The first publicly announced coronavirus antibody testing that’s open to the general public is coming to the Capital Region.
COVID-19 molecular and antibody testing is available at all WellNow locations, seven days a week, with no appointment needed, the company said.
The locations are:
• 438 Western Ave., Albany.
• 445 Balltown Road, Schenectady.
• 1694 Route 9, Clifton Park.
• 446 N. Farview Ave., Suite 200, Hudson.
Facilities are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Tests will be administered to those who display symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, the company said.
Results will return in three to five days. Patients in New York can get results by registering for an account at www.mybostonheart.com.
Testing is covered in full for patients that carry insurance as part of the CARES Act. For self-pay patients, testing costs $150 for the molecular (PCR) test and $100 for the antibody test, in addition to a charge for the base visit.
WellNow takes most insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, Fidelis and Veterans Affairs TriWest. A number of insurers have waived cost-sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.
“We continue to closely monitor COVID-19 developments in partnership with our local and state health departments and the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control (CDC), and will bring this testing to all our communities over time,” said a company statement.
The number of times a person can be tested will be determined by a WellNow provider. After an evaluation, the decision will be based on symptoms and their duration. Certain essential-services personnel may need to be tested more than once, the company said.
Individuals must remain in their car to be screened, then will be provided a mask and brought directly into a private patient room for further evaluation and testing, according to the company.
“Patients who are experiencing any non-life-threatening injury or illness are welcome. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, our WellNow teams can assess your condition and help determine the necessary next steps,” the statement said. “Rest assured that we are keeping all of our facilities safe and sanitary by following all guidelines from the CDC and local health departments.
Those include reinforced disinfecting processes across all rooms, tables, chairs, computers, door handles and surfaces with EPA-registered cleaning products. Rearranged waiting rooms that adhere to social distancing practices and effectively manage waiting room capacities and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff as well as patients in need. All symptomatic patients will be provided with a face mask.
Expanded telehealth services with WellNow Virtual Medical will be provided to ensure providers are available for those who need or prefer to receive care from home, the company said.
“Bringing both types of COVID-19 testing to our communities in the Capital Region is a top priority right now,” said WellNow Urgent Care President John Radford. “As New York prepares to reopen, providing all our communities with answers to their COVID-19 questions is as much our responsibility as is making sure all our centers remain a safe and welcoming place for all urgent care needs.”