My newsletter has the theme “anxiety,” because what better way to pay homage to the decade that 2020 has been? One huge source of anxiety has been around COVID and testing. How long are the lines going to be?? Do I have COVID or is this just a panic attack? Where can I make an appointment for a test? Where can I get a rapid test?
Well, people, I have information for you! All credit for this list goes to Deborah Ribner & Lauren Starr, two other Compass agents out here collaborating without ego (one of our founding principles) and sharing this information in the hopes it helps someone like me or you.
Click the laboratory name to access the link to their websites, and please confirm all information with the lab itself, as 2020 is nothing if not unpredictable change.
You can now make an appointment for a free rapid COVID-19 virus test at COVID Express Quickie Lab sites throughout the city. Test results will be available within 24 hours or less of your visit. Most patients will receive their test results on the same day as their visit. All tests performed at these sites are PCR-based laboratory diagnostic tests.
Cost: Free to all New Yorkers; check the website for locations around the city.
^ I’m putting this one first because I just had an incredible experience there. They open for booking two days in advance, so I woke up at 5am on Tuesday to snag a spot for Thursday. My appointment was at 1:30pm and I was out by 1:45 with both a PCR test and a flu shot. Both were free and I had my COVID results (negative!) in four hours. I went to the 135th St and 5th location. Everyone was SO FREAKIN NICE AND LOVELY, TOO!
Offers drive through testing and at-home testing through at-home collection kits which take 24-hours to order and 2-3 days from the day from the day that the sample is picked up to get results. Antibody testing is also offered as well.
Cost: $129.00 plus $9.30 physicians fee.
COVID-19 testing is available at Northwell Labs patient service centers and Northwell Health-GoHealth urgent care centers. You will need a prescription for a diagnostic test. PCR testing and antibody testing are offered. Walk-ins only. 4+ days for results. Various locations around the city.
Cost: Billed to your insurance
LabFly is a mobile App which you will need to install on your phone. A Lab Expert will come to your home and give you a COVID-19 PCR Test. Ages 5 and older. It is recommended to get a prescription from your doctor or pediatrician. Up to 7-days to get results.
888-321-DOCS
Cost: Testing covered by most insurance plans. $19.99 fee per home visit.
By appointment only. In person testing - same day results. Rapid tests available.
315 East 83rd Street, 917-974-1061.
Cost: $300.00. Covered by most major insurance plans. Receipt provided to submit to your insurance carrier for out-of-network coverage.
Rapid Test NYC (where the cool kids go)
No appointment necessary. Rapid tests offered. Results in 30 minutes.
232 Elizabeth Street, 917-983-2560
Cost: $250.00, can be billed to your insurance.
PCR and Antibody testing offered with an appointment only. PCR Covid-19 tests take 3 to 6 days for results. Antibody test results take about 1-2 days. Rapid Tests not offered.
200 East 78th Street 1A, 212-203-2146
Cost: Covered by most insurance plans.
FDA approved saliva test which is done from the comfort of your own home. Order the test, which is delivered within 1-2 days and results are received 2-3 days from the time that the sample is picked up. You will have a Zoom video call with a medical professional who will watch and assist you with obtaining the sample. Create an account for more info,
Cost: $119 for at-home test
Make an appointment for a rapid PCR test. Results received in 15 minutes.
Pediatrics: 315 West 57th Street #404 and 302 E. 72nd Street 888-603-0993 x2
Adult Services: 330 West 58th Street, #414, 888-603-9338 x4.
Cost: Co-pay taken and insurance will reimburse you. Most major insurance plans accepted.