antibody test with a two day turnaround time that may provide additional information. 

 If you are sick with COVID-19, please visit the CDC site for more information and instructions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

Testing Cost:

Fee for testing is $65, which includes:

  •  Phone consultation

  • Nasopharyngeal swab collection and/or Antibody tests (rapid finger prick or blood draw) depending on what test is appropriate at the time of testing.

  • Order of lab tests (blood work) or imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan) if necessary for evaluation of suspected COVID-19. 

 Payment is preferred at the time of service via Credit Card, Venmo, Check or Cash.

 Your visit for COVID-19 Testing should be reimbursable by your insurance company.

I will supply a form for you to mail to your insurance for reimbursement.

 The lab will bill for the PCR nasal swab test and your insurance will reimburse the lab.

 If you are covered by Medicare or Medicaid (OHP), I will need a lab order for the COVID-19 NP swab test from your primary health care provider. You can call them and have them fax the order to me. My FAX # is 541-728-0662.

Dr Jeanne Young’s COVID-19 Practice:

I have recently taken up the challenge of trying to make COVID-19 testing more widely available. I do NP swabs for RT-PCR as well as antibody testing. None of the testing is perfect but it helps to put the case together along with history and clinical presentation. I became very interested in order to help my family, who are all in health care, figure out their COVID-19 status and better navigate this pandemic.

It has become increasingly clear that a widespread testing strategy is needed. I have notified Deschutes County Public Health that I am available to participate to ensure that we come to compliance with Gov. Brown’s recommendations for opening the economy.

In my mobile unit I can go to businesses or individuals requiring or requesting testing.