COVID-19 Testing Specialist

Is COVID-19 testing free in New York? 

The free Covid 19 testing only occurs at a test site run or supported by New York State. In those facilities, there is never any charge for your test. However, not all private medical office testing are covered by NYS and it will go through your insurance benefit for medical office visit. For free covid19 testing locations and assistance, please call 311 or contact city hotline for further information.

How long does it take to get a result ?

Usually within 3 business days. However Due to an increase in demand, there may be longer than usual wait times for testing and results. If you need the 72 hours result, please notify our staffs and we will try to ask Lab to expedite for you.

What is coronavirus or COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a highly infectious, newly discovered viral disease. Though research is ongoing, COVID-19 is spread through droplets of saliva or nose discharge when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Most people who contract COVID-19 only experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and don’t require serious medical intervention. However, older adults and people with a compromised immune system are at greater risk of developing serious respiratory symptoms that require hospitalization.

If you’re feeling sick and suspect you may have COVID-19, the team at Forest Urgent Care can provide the answers and testing you need. 

Who needs COVID-19 testing?

The experienced team at Forest Urgent Care determines if you need a test for COVID-19. You may benefit from COVID-19 testing if:

• You were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
• You have COVID-19 symptoms and want to get tested
• You have a history of COVID-19 symptoms
• You’re a health care worker, first responder, or essential worker
• You’re returning to work and want an antibody test

You may also benefit from COVID-19 testing if you have concerns about exposure to the virus due to participation in large group gatherings. 

What happens during COVID-19 testing?

Forest Hills Urgent Care offers testing for active COVID-19 infections and antibody testing. 

Active COVID-19 testing

Active COVID-19 testing requires a sample of your respiratory secretions. To obtain the sample, the team at Forest Hills Urgent Care may, for example, use a swab to collect secretions from your nose or throat. 

COVID-19 antibody testing

COVID-19 antibody testing is a blood test that checks for antibodies against the virus. The team only requires a small sample of blood, usually only a fingerstick prick, to perform COVID-19 antibody testing.

You may benefit from COVID-19 antibody testing if you previously tested positive for COVID-19 or had COVID-19 symptoms but did not get tested. A positive COVID-19 test means your body has the antibodies for the infection or a similar virus.

It’s not currently known if a positive antibody test protects you from reinfection with the virus. 

How long does it take to get results?

Forest Hills Urgent Care provides details of how long it takes to get results from your COVID-19 testing during your appointment. In most cases, results take five days or less and usually within 1-2 days.

The team provides specific instructions on the next steps you need to take based on the results of your testing.

To schedule your COVID-19 testing, call Forest Hills Urgent Care, or book online now.