Covid-19 Testing & Management Specialist
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CareLife
Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Annandale, VA
CareLife Medical is a primary care practice that offers COVID testing at its offices in Fairfax, Virginia. Led by internal medicine physician Fatima Aziz, MD, the practice provides COVID testing as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes testing for people with COVID-19 symptoms or those who had close contact with others who tested positive for COVID-19. COVID testing is quick and relatively painless, and patients can expect results within a few hours or few days. Call the office or book your COVID testing appointment online today.
About Covid-19
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a highly contagious virus with many strains.
Dr. Aziz and the health professionals at CareLife Medical have been at the forefront of COVID-19 care since the start of the pandemic. The practice offers evaluations, COVID-19 testing, and management of the disease.
What are the types of COVID testing?
CareLife Medical offers viral testing and antibody COVID testing.
Viral COVID testing
Viral COVID testing checks for an active COVID-19 infection. CareLife Medical performs the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigen COVID-19 test, which are nasal swab tests.
The PCR swab for COVID-19 provides the most reliable, accurate results. The practice charges $179 for PCR testing and evaluation.
The antigen nasal swab COVID-19 test is a rapid test that provides results within an hour. Positive results are accurate, but you can get a false negative test with the antigen nasal swab. With a negative antigen swab, Dr. Aziz recommends the PCR COVID test to confirm results.
The practice charges $99 for antigen testing and evaluation.
Antibody COVID testing
Antibody COVID testing is a blood test. This test checks to see if you had a past COVID-19 infection. The practice charges $99 for antibody testing and evaluation.
For COVID testing, the practice accepts self-pay or private pay, but also Medicare and Medicaid. The practice also takes private health insurance, but coverage for COVID testing varies.
When should I schedule COVID testing?
Dr. Aziz determines if you need COVID testing after an in-person or telehealth evaluation. She recommends viral COVID testing if you have active COVID-19 symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Loss of or change in taste or smell
- Body aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Confusion (especially in older adults)
- Chest pain (especially in people with a history of heart disease)
COVID-19 symptoms develop within 2-7 days of exposure.
CareLife Medical also recommends viral testing if you had close contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19. Unvaccinated people who engage in high-risk activities, like large social gatherings, can also benefit from testing.
Dr. Aziz can talk to you about antibody testing and if it makes sense for you during your evaluation.
How long does it take to get results from COVID testing?
Results from your COVID testing depend on the type of test. Antigen and antibody test results may return the same day, while PCR testing may take 2-3 days.
The practice offers rapid PCR testing, which provides same-day results, but supplies are limited.
Monitoring of exposure, symptoms, and testing is required to properly track the onset and spread of COVID-19. To schedule your test, call CareLife Medical or book an appointment online today.
