COVID-19 Testing
Given Congress’s end to funding COVID-19 testing and treatment, patients may now receive a bill for COVID testing-19 and treatment services that are not fully covered by insurance.
Swedish and NorthShore will continue to provide COVID vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost to patients.
If you need a COVID-19 test:
- Walk in to one of our NorthShore Immediate Care Centers with your photo ID and insurance card
- We are providing RT-PCR tests, with results typically available within an hour, across all clinic locations
- If you need a test and your insurer only covers part of the cost of test, you may be asked to pay the total or balance of the cost of the test
- Individuals who are concerned about their ability to pay for COVID testing can apply for financial assistance. Learn more here. (https://www.northshore.org/about-us/billing/financial-assistance/)
- To find a community-based testing site that provides low cost or no cost tests, click here (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-testing.html)
- Out-of-pocket fees associated with COVID-19 testing are:
- COVID Test: $165
- Office Visit: $98-$116
- If you have a known exposure to COVID-19, or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, remember to mask up immediately and follow other safety best practices pending test results.
Please bring a doctor’s order to the patient testing area. Swedish Medical Group patients do not have to bring in an order if it has been entered in our Electronic Medical Records System (Epic).
No appointment is necessary
If you’re unable to get a COVID-19 test at NorthShore, consider other testing options in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will It Take to Get My Results?
Testing results will be available in 36-72 hours. Please do not call for results.
How Will I Learn My Results?
Please refer to your NorthShoreConnect account. If you are positive your primary care provider or a Swedish Hospital provider will call you with your results.
What Happens if I feel Worse?
Call your primary care provider and they will direct you as to what to do next. If your symptoms are severe, please call 911.
What Should I Do to Help Myself?
If you Test Positive for COVID-19 – Isolate
Get lots of rest, keep hydrated, wash your hands frequently and avoid public areas. Take acetaminophen for fevers (which is a temperature above 100.3 degree Fahrenheit).
- Stay home for 5 days
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days you can leave your house
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 – Quarantine
If you: Have been boosted OR completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
- Test on day 5, if possible.
- If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.
If you: Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 5 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted OR are unvaccinated
- Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
- Test on day 5 if possible.
- If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home
Are there other costs associated with COVID-19 testing?
Common charges associated with COVID-19 testing include:
- COVID High Throughput Test: $230
- Office Visit: $208-$466
- ER Visit: $793-$1,295
Please contact Financial Services at
773-694-8666 or
855-216-4763 if you have additional questions.
