COVID-19 FAQs | Avecina Medical

COVID-19 FAQ

COVID-19 FAQ

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What type of test is a rapid antigen test?
answer

The rapid COVID-19 test performed at Avecina is the Sofia 2 antigen test which is FDA approved for detection of early COVID-19. It is performed using a foam tipped swab which does not reach far in the nasal cavity as PCR testing swabs.

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How accurate Is the Sofia2 Rapid Antigen test?
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This test is FDA approved to have a sensitivity of 96.7% which is one of the highest in the industry. Attached is a table that shows a sensitivity of 96.7% for the antigen test.

Sofia2 Test Chart

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My swab did not go far up my nose; is my test accurate?
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The antigen test has a different swab which is much thicker than the swab designed for a PCR test. The horror stories that patients have heard since the beginning of the pandemic refer to the PCR swab which requires insertion very high in the nasal cavity. Avecina uses a foam-tipped swab specifically designed for this test that is only meant to go to the opening of the nostrils which is recommended by the manufacturer.

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How soon will I get my results?
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Results are usually available within 2-4 hours.

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Will my insurance pay for this test if I am required to have one prior to surgery, travel, or for work clearance?
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No, unfortunately insurance carriers do not consider any of the above as “medical necessity” and will deny your claim. These cases patients must self pay to avoid claim issues in the future.

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What is considered ``medical necessity`` by insurance carriers which would cover the cost of the visit and test?
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Medical necessity is achieved if patient states that they have had a positive exposure to a COVID-19 person or if they present with typical symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, fatigue or loss of taste etc.

qt
Can I file with my insurance after have paid out of pocket at your drive-through site?
answer

No. In order for an insurance carrier to cover the cost of the test, an actual visit with a provider must be accomplished which would include patient presenting with a chief complaints, vitals to be taken by staff and to be actually seen by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. None of these occur at a drive through site so the cost can not be filed with any insurance carrier.

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I was exposed to someone two days ago who is positive, when should I get a test?
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It takes at least 72 hours after exposure to test positive. Testing before that time period will increase the likelihood of a false negative.

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Could I still Infect someone else with COVID-19 if I have no symptoms?
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Absolutely. We have many cases where a single asymptomatic patient still infected everyone in their household.

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Do you provide Rapid COVID-19 RT-PCR test?
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Yes, at Avecina we provide RT-PCR COVID-19 tests with results available within 3-4 hours.  The rapid RT-PCR is not covered by insurance and is self-pay only.   Patients do have the option of using their insurance for standard RT-PCR test that is sent to Quest Diagnostics but results can take as long as 5-7 days.

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What insurance do you take?
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We accept:

  • AARP/United Healthcare
  • Aetna/First Health
  • Ambetter
  • Amerigroup
  • Bind Insurance
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Champus-VA
  • Cigna
  • Great West
  • Healthgram
  • Humana
  • Medicaid (Florida Only)
  • Mayo/Medica
  • Medicare
  • PHCS/Multi Plan
  • TriCare
  • United Healthcare/GoldenRule/UMR VA/Community Care Network Wellcare
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What is the standard wait time to be seen? /Is the wait time long to be seen at Avecina Medical?
answer

Wait times are extremely short at Avecina. It’s less time that you would be spending at an ER.

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