Austin Regional Clinic ensures that our clinics are safe for all patients. With our clinic safety protocols, telemedicine visits, and drive-up testing during the day, evenings, and weekends, we have you covered.
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 for the health and safety of yourself and others. Strict mask use has proven successful in protecting the health and safety of our doctors and staff. We also comply with all local ordinances concerning COVID-19 health and safety measures. Please note that a surgical mask is preferred; a cloth mask is acceptable. If you have a valved mask, you can ask for a surgical mask from the greeter to replace or wear with your valved mask.
Visitors
Patients may be accompanied by one healthy adult per patient, if help is needed for the visit. Visitors with symptoms of any viral illness will be required to wait outside of the clinic.
COVID-19 Drive-up Testing
24/7 COVID-19 Hotline & Telemedicine Visits
Drive-Up Testing for asymptomatic and non-exposed patients.
New and established patients can schedule drive-up testing for COVID-19 without a telemedicine or in-person visit if they are asymptomatic and they have NOT been exposed to someone in their household who tested positive. An ARC clinician will screen each patient at the drive-thru testing site. For those who do not require immediate medical attention, a nasal swab will be obtained and sent to the lab for COVID-19 testing.
How to book a Direct COVID Test:
- Online: Book a Direct COVID Test online in ARC MyChart if you already have an account.
- Phone: Call 866-453-4525 to book a Direct Covid Test if you are new to ARC or you do not have a MyChart account.
Drive-Up Testing for symptomatic or exposed patients.
Symptomatic or exposed patients must book a telemedicine visit before arriving at the clinic - call the ARC 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 866-453-4525 to book the telemedicine visit. If a patient arrives at drive-up testing without first having an initial physician evaluation and presents as symptomatic or exposed, 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. If patients meet the testing criteria after their telemedicine visit, they will be instructed to return to the drive-up testing tent.
If the patient’s symptoms indicate a test is necessary, the ARC physician will order the test from the ARC lab and instruct the patient to visit the nearest ARC drive-up testing site.
Currently, it takes 1-2 days to receive results.
Costs
Drive-up Testing
Insurance companies currently cover costs for tests. For patients without insurance, the cost of the test at ARC is $134 ($100 with our cash pay/discount).
Telemedicine Visits
Most insurance companies are waiving copays for COVID-19 related telemedicine visits. If you have questions about 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.
Drive-Up/Curbside Testing Hours and Locations - North to South
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 symptomsWhen 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.