News

Goldson Medical Associates, LLC (GMA) is currently offering two forms of COVID-19 testing – the PCR (nasal swab) test and the Serum Antibody IgG (blood) test. Please read below FAQ for more information regarding these COVID-19 tests offered at GMA.

What do these COVID-19 tests detect?

PCR (nasal swab): This test will detect if you are actively infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Serum Antibody IgG (blood test): This test will detect if you have had prior exposure to COVID-19 and have built an antibody for the virus. For most viral illnesses, a positive antibody means prior exposure to a virus and some degree of immunity to future infection. As COVID-19 is a novel (new) infection, it is unclear if a positive antibody definitively offers immunity. The  recommendation is to still practice social distancing and universal precautions.

What criteria do I need to meet to receive one of these tests?

We will determine the appropriate test via phone screen/televist

PCR (nasal swab):

• If you are actively experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as:
  • Fever
  • Persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Body aches

 

Serum Antibody IgG (blood test):

• Antibody testing can be considered in any patient that may be interested in understanding their exposure status.
• Antibody testing is NOT recommended for:
  • Patients with active symptoms, such as fevers, chills, cough, shortness of breath.
• Patients who had symptom onset within past 14 days, even if they are now asymptomatic.  They will be asked to schedule the test at least 14 days from onset and at least 3 days after resolution of symptoms to avoid false negatives.

 

How are these tests administered?

• PCR (nasal swab): Administered via a nasopharyngeal (nasal) swab.
• Serum Antibody IgG (blood test): Administered via a blood sample.

Where do I go to perform the tests:

PCR (nasal swab) for possible active infection

As part of our effort to protect our patients and staff, the  nasal swab test will be performed as a curbside service outside of our building.   Patients will be asked to remain in their cars with the windows up and wearing masks until they are approached by a staff member to perform the test.  There have been marked parking spots (orange safety cone) in the rear parking lot.  At the time of registration for the visit, the patient will identify the vehicle type/color so we know who the expected occupant is going to be.  This testing will be based on a scheduled appointment.

Serum Antibody

Test is done as part of regular bloodwork either by the lab service at our office or can be done by Quest with a lab order

What platforms do you use for molecular/PCR testing?

We send out to our national commercial lab partners (Quest or Lab Corp). All platforms used have FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

What platforms do you use for serology/antibody testing?

We send blood draws (serology), to our national commercial lab partners (Quest or Lab Corp).

How long will it take to receive my results and how do I view them?

PCR (nasal swab): Generally, it will take 3-5 days to receive your results. Your results can be viewed via your patient portal account. Please note, that in addition to posting the test results in your Patient Portal, all patients who receive a positive result will be contacted via phone.

Serum Antibody IgG (blood test): Generally, it will take 3-5 days to receive your antibody results. Your results can be viewed via your patient portal account.

How much do each of these tests cost?

Per the CARES Act, GMA is not collecting copayments for COVID-19 related visits. Inquiries regarding lab bills should discussed directly with the lab partner.

If you have specific concerns, you may want to call your insurance provider ahead of your visit to confirm they will cover the cost of your GMA visit and test.

What precautions do I take based on my results of these tests?

PCR (nasal swab):

• Negative: Continue to exercise universal precautions such as social distancing, quarantining, frequent hand washing, wearing of a mask or face cloth in public, and other CDC guideline recommendations.
• Positive: Stay home, separate yourself from others in your home, continue to monitor your symptoms, call 911 if you have an emergency. Ensure that you and your provider discuss how long you need to self-isolate and what else needs to be done to get you well and keep others safe.

 

Serum Antibody IgG (blood test):

Regardless of your results, you should continue to exercise universal precautions such as social distancing, quarantining, frequent hand washing, wearing of a mask or face cloth in public, and other CDC guideline recommendations. Remember, COVID-19 is a new infection, and it is unclear if a positive antibody definitively offers immunity.

 

Over the past several weeks, our offices have taken proactive steps to keep our patients and employees safe. Now, as things begin to stabilize, it is our job to make sure you are receiving the essential care you need. To ensure this, on June 1, 2020—with stringent safety measures in place— we are starting a gradual re-opening of offices that had been temporarily closed.

What kind of services will you start to offer in-person?

It is important to restart care that is currently being postponed, such as preventive medicine and chronic disease care. We know many patients have ongoing health care needs that are being deferred and need to re-start clinically necessary care.  The importance of this is underlined by the devastating effect of COVID-19 on those with underlying medical conditions, particularly when poorly controlled.

Is it safer to postpone an office visit until the pandemic is over?

We understand you may be hesitant to seek in-person care at this time. However, the dangers of undetected medical conditions and chronic disease may put you at even greater risk. We’ve put careful precautions and protocols in place to ensure a safe in-office visit. We hope you don’t delay making an appointment for essential care.

What is GMA doing to keep me safe at my next in-office visit?

For the safety and well-being of our patients and in-office teams, we are reinforcing best practices at our office, including the below:

• Strict social and physical distancing measures
  • Minimal time spent in waiting areas
  • Option to wait in car after check-in and be called directly to exam room
  • Low patient volumes
• Restriction of visitors (unless medically necessary)
• Screening of all employees using non-contact infrared thermometers
• Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of all areas
• All patients, employees, and visitors to be wearing masks or face coverings

Our plan is a phased re-opening. All services will reopen to scheduled visits. GMA providers will be seeing patients with reduced schedules to accommodate social and physical distancing among patients. To book an appointment, see call 973-313-1113.

Will you still be offering telemedicine?

As we gradually resume in-person care, we will continue to maximize our telemedicine platforms for care that can be accomplished virtually. When you call for an appointment, we will help to decide if an in-person or virtual visit is your best option.

 

Go to Telehealth Visits