COVID-19 is a global health crisis and is impacting over 10,000 patients. Centennial Medical Group is here to provide Rapid COVID-19 Testing

Centennial Medical Group provides new rapid testing in Howard County for our patients that provides results as fast as possible in fifteen minutes. Rapid Testing is broadly available to the public and you do not need a Doctors Order.

COVID-19 testing procedures and policies are as follows:

• Testing is available for patients that have relatable symptoms of COVID-19 for at least seven days
• Rapid COVID-19 testing done at our urgent care center detects the protein or the RNA of the virus in through a Mid Nasal or Throat Swab.  The deep nasal swabs (Nasopharyngeal) are no longer used.
• Patients at our clinic get results on the same day as their visit so they can make important life decisions and changes immediately

COVID-19 FAQs for Patients

Patients that most likely have exposure to COVID-19 meet the following three criteria:

1. Traveled to another country in the last 30 days
2. If you had direct contact with another patient with a confirmed case of COVID-19
3. If a patient has been exposed to COVID-19 and is shown to be symptomatic

Additionally, since COVID-19 rates are skyrocketing nationally, any patient that has prolonged exposure in large groups of people or elsewhere is likely to have exposure. If you believe you are at risk please contact the Maryland Department of Public Health.

Will I need a physician’s order or appointment for COVID-19 testing?

No. An appointment or order from a referring physician will not be needed for a COVID-19 test. You will either be given an examination on-site or during an e-visit prior to the test being administered. This will help us assess exposure risk, deliver quarantine instructions, and vital signs for further healthcare needs and or follow-up care.

We select patients to be followed up on based on symptoms or exposure. Negative confirmation tests may receive a call for a follow up due to a high risk exposure or symptoms documented. No test is perfect and clinical judgement always supersedes the test result, so these follow ups are necessary from time to time, to make sure you are healthy and not spreading the virus within the community.  These telephone calls may result in a billable event to your insurance company.

How will I receive my results?

Everybody must set up their Patient Portal prior to leaving any site so you can receive your results. Negative results are placed in your portal, and positive results are delivered via phone call. We cannot email patients with their results. Those who need a hard copy can pick up at our Maple Lawn office, 10981 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel MD 20723.

How will I be billed for COVID-19 testing?

Per the Maryland State Attorney Generals Order,  “The covered costs include lab tests for the detection or diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID19, the administration of the lab tests, and items and services delivered to a patient during provider visits that result in orders for or administration of the lab tests.  Visits to a provider’s office (including in-person and telehealth visits), urgent care centers, and emergency rooms that result in an order for or administration of the lab tests are also covered.” You should not be required to pay a Copay, Co Insurance, Deductible, or any other charge for your visit.

Here’s the full order:  https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2020/040920.pdf

However, we have found that some insurance companies are assessing patient reasonability, such as Copays and Deductibles for the office visit. If you receive a bill from a Covid related visit, please call your insurance company and inform them that the visit, test, or follow up E-Visit, was related to Covid -19 screening and you should not have to pay. If they still do not change their decision, email, billing@centennialmedical.com with the Insurance Company Name, representatives’ name, contact information such as email or extension, and a reference number for your call, and we will send the Attorney General’s order to the directly.

COVID-19 Information, Resources, and Updates

CDC Updates on COVID-19:
The Centers for Disease Control are constantly providing status updates, information, and prevention resources for COVID-19.

WHO Updates on COVID-19:
The World Health Organization is monitoring the progress of COVID-19 globally to measure total cases, risks, and how much the virus is spreading.

Maryland Department of Public Health COVID-19 Updates: 
The Maryland Department of Health continues to monitor the current cases in the state as well as emergency updates for closures, stay-at-home orders, and critical information for residents.

Simple and Effective COVID-19 Prevention

Leading public health experts strongly encourage patients to continue self-quarantine at home, limiting outside travel, and maintaining sanitary households through handwashing and cleaning. Communities across the state continue to fight the challenges related to COVID-19. Making the tough decisions to stay at home and reduce contact with others is crucial to reducing the spread of the virus.

Per the CDC: As with other respiratory viruses, we recommend people protect themselves and others by practicing everyday actions:

• Clean hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get an annual flu vaccine if you have not had one.”

What type of tests are offered at First Call Urgent Care?

Screen using either a rapid Antigen Test and if negative, a confirmation test via PCR or Molecular Screenings. To find out about more about each test we provide, click the links below.

Rapid Tests

Abbott, ID Now Rapid Covid – 19 Molecular Test

Detects the RNA of the virus in 13 minutes or less using a nasal swab, does not require PCR confirmation for negative results

For more information:

https://www.abbott.com/IDNOW/IDNOW-COVID-19-FAQ.html

 Quidel, Sophia 2,  Rapid Nasal Antigen Test

Detects the protein of the virus in 15 mins or less using a nasal swab, currently requires PCR confirmation for negative results

For more information:

https://www.quidel.com/immunoassays/rapid-sars-tests/sofia-sars-antigen-fia

Becton Dickinson, Veritor Plus, Rapid Nasal Antigen Test

Detects the protein of the virus in 15 mins or less using a nasal swab, currently requires PCR confirmation for negative results

For more information:

https://www.bd.com/en-us/offerings/capabilities/microbiology-solutions/point-of-care-testing/bd-veritor-plus-system-for-rapid-covid-19-sars-cov-2-testing

Confirmation Tests

PCR confirmation tests currently provided by Labcorp

For more information:

https://www.labcorp.com/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/individuals/faqs