Question 1

What is a diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic tests are used by doctors to diagnose people with or without symptoms related to COVID-19. Specimen samples are taken from the patient’s nose or throat with results in 5-7 days.

Question 2

What is an antibody test?

Accepted Answer

Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which may tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. You will get your results in 2-3 days.

Question 3

How long does it take for the results to come in?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 diagnostic test results typically take five to seven days to process, under normal conditions. COVID-19 antibody (serology) test results typically take about three to four days.

Question 4

How much does COVID-19 testing cost?

Accepted Answer

The following information is for COVID-19 testing only and does not apply to other Carbon Health care visits. Uninsured Patients & COVID-19 Testing COVID testing and treatment are self pay services for uninsured patients. Patients may enroll for Medicaid benefits and seek care from participating providers. Carbon Health is only a Medicaid provider at limited locations. Community Locations may be available near you that are offering COVID related services with no out of pocket costs to the uninsured. Search HRSA’s “Find a Health Center” Patients may apply for Carbon Health’s Financial Assistance Program based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, if you are unable to pay for COVID related services. An approved application and documentation is required for program approval. Patients can email carbonFAP@carbonhealth.com for more information. Insurance Covered Patients - COVID-19 Testing Testing for COVID-19  - Testing is still available at all Carbon Health locations. When the Public Health Emergency ends, insurance coverage   may  change and there may be an out of pocket responsibility due by the patient. Treatment of COVID-19  - Majority of national payers are now requiring standard out of pocket costs to be paid by the patient for COVID-19 treatment. If you test positive for COVID-19, please confirm your out of pockets costs with your insurance company. You will be expected to pay for your out of pocket copays and coinsurances at the time of service. Other options for testing: At home testing is available directly through your insurance payer and designated retail pharmacies at no cost to the patient. At home testing kits are also available through   https://www.covidtests.gov/

Question 5

How will I find out my results?

Accepted Answer

You will receive your results via Carbon Health mobile app within 5-7 days. We highly recommend you download the app before your appointment so you could easily access your test results.

Question 6

How do I download the app?

Accepted Answer

The Carbon Health app is available through the App Store and Google Play. You can also visit   carbonhealth.com/download   directly and download the app.,

Question 7

What happens if I test positive for the COVID-19 diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

Our clinical staff will walk you through the next steps. Depending on your symptoms, you might be advised to go to the emergency room or self-quarantine at home. We will check in with you daily to monitor your progress.

Question 8

Who is eligible for serological antibody testing?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who needs to know whether they have ever been infected are appropriate candidates for testing. Ultimately, testing is determined by your clinician.

Question 9

How can I get an antibody test?

Accepted Answer

To get tested, schedule an appointment at a Carbon Health location for an assessment using the COVID-19 Concerns appointment reason.

Question 10

How long does it take to get serological antibody results back?

Accepted Answer

Results may take 3 to 4 days to process. However, this will vary based on the volume of tests received by the labs. Once the results are in, you will receive a call or a message from one of our providers with next steps.

Question 11

If I test positive for the antibody test, is it safe to go back to work without a mask or safety protocols?

Accepted Answer

Based on current evidence, it is unclear whether the presence of SARS-CoV2 virus (COVID) antibodies results in immunity. Decisions about ongoing monitoring or protocols surrounding activities should be made after discussing with your clinician.

Question 12

What does a negative antibody result indicate?

Accepted Answer

A negative serologic test result indicates that you have not developed detectable antibodies at the time of testing. This may be due to having testing performed too early in the course of COVID-19, the absence of exposure to the virus, or the lack of an adequate immune response. A negative test does not completely rule out a past or present infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus and correlation with a diagnostic test may be considered to look for an active infection. A negative result should not be used to influence social distancing, hand hygiene, or use of protective equipment decisions.

Question 13

Why is Carbon Health offering the antibody test?

Accepted Answer

The COVID-19 serology test does not diagnose you with an active SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, but it can provide some information about whether a patient has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus at least 4 days or more ago. Serology testing along with each individual's clinical scenario can provide some information to patients particularly when the test is negative. In certain populations, this information can help them better understand what their exposures have been.

Question 14

What does it mean for me if I test positive with the antibody test?

Accepted Answer

A positive serologic test result indicates that you have likely produced an immune response to the SARS-CoV2 virus (COVID) or one of a subset of the other types of coronaviruses (HKU1, NL63, OC43 or 229E). A positive test result does not exclude an active infection and it is not known if the antibody confers clinical immunity. It is very important to keep in mind that this test does not indicate whether you currently have an active infection or whether you are infectious. A PCR test may be recommended to help identify an active infection. Keep in mind that patients can remain infectious for many weeks after they are infected with the virus. A positive test means you may or may not pass the infection along to others. Based on current evidence, it is unclear whether the presence of these antibodies result in immunity. Decisions about ongoing monitoring or return to normal activities should be made after discussing with your clinician.

Question 15

Do I need to retake the antibody test every few weeks to continue to confirm immunity?

Accepted Answer

Since the serology test is relevant to potential infections that have occurred 4 or more days after your illness, repeat testing is unnecessary unless you develop a new potential infection. These tests are most accurate when you test negative though suggesting that you have not had exposure to coronavirus.

Question 16

Will Carbon Health sell my information for antibody research purposes if I test positive?

Accepted Answer

No, your healthcare is between you and your care team and is always confidential.

Question 17

What is the false-negative rate for the antibody test?

Accepted Answer

Although the exact number is not known, the range that LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics have published depends on the number of days after your infection you are tested. The longer the duration, the fewer false negatives. This can range from 3-15%.

Question 18

What are Carbon Health pop-up locations?

Accepted Answer

Carbon Health’s pop-up locations are permanent point-of-care facilities that marry our unique brand of virtual and in-person care. These state-of-the-art locations may not look like your average doctors’ office, but they function like one.

Question 19

What kind of COVID-19 testing will be performed at the Carbon Health pop-up location?

Accepted Answer

Carbon Health pop-up locations will perform COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody test.

Question 20

How can I get tested at pop-up locations?

Accepted Answer

It’s required to book an appointment at carbonhealth.com before coming to the pop-up COVID-19 testing location. This is so we may safely guide you into the location and reduce your risk of exposure. Once you’ve booked your appointment online, go to the office during your scheduled time. Once there, our clinicians will guide you through the next steps. Once inside the pop-up location, you will have a virtual visit with one of our providers. A nurse will be on-site to take your samples and answer any questions you might have.

Question 21

Who are the people I will be speaking to through the virtual service?

Accepted Answer

A highly qualified team of Medical Directors (MD), Physicians Assistants (PA), and Nurse Practitioners (NP).

Question 22

Can I go to Carbon Health pop-up location without an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Pop-ups locations are not available for walk-in visits. Patients can schedule an appointment through carbonhealth.com or through the Carbon Health app.

Question 23

Is there a waiting area for patients at the pop-up locations?

Accepted Answer

Carbon Health pop-up locations do not have a lobby. Patients will be seen by appointment and will be able to wait outside the pop-up location or in their cars until it is their turn to enter. There will be a check-in tent in front of the trailer.

Question 24

Is there parking available for patients at the pop-up locations?

Accepted Answer

There will be reserved parking lots for Carbon Health patients.

Question 25

How is Carbon ensuring the pop-ups locations are safe and clean?

Accepted Answer

1. All on-site employees are screened daily. 2. Team members wear protective equipment at all times and sanitize their hands after handling any patient’s belongings. 3. All surfaces are cleaned hourly and in between patient visits. 4. Clinics are deep cleaned at the end of each day. 5. Social distancing protocols in place at all times.

Question 26

What can I expect during my COVID-19 testing appointment?

Accepted Answer

After booking your appointment online, go to the location during your scheduled time. Once inside, a provider will take your vitals and the test samples. A doctor will evaluate you either onsite or virtually and be able to answer any questions you have about COVID-19. All patients visiting our COVID-19 testing locations will receive diagnostic tests on-site. You can also choose to have an antibody test during your appointment. Diagnostic tests are used by doctors to diagnose people with or without symptoms related to COVID-19. Specimen samples are taken from the patient's nose or throat, with results in 5-7 days. Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which may tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. You will get your results in 2-3 days.

Question 27

Will a COVID-19 test and evaluation affect whether I’m eligible for a free wellness visit through my insurance?

Accepted Answer

These are separate benefits through your insurance and should have no impact. Contact your insurance company before going in for your evaluation if you have questions or concerns about billing.

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