Testing for COVID-19 or Respiratory Symptoms

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, complete our MyChart self-checker to determine next steps.

Not a MyChart user? Sign up today.

Sign up for MyChart in just a few minutes.

You can download the MyChart mobile app in the Apple Store or on Google Play.

If you do not speak English or have access to the internet, please call 1-800-777-8442.

Si no habla inglés o no tiene acceso a internet, llame al 1-800-777-8442.

如果您不会英语或者不能上网，请拨打 1-800-777-8442.

Ikiwa huongei Kiingereza au una mtandao wa interneti, tafadhali piga simu 1-800-777-8442.

Si vous ne parlez pas anglais ou n'avez pas accès à Internet, veuillez appeler le numero 1-800-777-8442.

اذا كنت لا تتحدث اللغة الانجليزية او ليس لديك طريقة للحصول على شبكة الانترنت الرجاء الاتصال بالرق

Symptoms may include:

  • Fever or chills
  • New or worsening cough
  • New or worsening sore throat
  • New or worsening shortness of breath
  • Sinus congestion or runny nose
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

Testing options

UI Health Care has several testing options available to best meet the needs of our community while meeting an increased need for COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19 tests performed through UI Health Care will be prioritized for those with the greatest risk for complications from COVID-19.

All testing options performed through UI Health Care will provide patients with accurate results and the option for further evaluation and treatment through UI Health Care if you test positive for COVID-19.

All patients should complete the MyChart self-checker to determine their risk level and appropriate next steps. This may mean testing through UI Health Care or an alternative testing option in the community.

What you need to know about COVID-19 testing

 

Follow-up care

If you do need a COVID-19 test through UI Health Care or test positive for COVID-19 through an alternative testing option, we’ve got follow-up options to make sure you get the care you need.

  • You’ll get recommendations for any treatments, medications, or care you may need.
  • You’ll have access to our home monitoring program, which lets COVID-19 patients who qualify stay at home while receiving their care.

Get started now. Log in to your MyChart account and answer the questions in our self-checker.

If you don’t have a MyChart account, it’s easy to get started.

Payments

Telehealth Video Visits

If you do not have insurance

UI Health Care will waive your patient out-of-pocket costs for the COVID-19 telehealth video visit. Any care beyond the telehealth visit will fall under normal billing processes. Learn more about alternative sources of funding for your medical care.

If you have insurance

Co-pays

Your insurance plan will determine what your co-pay or co-insurance liability might be. Many insurers may waive patient portions for these services. You do not have to pay at the time of your visit to receive care. Your normal co-pay will be expected to be paid at the time of service for prescriptions and follow-up visits.

Coverage

Many insurance plans may cover part of the visit. You will be billed later for the difference, just like you would for any other visit. To understand your cost, please contact your health plan.

If we determine that a telehealth video visit is not appropriate for your situation, there will be no charge, and the provider will assist you in identifying next steps.

COVID-19 Test

The cost for a University of Iowa Health Care COVID-19 lab test is $213 with a specimen collection charge of $36. Insurance companies across the state of Iowa, including Medicare, Medicaid, Wellmark, Aetna, and United Healthcare have agreed to waive cost-sharing if COVID-19 testing is necessary.

For uninsured patients, UI Health Care will waive your patient out-of-pocket costs during the pandemic.

COVID-19 tests through Test Iowa are free to the public.

While the cost of the COVID-19 test may be covered, all other medical care costs related to your illness will depend on your insurance coverage. These medical costs could include other services, such as testing for the flu, multi-virus panels, and other respiratory illnesses.

Additional information regarding health insurance and the coronavirus is available from the Iowa Insurance Division.

Get more information on our COVID-19 response.