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You don’t want to spread the virus to those around you. Learn more about preventing the spread of respiratory viruses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And make sure to report your result to Kaiser Permanente through an e-visit.
COVID-19 testing information
COVID-19 testing helps you find out if you’re infected with the virus. It can also help your care team decide the best way to treat it. There are different tests you can take. If you have symptoms, think you were exposed to the virus, or need a test for any reason, it’s useful to know which test to choose.
There are 3 kinds of COVID-19 tests:
- COVID-19 self-tests, also known as home antigen tests, look for antigens or proteins from the virus in your body.
- Combo COVID-19 and flu self-tests look for antigens or proteins from the COVID-19 virus and flu virus in your body.
- PCR tests look for the virus’s genetic material in your body. These tests are typically done at a lab.
How to get COVID-19 self-tests
You can get a COVID-19 self-test at a Kaiser Permanente facility or pharmacy, making it easy and convenient to pick one up after your next appointment. Self-tests are typically available at a reduced cost. Find a pharmacy near you.
Are the expiration dates on the self-test boxes accurate? The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the expiration dates on some brands of COVID-19 self-tests. To see if your brand has a new expiration date, visit the FDA’s website and type the brand name of the self-test into the search field. If your brand has a new expiration date, that means your self-test is reliable up to that date if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to take a self-test
Self-tests are highly accurate when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Your test results are usually ready within 15 minutes.
Remember, a negative self-test doesn’t mean you don’t have a virus. So, if you have symptoms, you should treat them at home and wear a mask until they go away. Then take another self-test within a few days to make sure that you don’t have COVID-19 or the flu.
Step 1: Collect your sample
Insert the cotton swab into one of your nostrils and swirl according to the instructions. Repeat this in your other nostril.
Step 2: Process your sample
Place the swab into the test tube and swirl it around according to the instructions.
Step 3: Test your sample
Squeeze a few drops of your sample onto the test strip according to the instructions, then wait 15 minutes.
Step 4: Read your results
After 15 minutes, your self-test is ready. Read the test instructions to see if your test shows a positive or negative result. Even a faint or fading line can mean a positive result.
PCR tests are usually recommended when directed by a doctor. Start with an e-visit
to find out if a COVID-19 PCR test is right for you. When you take a PCR test at Kaiser Permanente, you can usually see your test results within 24 hours by signing in at kp.org or our mobile app. Your PCR test results are automatically saved to your electronic health record, and you’ll get advice on what to do if you test positive.
A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but it doesn’t mean that you’re not infected. A positive COVID-19 test means the test detected the virus and you’re either infected or recently were infected.
About positive COVID-19 test results
About negative COVID-19 test results
A negative test result means COVID-19 wasn’t detected in your body at the time of your test. However, there’s still a chance you have the virus because you may have tested before the virus developed. An infection can develop up to 10 days after the last day of contact with someone with COVID-19.
If you tested negative while having symptoms and you followed the testing instructions correctly, it’s possible that you don’t have COVID-19. However, this negative result doesn’t completely confirm that you're free from infection.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for performing the test at home to increase the likelihood of an accurate result.
If you have concerns or if your symptoms worsen, visit kp.org/getcare or use our mobile app to access care, including an e-visit or video visit.
Learn more about testing for COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Exposure to COVID-19
For information on what to do if you come in close contact (less than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with someone who has COVID-19, read the guidance about testing for COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Reimbursement for testing
In most cases, Kaiser Permanente doesn’t reimburse for the cost of COVID-19 self-tests.
Medicaid members can submit a claim for reimbursement.
To submit a claim for reimbursement:
- Sign in to Billing and Claims.
- Click “Submit a medical claim.”
Your claim must include an itemized receipt with the test name, purchase date, price, and number of tests purchased.
Reimbursement is limited to 8 self-tests, including shipping and sales tax.
By submitting a claim for reimbursement, you’re attesting you purchased the self-test for personal use. The test wasn’t for employment purposes unless required by applicable state law; wasn’t and won’t be reimbursed by another source; and wasn’t for resale.
Kaiser Permanente provides no-cost COVID-19 PCR testing to members when it is medically necessary. Testing is available at most Kaiser Permanente locations, and you can easily schedule your testing appointment online. Results are automatically saved to your electronic health record once they’re available. That means your care team knows you have been tested and can reach out to you with necessary information depending on your test results.
In addition to the easy and convenient testing available through Kaiser Permanente, you may choose to be tested at an external licensed, independent facility (for example, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or other retail locations, or at a private lab). Many of these facilities bill Kaiser Permanente directly, so you may not have to pay anything out of pocket.
If you were tested and charged by a licensed, independent facility, you can submit a claim for reimbursement.
To submit a claim:
- Sign in to Billing and Claims.
- Click “Submit a medical claim.”
Your claim must include an itemized receipt with the test name, purchase date, price, and number of tests purchased, as well as proof of payment.
We can update your electronic health record if you send us a photo or a scanned copy of your test results. Simply sign into your kp.org account, go to the “Message Center” and send a message to your care team. Make sure to:
- Use “COV19 outside lab report” as your subject line
- Click the paper clip “Attach” link at the bottom of the message to add a photo or scan of your results
- Include your name
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