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COVID-19 Information & Resources

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COVID-19 Testing

Important Update: May 20, 2022

Do you need a test ahead of a NorthShore procedure? Learn more here.

Visit the Pre-Surgical/Procedural Testing Page

 

COVID-19 Testing
Given Congress’s end to funding COVID-19 testing and treatment, patients may now receive a bill for COVID testing-19 and treatment services that are not fully covered by insurance.

NorthShore will continue to provide COVID vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost to patients.

If you need a COVID-19 test:

  • Walk in to a NorthShore Immediate Care Center with your photo ID and insurance card
  • We are providing RT-PCR tests, with results typically available within an hour, across all clinic locations
  • If you need a test and your insurer only covers part of the cost of test, you may be asked to pay the total or balance of the cost of the test
  • Individuals who are concerned about their ability to pay for COVID testing can apply for financial assistance. Learn more here.
  • To find a community-based testing site that provides low cost or no cost tests, click here
  • Out-of-pocket fees associated with COVID-19 testing are:
    • COVID Test: $165
    • Office Visit: $98-$116

If you have a known exposure to COVID-19, or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, remember to mask up immediately and follow other safety best practices pending test results.

COVID-19 testing options

Learn about testing options based on your circumstances. If it is proving difficult to get access to a test, follow this guidance.

I have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and I’m immunocompromised and/or unvaccinated.

Get tested as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and would like a COVID-19 test, you may walk into any NorthShore Immediate Care Center. All locations are providing RT-PCR tests with results typically available within an hour.

COVID-19 symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
I have mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated more than 5 months ago (Pfizer/Moderna) or more than 2 months ago (Janssen) without receipt of a booster.

Get tested.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and would like a COVID-19 test, you may walk into any NorthShore Immediate Care Center. All locations are providing RT-PCR tests with results typically available within an hour.

COVID-19 symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
I have mild symptoms consistent with COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated within the last 5 months (Pfizer or Moderna) or within the last 2 months (Janssen), OR have received a booster.

Get tested.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and would like a COVID-19 test, you may walk into any NorthShore Immediate Care Center. All locations are providing RT-PCR tests with results typically available within an hour.

COVID-19 symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
I’ve had a COVID-19 exposure, but am not experiencing any symptoms.

Delay getting your COVID-19 test.

It’s important to be conservative and follow best practices, which differ depending on whether you are vaccinated.

I am unvaccinated.

Per CDC guidelines, quarantine for 5 days, test 5 days after your exposure incident and wear a well-fitting mask any time you are in public or around other people for the next 10 days.

Following this, you may walk into a NorthShore Immediate Care Center for a RT-PCR COVID test with results typically available within an hour.

I completed my Pfizer/Moderna vaccinations more than 5 months ago or completed my Janssen vaccination more than two months ago, but I haven’t received a booster shot.

Per CDC guidelines, quarantine for 5 days, test 5 days after your exposure incident and wear a well-fitting mask any time you are in public or around other people for the next 10 days.

Following this, you may walk into a NorthShore Immediate Care Center for a RT-PCR COVID test with results typically available within an hour.

I completed my Pfizer/Moderna vaccinations within the last 5 months or my Janssen vaccination within the last 2 months or I have received my booster shot.

Per CDC guidelines, mask for 10 days, test 5 days after your exposure incident.

Following this, you may walk into a NorthShore Immediate Care Center for a RT-PCR COVID test with results typically available within an hour.

I completed my Pfizer/Moderna vaccinations more than 5 months or my Janssen vaccination more than 2 months ago and I received my booster shot.

Per CDC guidelines, mask for 10 days, test 5 days after your exposure incident.

Following this, you may walk into a NorthShore Immediate Care Center for a RT-PCR COVID test with results typically available within an hour.

I want to get tested ahead of upcoming travel.
  1. Walk into a NorthShore Immediate Care Center for a RT-PCR COVID test with results typically available within an hour.
My child or I need a test before going back to school.
  1. Walk into a NorthShore Immediate Care Center for a RT-PCR COVID test with results typically available within an hour.

 

Community COVID-19 testing options

If you’re unable to get a COVID-19 test at NorthShore, consider other testing options in your community.