Symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Rapid COVID-19 Evaluation
- Are you at risk for contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- Have you recently been in an area known for community spread of COVID-19?
- Do you believe you have been around someone exposed to COVID-19?
- Have you been in contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19?
- Are you experiencing fever, cough, headache, or shortness of breath?
- Is your spouse, child, or family member a healthcare worker?
- Are you a healthcare worker, first responder, nurse, doctor, or someone that interacts with patients every day?
If your answer is YES to any of these questions, it may be time to get COVID-19 evaluation completed.
Below are the three types of COVID-19 tests:
1. Antigen Test
Results typically back in 15 Minutes
Rapid antigen tests are easily performed with a nasal swab. The test detects viral protein in an actively infected person. The manufacturer published data that states that the test is 100% specific (Meaning: if it is positive it is 100% accurate), and that it is 80% sensitive (meaning: if it is negative, it is 80% accurate).
Criteria for who should be tested has changed many times over the past two months. There is often some variation between federal, state and local guidelines, though for the most part they are consistent. A consistent recommendation had been only SYMPTOMATIC persons should have an Ag test
2. Antibody Test
Results typically back in 1 to 2 days
Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which can show if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections and usually provide protection against getting that disease again (immunity). Antibodies are disease specific. For example, measles antibody will protect a person who is exposed again to measles but will have no effect if the person is exposed to mumps.
Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose active COVID-19 infection.
- Labcorp $10
You have the option to get the test through LabCorp.com. While the test itself has no upfront out-of-pocket costs, there is a $10 non-refundable service fee for the physician order through PWNHealth. The $10 service fee is not submitted to insurance for reimbursement. Multiple locations throughout Austin.
- QuestDirect $119
In addition to the test price, an additional $10.30 PWN Service Fee will be collected on behalf of PWNHealth and its affiliated professional entities for independent physician oversight of lab testing. Individuals can have COVID-19 testing fully paid by their health plan or the government, with no out of pocket cost, when billed to the health plan or the government. If you are looking for that No-Cost option, contact your health care provider.
3. Molecular (PCR) Test
Results typically back in 1 to 2 days
PCR tests are performed with a nasal or oral swab. The test detects viral genetic material (RNA). It is considered very accurate but takes more time. If you have symptoms, and other tests are not showing it, then you may need to consider a PCR test.
Services for Uninsured
Central Health-funded CommUnityCare Health Centers launched a hotline staffed with medical professionals to triage uninsured Travis County residents experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms (COVID-19).
People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms who are uninsured and do not have an established doctor can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 512-978-8775 for guidance. Starting today, medical professionals will answer the phones and triage callers – specifically people who are uninsured – to prevent them from going directly to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department. For now, the hotline is available 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Accessing Essentials
- HEB Curbside
- Fee: Free for First-time users. Service is free or $4.95
- Walmart Pick-Up
- Favor
- Fee: $7.95 for delivery with $4.95 personal shopper fee
- Instacart
- Fee: Free delivery on your first order, $3.99 if order is over $35.00, $7.99 if order is under $35.00 (They also charge 3% fee to the price of each product, 5% service fee and 5% for tip for the driver)
If you do not drive or have a friend, family or neighbor who can pick up items and deliver them to your home or if you need help buying food, please call 512-972-6240.
Medication
- Walgreens
- Delivery Fee: Free if order is over $35
- CVS
- Delivery Fee: Many locations are waiving fees due to COVID-19
- HEB
- Walmart
- Fee: Free Standard Delivery (5-7 business days), $8 2nd Day Delivery, $15 Overnight Delivery
If your pharmacy does not have a delivery option, check if they have a drive-thru location. You may call the pharmacy and find out if they can transfer your refill to another location for a one-time pick-up.
