Physicians Care walk-in urgent care is expanding its COVID-19 testing capabilities to include Rapid Antigen testing. Only patients who are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, that began less than five days ago, are eligible to receive the nasal swab rapid test. Rapid testing is available at Physicians Care centers in the following Chattanooga area cities: NorthShore, Highway 58, Hamilton Place, Cleveland, Dayton, East Ridge, Hixson and South Pittsburg.
“Physicians Care recognizes having practically immediate test results is imperative to controlling the spread of COVID-19,” said Tom Dent, Urgent Team’s CEO and chairman. “Quickly identifying infected individuals through rapid testing is a major step toward protecting the health of our patients, staff and communities.”
Results of the Rapid Antigen test will be received during your office visit. Physicians Care uses the Sofia 2 Rapid Antigen test which can detect specific select proteins found in the virus. This means a positive result is highly accurate, officials said.
“However, a negative test result does not rule out infection (a false negative result) – thus, it’s still possible to have the COVID-19 infection with a negative Rapid Antigen test,” said Urgent Team Chief Medical Officer Matthew Browning, M.D. "Your provider may discuss the need to perform additional backup testing after a negative rapid antigen test."
In addition to the rapid test, Physicians Care also offers PCR Molecular testing and Antibody (Serology) testing, to determine if a person has antibodies from a past COVID-19 infection. Additional information about the types of COVID-19 testing offered is available at UrgentTeam.com/Coronavirus-Covid-19.
Walk-ins are welcome or for greater convenience, schedule online with Hold My Spot. For additional center information and hours, visit PhyCare.net.