How can I get tested for COVID-19?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your local health department or your medical provider before seeking care in person. The health department and/or your provider will screen you based on CDC guidelines and issue a lab order for the test if they determine that testing is necessary. You can find your local health department's contact information here.
If you do not have health insurance, you can get a free assessment with Doctor on Demand here and get personalized care recommendations. Find out how to enroll in coverage here or give our team a call at 415-938-4838 to get help.
You can find testing guidance and information about telehealth services from your insurance company below.
COVID-19 testing guidance from your insurance carrier
(If you do not see your insurance company below, you can call the number on the back of your member ID card for more information.)
Ambetter:
Their advice: “If you are unsure if you have been exposed to or at-risk of being infected with COVID-19 (coronavirus), scheduling a virtual care visit with a provider is a good option for non-urgent care to limit potential exposure in a physician’s office or other healthcare facility. Due to a high demand for virtual health visits at this time, please anticipate that there may be longer than usual wait times.”
Schedule an appointment: Ambetter utilizes Teladoc for telehealth services. You can set up your Teladoc account here to request a virtual visit or you can contact your primary care provider directly to see if they have any virtual care options available.
Amerihealth New Jersey:
Their advice: “If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough, or have trouble breathing, call your doctor.”
Schedule an appointment: Amerihealth members can schedule a same-day virtual appointment through MDLIVE here.
Anthem:
Their advice: Anthem created a COVID-19 Symptom Assessment here. Anthem members can take the assessment to evaluate their symptoms and assess their personal risk.
“Based on the results, Anthem members will be able to connect directly to a board-certified doctor via text or secure two-way video via the Sydney Care app who can then recommend care options.”
- Source: Anthem issues updates regarding COVID-19 testing and care to support affiliated health plan members
Blue Shield of California:
Their advice: “If you have a fever, cough, and feel short of breath, we suggest using a virtual care option such as Teladoc® or NurseHelp 24/7SM before seeking in-person care.”
Schedule an appointment: Please note that not all plans have access to these services so you’ll want to log in to your member portal for more information. You can also contact your primary care physician for advice.
- Source: Getting care for coronavirus
Cigna:
Their advice: “If you’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP). They will advise you on how best to get care, if necessary.” Your PCP can also work with the health department to find a testing location.
Health Net:
Their advice: “If you have been exposed or begin showing symptoms of the virus or flu, contact your healthcare provider or health department immediately.”
Schedule an appointment: You can reach Health Net’s Nurse Advice Line at 1-877-658-0305 (TTY: 711).
- Source: Member Coronavirus Information
Kaiser:
Schedule an appointment: Kaiser members can request an e-visit through their Kaiser Permanente app or member portal at kp.org to be screened for coronavirus. You can also call Kaiser’s 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at 866-454-8855.
LA Care:
Their advice: “If you are an L.A. Care member and can't reach your doctor, you may be eligible to use our telehealth benefit. By using Teladoc®, you can talk to a doctor by phone or video chat in the comfort of your own home. If you are not sure what to do, L.A. Care members can call the Nurse Advice Line at 1.800.249.3619 (TTY 711). Our nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have been staying on top of the latest updates about the coronavirus.”
Schedule an appointment: You can set up your Teladoc account here.
Molina Healthcare:
Their advice: Molina has a coronavirus assessment tool you can access on their website here. Depending on your symptoms and exposure risk, Molina might recommend that you call your primary care physician, access virtual care, or call their nurse advice line at 888-275-8750.
Schedule an appointment: You can set up your Teladoc account here.
Oscar:
Their advice: Oscar’s risk assessment survey asks a few questions to evaluate exposure, personal risk and symptoms. Once complete, Oscar provides a personalized care plan with recommended next steps. They also have a testing site locator that currently only shows testing sites in locations where Oscar plans are available.
“If your assessment includes a recommendation to get tested, you'll be taken directly to the testing center locator to find a center and get instructions for your visit, including the importance of calling ahead to understand center-specific requirements.”
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