COVID-19 Test Criteria

Information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Texas MedClinic Now Offering COVID-19 Testing

Texas MedClinic is working closely with our laboratory partners in processing the COVID-19 test.

Once a patient is tested for COVID-19 at a Texas MedClinic, the specimen is sent to Quest Labs in Dallas for processing.
(Texas MedClinic uses a different commercial lab than San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department.)

Due to an increased volume in the complex COVID-19 testing, the laboratory has notified health providers that their normal 48 hour turnaround for test results has increased to 7-8 days. It is reasonable to anticipate it could extend beyond 7-8 days.

“If you have COVID-19 symptoms and are awaiting a COVID-19 test result, you must assume you have the illness. Please follow doctors’ recommendations to isolate from others as to not spread the virus,” said Texas MedClinic Chief Operating Officer and practicing physician Dr. David Gude. “If your symptoms worsen, and you experience difficulty breathing, please seek medical attention at the hospital.”

Those seeking a COVID-19 test must undergo a medical exam; the test and exam have a fee that most insurance plans cover.

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HEALTH ADVISORY: UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19 – May 11, 2020

Background

The United States and Texas are experiencing ongoing community transmission of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. This advisory provides guidance for healthcare providers on testing criteria and disease reporting.

COVID-19 Testing Criteria

Clinicians should use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been reported. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever1 and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing) but some people may present with other symptoms as well. Clinicians are encouraged to test for other causes of respiratory illness.
No symptoms are required for testing. If testing capacity is limited, then prioritize based on guidance by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), “Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” issued May 4, 2020, is linked here.

Priorities for COVID-19 Testing (Nucleic Acid or Antigen)
High Priority Hospitalized patients with symptoms Healthcare facility workers, workers in congregate living settings, and first responders with symptoms Residents in long-term care facilities or other congregate living settings, including prisons and shelters, with symptoms
Priority Persons with symptoms of potential COVID-19 infection, including: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat. Persons without symptoms who are prioritized by health departments or clinicians, for any reason, including but not limited to: public health monitoring, sentinel surveillance, or screening of other asymptomatic individuals according to state and local plans.

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Reporting of Cases:

COVID-19 is a notifiable condition under Texas statute. All suspected and confirmed cases are to be called immediately to the local health department. In addition, please submit lab results, demographics, and clinical progress notes via fax to:

San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
Epidemiology Program
Phone: (210) 207-8876 (24 hours)
Fax: (210) 207-8807

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At Texas MedClinic, treating you well in these uncertain times means we listen, with compassion. Many people want to know what the COVID-19 test is like, and how a doctor administers the test. Click the video below to watch a Texas MedClinic doctor test a patient for COVID-19 with a nasopharyngeal swab.