September 23rd, 2021 Update

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why do I have to pay a copay when all I want is a COVID test?

We collect a copay because you will be seeing a medical provider and we will bill your insurance for a visit with a provider.

Why do I have to see a medical provider?

We are not considered a “covid testing site”. We are a provider based medical practice in which the provider will evaluate you and make decisions regarding your care. Our providers will be reviewing your results and determining the need for care and follow up. These services are not provided at a “covid testing site”.

I heard Covid testing is free. Why am I getting a bill? 

Because we are a provider based medical practice in which the provider will evaluate you and make decisions regarding your care, your insurance will be billed for a visit with the provider. While your insurance may cover the actual Covid test 100%, they may put the visit with the provider towards your deductible or coinsurance. 

I heard Covid testing is free. Why do you need my insurance information? Why do I have to be in your network? Why do I have to pay out of pocket if I don’t have insurance?

There are 2 kinds of Covid-19 testing:

- PCR- which is sent to a lab and is either completely covered by your insurance, or is paid for by government funding for uninsured patients.

- Rapid test- Which is done here in the office and is covered completely by insurance that is in network with our office. Uninsured or out-of-network patients have to pay out of pocket for this test because we have to purchase these tests and we do not receive funding to cover these expenses.

There are Covid testing sites that provide free covid testing or who take any kind of insurance regardless of network. These sites are specifically designed for testing only and are given special funding and/or reimbursements. We are not one of these sites. 

What should I do if I don’t want to see a provider or I want a free test?

You can look online at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing to find a site near you. 

Or you can google “covid-19 testing near me” to find a site that does covid testing only.