COVID-19 Testing at UH
COVID-19 tests are used to slow the spread of coronavirus by allowing those who test positive to follow through with quarantine guidance according to the CDC. If you suspect you have COVID-19 because of symptoms or confirmed exposure to someone with the virus, use the guidelines to determine when and where to go for evaluation and testing.
When and Where to Go for COVID-19 Symptoms and Testing
Due to an extremely high demand of patients seeking COVID-19 testing, our emergency rooms and urgent care locations are experiencing a significant resource strain making it difficult to provide testing to the sicker patients who need our care.
To best serve all our patients, we are no longer providing COVID-19 testing for patients in our emergency departments, unless admission to the hospital is anticipated, and will only be testing symptomatic patients who require medical evaluation in our urgent cares.
If you have taken a home antigen test that is positive, you DO NOT need a PCR test to confirm. You are presumed COVID-19 positive and should isolate according to the CDC guidance.
If you are having milder COVID-19 symptoms it is safe to stay home to recover without seeing a doctor unless severe or life-threatening symptoms develop. Call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency room if you are experiencing serious symptoms.
| COVID-19 Symptoms | What To Do | Where To Go |
|---|---|---|
|
No symptoms: Exposed to someone who recently tested positive. |
Stay home and get tested within 5 days after exposure. |
|
|
Mild symptoms:
|
Stay home until you feel better. |
|
|
Severe symptoms:
|
Seek medical attention right away. |
Call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency room. |
Learn more about pricing for COVID-19 tests.
Patients should not have any out-of-pocket costs for the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) test, but you should check with your health plan to confirm. Non-hospital lab cost (CPT code: 87635) is $112.50. Visit our Hospital Price Estimator tool for the cost of a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) test in our hospitals.
COVID-19 Testing at UH Emergency Rooms
For the safety of our patients and staff, if you are concerned you might have COVID-19, do not go to the emergency room for a COVID-19 test if you are asymptomatic or only experiencing mild symptoms. Our emergency rooms provide COVID-19 testing in emergency scenarios only.
If you are unsure of your level of symptoms, use our symptom checker to help you determine if you need emergency care.
Ohio’s First Fully Mobile and Self-contained Testing Center
The University Hospitals mobile testing unit is bringing COVID-19 testing to underserved areas across the region.
Rapid Testing for Employers
University Hospitals now offering COVID-19 rapid antigen testing for location organizations.
Alternative Testing Options
We are experiencing increased demand for COVID-19 evaluation and testing, so please be patient and expect longer than normal wait times. For additional COVID-19 information and testing options, visit the Ohio Department of Health at Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov.
Options for Care
If you experience an illness or injury that requires same-day care, University Hospitals offers alternative options. For orthopedic injuries, such as a sprain or broken bone, visit a UH Orthopedic Injury Clinic. For minor illness or conditions, such as a UTI or sore throat, get started with a UH Virtual Urgent Care.