COVID-19 testing helps detect this potentially serious disease. But when should you get it? At Passion Health Primary Care in Irving, Plano, Frisco, Prosper, Aubrey, Kemp, Kaufman, Flower Mound, Forney (Temporarily Closed), and Texas, Shyamala Arani Purushotham, MD, FACP, CPHQ, and Pooka Naik, MD, and the team provide COVID testing if you have symptoms or are planning travel. Call today to schedule your test with our expert COVID doctors, or use the online tool to set up an appointment.
COVID testing can confirm whether or not your symptoms are due to a COVID-19 infection or another virus. The testing can also detect if you have a COVID infection without symptoms that you could potentially spread to others. In-office testing provides greater accuracy than at-home testing.
COVID-19 is caused by a virus and spreads when an infected person’s respiratory droplets invade the air through coughing, sneezing, or talking.
The severity of COVID-19 infections varies from person to person. Most people recover fully after a few days of symptoms, but people with compromised immunity may suffer long-term health effects or hospitalization.
The team at Passion Health Primary Care recommends testing before you’re going to be in a crowded location, visit with a compromised loved one, or if you have symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms are much like other respiratory viruses, like the flu or the common cold. You benefit from getting a test if you have:
Your COVID test takes place in the office. If you have COVID-19, your provider can offer symptom relief and monitor you just in case your symptoms worsen.
If you don’t have COVID-19, your provider may recommend another test, such as a flu test, to narrow down your diagnosis.
Passion Health Primary Care offers the PCR COVID-19 test. This type of test accurately diagnoses COVID-19.
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction test. The test evaluates a small sample of your nasal fluid. It determines whether you currently have the virus but won’t detect past infections.
You may also request a COVID-19 antibody test to determine if you’ve had a past infection. Past infections may possibly offer some level of immunity. This test will not tell you if you currently have a COVID-19 infection.
The Passion Health Primary Care team can help you decide the type of test that is right for you.
Schedule your COVID testing through Passion Health Primary Care by calling the office or online through this website.
Stay home and avoid close contact with others until your symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. After you return to normal activities, take extra precautions for the next 5 days (masking, cleaner air, distancing when possible, and hygiene), especially around high-risk people. (CDC)
Most people are most contagious early. People with COVID-19 can be infectious 1–2 days before symptoms and up to 8–10 days after symptoms begin (sometimes longer in severe illness or weakened immunity). (CDC)
Current CDC guidance is symptom-based, not a fixed number of days:
Retesting is not required for most people to end “stay home” time under the updated symptom-based guidance. If you choose to retest (for extra reassurance before being around high-risk people), an antigen test is often most useful to gauge current infectiousness—especially during the first week. Also, CDC notes that testing guidance differs if you’ve had a positive test in the last 90 days. (CDC)
It varies. Some people test negative in about a week, while others can continue to test positive longer—especially on sensitive PCR/NAAT tests. Feeling better and being fever-free reduces risk, but added precautions for 5 days after returning to activities are recommended because some spread can still occur. (CDC)
A negative test lowers the likelihood you’re contagious, but it doesn’t guarantee zero risk—especially if symptoms are new or you used a single antigen test early. FDA recommends repeating antigen testing after a negative result (commonly 48 hours later) if you still suspect infection. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
If you truly cleared infection, contagiousness drops significantly. However, if symptoms continue or worsen, consider repeat testing and follow the CDC “added precautions” approach when returning to normal activities. (CDC)
Yes. Symptoms can linger as inflammation resolves, and some people test negative while still coughing or feeling fatigued. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or you’re high-risk, contact a clinician.
Yes. People may be infectious 1–2 days before symptoms begin, which is why spread can happen before a test turns positive. (CDC)
Common options include:
Many urgent care centers do, but availability varies by location and demand.
CVS offers COVID testing at select locations (availability and eligibility can vary by site). (CVS)
Many Walgreens locations have offered testing, but availability can change by region and season—check local scheduling options.
Some Walmart/partner locations have offered testing; availability varies by area.
The fastest approach is to check nearby pharmacies/urgent care scheduling or call your primary care clinic for same-day availability.
Sometimes. It depends on why you’re testing (symptoms/medical need vs travel/work), where you test, and your insurance rules.
Costs vary widely based on test type (rapid antigen vs PCR/NAAT), location, and whether insurance covers it.
Many plans cover medically necessary testing, but travel or “just to know” testing may not be covered.
Yes—Medicare Part B generally covers COVID-19 diagnostic lab tests with no cost-sharing when ordered by a provider and done by a laboratory (including at certain pharmacies/clinics that process lab tests). (Medicare)
Over-the-counter at-home test coverage is not guaranteed under Medicare the way it was during the public health emergency; Medicare’s clear ongoing coverage is for provider-ordered diagnostic lab tests. (Medicare)
Often no, if the test is solely for travel or administrative requirements rather than a medical diagnostic reason. (Policies can vary—confirm with the testing site and payer.)
Payment depends on your insurance, the reason for testing, and the testing site. For Medicare diagnostic lab tests ordered by a provider, you usually pay nothing. (Medicare)
If you develop symptoms, test right away. If you were exposed and have no symptoms, testing timing can vary; many people test a few days after exposure and repeat if negative and symptoms develop (especially using antigen tests).
Go to urgent care/ER or call 911 for: trouble breathing, chest pain/pressure, severe weakness, confusion, bluish lips/face, or rapidly worsening symptoms—especially if you’re high-risk.
Medical Disclaimer – FAQ Content
The information provided on this FAQ page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Content related to high cholesterol, diet, supplements, medications, and lifestyle is general in nature and may not apply to every individual.
Health conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension vary based on personal medical history, genetics, and other risk factors. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, supplements, or medications.
Reading this content does not establish a physician–patient relationship. Do not disregard or delay professional medical advice because of information found on this website.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other urgent medical concerns, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services.
