Covid Testing
COVID-19 TESTING & GENERAL INFORMATION
COVID-19 is still rampant and we continue to encourage our patients to practice social distancing, increase frequency of the recommended hand washing techniques and face masks. Temecula Family Medicine continues to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness for the safety of our patients, staff, and doctors. Some of these interventions include:
- Cleaning every room and surface following each patient encounter with virucide and bactericide cleaners
- Face masks are required to be worn by all patients and staff in order to prevent spread from asymptomatic patients
- Deep cleaning is done every day before the clinic opens by a professional medical cleaning crew
- Offering online and contactless check-in so the time you spend in the office is reduced
COVID-19 TESTING
We are pleased to announce that we have the following testing modalities.
Rapid Antigen Testing With Results In Under an hour
The Quidel Corporation Sofia SARS Antigen FIA test has received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. Test data suggest the test has a specificity of >99%% and a sensitivity of 97%. This test is great for quickly screening individuals for an active COVID-19 infection. Please click this link for more information: https://www.fda.gov/media/137887/download
What test? How long for the results? Is it covered by insurance?
We chose to use the best rapid antigen test on the market at this time. The Quidel Sophia2 SARS antigen test obtained by superficial nasal swab (not the deep nasal swab). This is a test to see if you are harboring the virus at this time and potentially spreading it. The test is being covered by insurance when accompanied by a doctor’s order + CPT (procedure) code + diagnosis code, which can only be determined in the context of an office visit. We are fortunate enough to continue to have adequate testing kits so we are able to offer this to the general public.
Is it accurate?
Yes, it is very accurate. The specificity is >99% (true negative) and the sensitivity is 97% (true positive). in symptomatic patients. It is less accurate in asymptomatic patients, especially if done too close to the known exposure time. If you have any concern about being one of those false negative, we can easily send out a confirmatory PCR swab during an office visit.
Who can get tested?
Anyone who desires to test. This includes individuals who were exposed and currently show no symptoms. Data does show that all rapid antigen test is more accurate if having symptoms therefore, it is recommended to wait 3-5 days in isolation from the last known exposure date before getting tested in order to get accurate results.
Should I get tested?
This varies per individual.
How will I get my results?
You will be contacted with your results on the same day or while you wait depending on the test. Please discuss wait times with the doctor who is seeing you at the time of the test. This is our process for both positives and negatives. If you have follow-up questions and concerns, please call the office at 951-501-0049.
COVID-19 PCR Test (1-3 days for results)
What test? How long for the results?
It is the real-time RT-PCR test performed that is currently required by certain airlines, states, and countries. Results are typically provided in 1-3 days.
Is it CLIA approved?
Yes, it is CLIA approved.
Is it covered by insurance?
You will need to contact your insurance provider. Most insurances are providing this 100% covered but always consult your insurance prior to your office visit.
Is it accurate?
Yes. Data published on the FDA’s website suggests this test has specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 100%; although, it should not be assumed the test is 100% accurate over infinite sample size.
Who can get tested?
Anyone who desires testing.
How do I get tested & what are the fees?
Antibody testing for COVID-19, IgG (1-3 days for the results)
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) antibodies, Immunoassay test is a qualitative (IgG) immunoglobulin test to detect antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the blood. At this time, it is still unclear what positive antibodies mean for any future COVID19 exposure and infections. We are seeing insurance cover this test. You will need to schedule an office visit.
| Test | Rapid COVID19 | COVID19 PCR | Antibody test, IgG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | Anterior nasal swab | Deep nasopharyngeal swab | Venipuncture blood draw |
| Processing Time | 20-60 minutes in office | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Insurance coverage? | Yes, but please check with your insurance | Yes, but please check with your insurance | Yes, but please check with your insurance |
| Cost of the test | $0 if covered w/ a visit *$75 if NOT covered w/ a visit *$140 as of 5/31/2022 w/o a visit | $0 with insurance *$115 if we do not take your insurance | $0 if covered *$150 if we do not take your insurance |
| Office visit required? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Specificity (true negative) | >99% | >99% | 99.8% |
| Sensitivity (true positive) | 97% | >99% | >99% |
*This information is true and accurate with the available information as of 06/1/2022 but may change in the future