All patients must see our physician before receiving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) PCR testing.
COVID-19-related visits include a physician evaluation and a PCR test, which is the most accurate test available. The PCR test is billed to your insurance by the outside lab and results are typically available in 2-4 days.
A Quidel Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test (results in 15 minutes) may be added on the same day as a physician visit for a cash-pay price of $75.
The Rapid Antigen cash-pay price for asymptomatic patients who are uninsured or need testing for travel or employment is $100.
There is a $25 cash-pay price for the blood draw for an Antibody Test. Check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the lab cost.
What Does COVID-19 Mean? Answers From Your Health Care Team in Tampa, FL
Like most people, you probably know that the disease at the center of the global pandemic is called COVID-19. But, you might not know what that means. COVID-19, which stands for “coronavirus disease 2019,” is caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. This new virus is a genetic relative of SARS-CoV, the virus responsible for the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003.
Understanding the Terminology
To fully appreciate the importance of preventing the spread of COVID-19, it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of the terms used by scientists, physicians, and news outlets to discuss it, such as:
- Coronavirus – A family of viruses named for the pointy, crown-like spikes (coronas) that are visible on their surface when viewed under a microscope
- Outbreak – A sudden increase in the number of disease cases above what is typically expected in a limited geographic area, such as Tampa
- Epidemic – A sudden increase in the number of disease cases above what is typically expected in a large geographic area, such as the U.S.
- Pandemic – An epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents and has affected many people
- Incubation period – The time between exposure to a virus and the development of symptoms (the incubation period for COVID-19 is approximately 2-14 days)
- Flatten the curve – Slow the spread of a disease
- Social distancing – Maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and other people (a key strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19)
- Self-monitor – Watch for COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath) and, if they appear, contact a health care provider by telephone for advice
- Quarantine – Restrict the movements of people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick
- Isolation – Keep people who are infected with a contagious disease separated from people who are not infected
At South Tampa Immediate Care, we understand that many people in our community are concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, come to our walk-in clinic in Tampa, Florida, where you can see a doctor and receive fast and accurate COVID-19 infection testing. We also offer COVID-19 antibody testing in-clinic for patients who are 14 or more days post-exposure.
If you have questions or would like to see a medical provider for a reason unrelated to COVID-19, contact us or visit our walk-in urgent care center in Tampa, FL.