| COVID-19 Vaccination Update - 9/13/23 |
COVID-19 vaccine: ARC will receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks. We will open schedules as soon as we have vaccine. Check back for an update here or on our home page. COVID-19 test: Effective April 1, 2023, ARC will no longer offer drive-up COVID-19 testing. Schedule your in-clinic COVID-19 test online (the online scheduling options will display in a new window). Masking policy: Patients, help us protect our high-risk patients - please wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or COVID-19 exposure. |
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:
How to book a direct COVID-19 test:
- Schedule online: Available for new and established patients.
- Phone: Call 512-272-4636.
Testing for symptomatic or exposed patients.
We encourage symptomatic patients to make a telemedicine appointment. You may still schedule a COVID-19 test if preferred.
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 512-272-4636 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:
Read more about COVID-19 symptoms
Treating COVID-19
Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.
If you have COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick, treatments are available that can reduce your risk of hospitalization and death.
Learn more from the CDC COVID-19 vaccine FAQ.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or any other viral illness, you can spread the virus to others. There are precautions you can take to prevent spreading it to others: isolation, masking, and avoiding contact with people who are at high risk of getting very sick.
Regardless of your vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19 or any other viral illness that can cause severe complications for high-risk individuals.
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. For other viral illnesses, stay home when symptoms start until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Learn more about the CDC's isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19.
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 512-272-4636 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.