There’s much concern and confusion about coronavirus and how to get tested. 

Do we have tests available in Warren County? Who has the tests? When will the test results be back? How much does a test cost? 

These questions are being asked over and over. 

Several health clinics and doctor offices were contacted in Warren County with these questions. The answers are simple enough, but what the public needs to know is there are different circumstances that will determine the answers.

There are tests here in Warren County. What that means is a throat or nose swab sample can be taken at your primary care office or clinic, provided symptoms of a cough and fever are present.

The test is not like the flu or strep test where you get a result while you wait. The swabbed sample is sent to a lab to be tested for COVID-19. Depending on where you get the sample done will determine the turnaround on getting back the result.

Family Care Clinic has the means to perform testing. Its tests go to an out-of-state lab that will provide results. Several tests sent last week to those labs have not received results yet. These labs are also assisting other states as well. 

Patients who meet the criteria of being exposed to COVID-19 and have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing have their tests sent to the state public health lab. Those test results will be back within 24 to 36 hours. Five of the tests that met the criteria to be sent to the state lab from Family Care Clinic have come back negative.

Family Care Clinic family nurse practitioner Teresa Hill stresses, “We need folks to call us before showing up to make sure that other patients and staff stay safe. We have a separate waiting area for those with contagious symptoms such as coughing or sneezing. Tele-medicine is also available so patients don’t have to come in at all. If you meet the criteria for the COVID-19 test, we can swab you from your car. Please call and talk to us first.”

“We charge for the visit, but the lab will bill the patient for the test and we are not sure what that amount is at this time,” said Hill.

The Tennessee Department of Insurance has been working with health insurance carriers across the state and has requested those companies cover the cost of coronavirus testing. 

“It is our understanding the health carriers have agreed to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing, which would mean no co-pay for patients,” said Bill Christian, a media relations representative with the Tennessee Department of Health. “If someone does not have insurance and they go to a local Health Department for an assessment and testing, there would be no costs to that patient.”

The Warren County Health Department referred these questions to its spokesperson in Nashville, Shelley Walker. 

“Call your regular healthcare provider and they can assist you,” said Walker when asked about how to get tested. “Individuals without insurance or a regular provider can call the Health Department. Calling ahead is important so the providers can assess the situation with a patient’s symptoms. Arrangements can be made to get a swab sample from the patient without risking possible exposure to a number of people. Do not show up in a crowded waiting room. Call to make plans for your arrival.”

Walker added, “Don’t be cavalier about this virus. At this time there are not any cases in Warren County. Viruses however do not recognize county lines. Follow the guidelines of social distancing and cleaning. Scrub your hands like a surgeon would. Eighty percent of the cases are mild and manageable with over-the-counter medicines. It is like a bad cold or flu.”