COVID-19 Testing and Care at Atrium Health

Atrium Health is always here for you and your family. During the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we’re doing everything we can to make sure you get the testing and care you need as quickly and easily as possible.

Keep reading to learn all about COVID-19 care and testing and what you can expect throughout the process.

Seeking care for COVID-19

If you start feeling sick, try not to panic. Most people who get COVID-19 have mild illness and can safely recover at home. And if you need care, our experts are here to help you 24/7.

When to seek care

If your symptoms are mild, like loss of taste or smell, stay home and isolate yourself from others as much as possible. Be extra sure to wash your hands and wear a cloth face covering if you need to be close to other people. If you’re worried about your symptoms, you can get virtual care from the comfort of home. If you have emergency warning signs of COVID-19 like difficulty breathing, or any other life-threatening symptoms, call 911 right away.

How to seek care

You don’t need to go to your doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care, unless you’re having severe symptoms like difficulty breathing. For more mild symptoms, you can get medical care from the comfort of home.

When you should get tested

We’re offering testing for COVID-19 at various locations throughout our area. Your best option is to work with a healthcare provider to tell you if you need a COVID-19 test and help you set up an appointment at one of our testing sites.

Some reasons you might seek a test:

• 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 group of 10 or more people (typically within the last 14 days)
• Someone you have had direct, in-person contact with in the last 14 days has a confirmed case of COVID-19
• You need a confirmed negative test for work, school or travel

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 you can expect at your testing appointment

If you’re scheduled for testing due to symptoms or a known exposure, please self-isolate (stay away from others) at home until you receive negative test results. When we schedule your appointment, we’ll send you the full details by text message – including the time and location of the testing appointment.

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.

Types of tests

Did you know there are many different types of tests you can get for COVID-19? We’ll help you decide which test you need and where to get it.

PCR tests

PCR tests are currently the most accurate testing option available. This is usually the test required by employers, schools and for travel. It can take 24 to 72 hours to get results. Appointments are required.

Rapid "antigen" tests"

Rapid tests can give results in 15 minutes or less. But because they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests, they might not be accepted by employers, schools or for travel. You need an appointment to get a rapid test, and tests are limited. During your visit with a provider to schedule your test, ask if a rapid test is right for you.

Antibody tests

Antibody tests can show if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past, and all it takes is a simple blood draw. While we’re still learning the full potential of antibody testing, experts believe this could be a helpful tool to guide our communities forward. Testing is available by appointment only at convenient locations throughout the greater Charlotte area. Find out more.

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 24 to 72 hours 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. And our care team will help guide you through care.

Here are a few key tips to follow if you get sick or test positive for COVID-19.

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.