COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing at Atrium Health

Atrium Health is always here for you and your family. And during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we’re doing everything we can to protect your health and make sure you’re safe, cared for and informed.

Diagnostic (or viral) testing can tell you if you currently have COVID-19. If you’re scheduled for a COVID-19 test at one of our testing sites, or want to learn more about the process, here’s everything you need to know – from getting to the appointment to what you should do at home.

How to get a testing appointment

We’re offering diagnostic testing for COVID-19 at various locations throughout our area. A healthcare provider can tell you if you qualify for testing and, if appropriate, help you set up an appointment at one of our testing sites.

You might qualify for diagnostic testing if:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, fever, cough, shortness of breath and loss of taste and/or smell
• You were recently part of a large crowd (typically within the last 14 days)

As part of our COVID-Safe care standards, we’re also providing diagnostic tests to patients before surgery and other procedures that require sedation.

To find out if you should be tested, call your doctor or use one of the care options here.

What to know about testing appointments

If a healthcare provider recommends that you should be tested for COVID-19, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment at one of our testing sites. If you’re scheduled for testing, please self-isolate (stay away from others) at home until your testing appointment.

When we schedule your appointment, we’ll send you the full details by text message – including the time and location of the testing appointment.

In line with CDC recommendations, masks should be worn indoors at all times and outdoors when social distancing isn’t possible. Please wear a mask or cloth face covering to your testing appointment and keep it on until you’re asked to remove it for the test.

When you arrive at your testing appointment, please stay in your car and follow the on-site team’s directions. Our healthcare professionals are specially trained to care for you and will guide you through every step of the testing process.

Your test results

After your testing appointment, please continue to self-isolate at home until you receive your test results and further instruction is given.

You can expect to receive your results via text message or phone call approximately 3 days after your testing appointment. If you don’t receive your results within 7 days of your appointment, please call 704-468-8888.

Whether your results are positive or negative, our team will connect with you to ensure you’re getting the care you need. We know this is a scary time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Follow-up care

If you test positive, you’ll have 24/7 access to the medical care and personal support you need through a virtual care team. Your team will get in touch soon after your appointment.

Your follow-up care might include regular check-ins and guidance for ongoing medical treatment and helpful community resources. Plus, your virtual care team will help you manage your symptoms and take the necessary precautions to keep others around you from getting sick.

If appropriate, we’ll set you up in Atrium Health’s COVID-19 Virtual Hospital. Using telemedicine, our team can monitor your blood pressure, oxygen levels and temperature while you recover at home.

What you can do at home

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, there are things you can do at home to protect yourself and others. Here are a few key tips to follow if you get sick, whether or not you qualify for diagnostic testing.

To learn more about prevention and care for COVID-19, visit here.

Need help?

• If you have questions about testing for COVID-19, the best thing you can do is call your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, you can search for one online here. We can help you book a primary care appointment within 24 hours.
• If you’ve already been tested for COVID-19 through Atrium Health, your virtual care team can help with any questions or problems as well. If your symptoms get worse after testing, contact your virtual care team.
• If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you don’t receive your test results within 7 days of your appointment, please call 704-468-8888.