COVID-19 Testing at Baptist Health: Easy as 1-2-3

The nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases — just as college students are returning home and families are gathering for the holidays — underscores the need for accurate, convenient testing.

Baptist Health South Florida is offering COVID-19 testing at all of its Urgent Care and Urgent Care Express locations. All three of the most common tests are available.

“We have Rapid Antigen tests, PCR tests and Antibody tests,” says Katie Acquino, D.O., lead physician at Baptist Health Urgent Care in West Boca Raton. “That means it’s possible for you to find out if you have an active COVID-19 infectionthat same day.”

Both the Rapid Antigen test and the PCR test are administered with nasal swabs and can detect active infection from COVID-19. “The Rapid Antigen test is very accurate for positive tests on symptomatic patients,” says Dr. Acquino, “but if a patient has a high suspicion of having COVID-19, and the rapid test is negative, we will send out a PCR test for confirmation.” 

If you are not having symptoms, Dr. Acquino says, the test of choice would be the PCR test which is even more accurate and therefore is considered the gold standard of COVID-19 testing. “Results for that are currently taking about three to five days,” she says.

And then there’s the Antibody test, which can’t detect an active infection but can tell you if you were previously exposed to the virus. This test requires blood to be drawn and is also very accurate, according to Dr. Acquino. Wherever you decide to go for your COVID-19 test, she says, the medical staff there can help determine the best course of action according to the latest testing guidelines.

Luis Bellmas,vice president of Baptist Outpatient Services, which includes all of BaptistHealth’s Urgent Care and Urgent Care Express centers across South Florida, saysCOVID-19 testing is quickly becoming a normal part of our daily lives.

“Anyone who hopesto return to work or school after recovering from COVID-19 may need to betested before they’re allowed to return,” Mr. Bellmas says. “And many airlines andcruise ships may require proof of a negative test taken within a certain amountof time prior to departure for the foreseeable future.”

Whatever your reason for getting a COVID-19 test – work, school, travel or, simply, peace of mind – Mr. Bellmas says that an appointment isn’t necessary and you don’t even need a prescription.

“You can just walk in to any of our Urgent Care or Urgent Care Express locations,” he says. “A provider will do a medical evaluation and discuss the best testing options with you.” Tests are fully covered by most insurance plans, he adds, but patients should check with their insurance provider in advance.

For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/CovidTest.