ARC COVID-19 Care

COVID-19 FAQs

Austin Regional Clinic ensures that our clinics are safe for all patients. We have you covered with our clinic safety protocols, telemedicine visits, and testing during the day, evenings, and weekends.

COVID-19 RT-PCR testing

ARC offers the rapid molecular test, known as the RT-PCR test, which normally provides results within 1-2 days. PCR testing detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus within days of infection, even in those who have no symptoms.

Testing for asymptomatic and non-exposed patients.

New and established patients can schedule a direct COVID-19 test if you have no symptoms, or have an order from a telemedicine visit. Testing is available at the following ARC clinics:

• ARC Cedar Park Building C
• ARC Far West
• ARC Kyle Plum Creek
• ARC Round Rock
• ARC Southwest

How to book a direct COVID-19 test:

• Schedule online: Available for new and established patients.
• Phone: Call the 24/7 COVID-19 hotline at 866-453-4525.

Testing for symptomatic or exposed patients.

Symptomatic patients must book a telemedicine visit before a COVID-19 test. 

How to book a COVID-19 televisit:

• Online: Book at ARC MyChart if you already have an account or ARCBooknow.com if you don't.
• Phone: Call the ARC 24/7 COVID-19 hotline at 866-453-4525 if you are new to ARC or do not have a MyChart account.

If a patient arrives at the testing appointment and presents as symptomatic, they will have the option of calling our appointment line to book a telemedicine visit or booking online with MyChart. The next available telemedicine appointment is often within hours or the next day. Patients who meet the testing criteria after their telemedicine visit will be instructed to return to the clinic for the COVID-19 test. 

Currently, it takes 1-2 days to receive results.

Costs

Most insurance companies cover costs for tests; however, copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and certain exclusions may apply (i.e., testing for travel). For patients without insurance, the cost of the various COVID-19 tests are as follows:

• COVID-19 PCR test: $134 ($100 with our cash pay/discount)
• COVID-19/Flu A&B test: $286 ($214.50 with the cash pay/discount)

If you have questions about copays or the cost of the visit, please check with your health plan. For patients without insurance, ARC offers the same 25% discount as all other visits. The cost depends on what is covered in the visit.

Symptoms

Most people, especially children and those under 60 with no chronic medical conditions, who contract COVID-19 develop very mild symptoms that include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Fatigue

Read more about COVID-19 symptoms

When should I call my doctor?

You should seek medical advice if you have symptoms of fever, a dry cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath, especially if you are over 60 or have underlying health conditions. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

Call the 24/7 ARC COVID-19 information and advice hotline at 866-453-4525 if you have questions.

Patient safety protocols

• Patients will be asked a few screening questions when they check in at the front desk.

• Please wear a surgical mask to your visit if you have respiratory symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or COVID-19 exposure for the health and safety of yourself and others.

Visitors

Patients may be accompanied by one healthy adult per patient if help is needed for a visit. Visitors with symptoms of any viral illness will be required to wait outside the clinic.