Category: COVID-19

New GS Labs Site Offering Various COVID Tests; Results In As Little One Hour

BOSTON – As the need for COVID-19 rapid tests continues to increase, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the U.S. has opened a new Boston-area testing location in Burlington. GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 6 Wayside Road, Burlington, MA, 01803.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs is a leading provider of COVID-19 tests with dozens of locations across the United States. During the first week of the new year, the company performed more than 49,000 rapid antigen tests, an increase of 65 percent as compared to Thanksgiving week. Tests administered by GS Labs identified more than 13,000 patients who were currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“We know how vital testing is and we are continuing to add capacity to meet the rising demand in communities across the U.S.,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Between the Delta and the Omicron variants, Greater Boston residents want and need testing, and that’s just what we provide.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes the rapid antigen test for $179 which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in two to five days; both have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each that are ideal for travel or screening testing, available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only. Appointments for all test types must be made online prior to arrival.

WHAT: GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS IN BURLINGTON

WHERE: 6 WAYSIDE ROAD, BURLINGTON, MA 01803

WHEN: DAILY 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

If you are attending an upcoming gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Given the sustained surge in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings.
• Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid shouting and signing, especially in indoor spaces.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from your trip.
• Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com

New GS Labs Site Offering Rapid PCR Tests; Results In As Little One Hour

MINNEAPOLIS – As the need for COVID-19 rapid tests continues to increase, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the U.S. has opened an additional Minnesota testing location in Burnsville along Travelers Trail. GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and now a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gateway Business Park, 511-513 Travelers Trail, Burnsville.

In addition to offering Rapid PCR tests, GS Labs is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests across the United States and last week performed more than 18,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at its seven locations statewide. These tests resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 4,200 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“We know how vital testing is and we are continuing to add capacity to meet the rising demand in communities across the U.S.,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Between the Delta and the Omicron variants, Greater Minneapolis residents want and need testing, and that’s just what we provide across the metro area.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes the rapid antigen test for $179 which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in two to five days; both have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each that are ideal for travel or screening testing, available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only. Appointments for all test types must be made online prior to arrival.

WHAT: ADDITIONAL GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS

WHERE: GATEWAY BUSINESS PARK I 511-513 TRAVELERS TRAIL BURNSVILLE, MN 55337

WHEN: DAILY 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

If you are attending an upcoming gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Given the sustained surge in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings.
• Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid shouting and signing, especially in indoor spaces.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from your trip.
• Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com

New GS Labs Site Offering Various COVID Tests; Results In As Little One Hour

OMAHA – As the need for COVID-19 testing continues, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the U.S. has opened an additional Omaha testing location at 144^th and Center Streets in the old Shopko building. Based in Omaha, GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and now a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 14445 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68144. This new site is an addition to GS Labs’ other area locations in La Vista and near 168^th and Blondo in west Omaha.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in the Omaha metro and across the United States. During the first week of the new year, the company performed more than 49,000 rapid antigen tests, an increase of 65 percent as compared to Thanksgiving week. Tests administered by GS Labs identified more than 13,000 patients who were currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“We know how vital testing is and we are continuing to add capacity to meet the rising demand in communities across the U.S.,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Between the Delta and the Omicron variants, Greater Omaha residents want and need testing, and that’s just what we provide across the metro area.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes the rapid antigen test for $179 which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in two to five days; both have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each that are ideal for travel or screening testing, available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only. Appointments for all test types must be made online prior to arrival.

WHAT: ADDITIONAL GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS

WHERE: FORMER SHOPKO BUILDING, 14445 WEST CENTER ROAD, OMAHA, NE 68144

WHEN: DAILY 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

If you are attending an upcoming gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

• Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
• Given the sustained surge in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings.
• Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid shouting and signing, especially in indoor spaces.
• If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
• Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from your trip.
• Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com

As National Testing Lab Continues To Serve Patients Across Missouri and the U.S.,
Big Insurance Seeks to Avoid Paying for COVID Testing and to Limit Testing Access

KANSAS CITY, MO. – GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests in Missouri and the U.S., has filed its latest pleading in the company’s ongoing legal battle against insurance giant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City.

The amended counterclaims, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, allege that Blue KC violated federal antitrust laws to prevent entry and expansion of GS Labs in Missouri, conspired with other Blue insurance companies to illegally deny payment to GS Labs, defamed GS Labs to state and federal enforcement authorities and tortiously interfered with GS Labs’ business relationships.

“Across Kansas City, Missouri and America, communities and families have struggled to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited access to testing. This national shortcoming has been exacerbated by numerous insurance company’s attempts to strangle providers in an effort to continue setting record profits,” said Kirk Thompson, a partner with GS Labs. “The conduct of Blue KC in trying to destroy a business that provides critical COVID-19 testing is disturbing, especially at a time when the Omicron variant has made testing more difficult to find and more important than ever. Given Blue KC’s refusal to negotiate in good faith, we forge ahead with the counterclaims to protect patients and our business.”

The CARES Act makes clear that insurance carriers must pay for COVID-19 testing for insured members. Section 3202(a) states: “If the health plan or issuer does not have a negotiated rate with such provider, such plan or issuer shall reimburse the provider in an amount that equals the cash price for such service as listed by the provider on a public internet website, or such plan or issuer may negotiate a rate with such provider for less than such cash price.”

“Blue KC’s entire Complaint rests on one fundamental flaw,” the filing details. “With no legal authority, the insurer suggests it can refuse to pay GS Labs for COVID-19 testing at the required rates simply because Blue KC deems the published prices too high. Never mind that thousands of Blue KC’s insureds benefitted from those services, or that Congress intended to incentivize providers to pivot their businesses to supply this crucial testing in an attempt to curb the virus’ spread.”

The filing alleges that Blue KC has unlawfully harmed competition in the provision of COVID tests by leveraging its monopoly power in the health insurance market in certain areas in Missouri including in and around Kansas City. Blue KC has 46% of all commercially insured lives in the Kansas City area, and well over 50% of all lives enrolled in PPO or HMO plans. This dominant market share provides Blue KC the power and influence to foreclose entry and expansion of innovative new COVID-testing providers like GS Labs, through refusing to pay GS Labs for tests provided to KC Blue’s members, and steering insureds using false and misleading information away from GS Labs to other providers, including the Blue KC-owned and operated Spira. Blue KC went so far as to send “deceptive and misleading Explanation of Benefits notices,” according to the filing, in an effort to deter patients using from GS Labs.

The amended counterclaims also allege that Blue KC has conspired with other Blues to withhold payments due to GS Labs, for the purposes of price fixing and/or depressing the supply of high-quality testing services (for the reasons described above). This alleged collusion includes the use of listservs to coordinate with other Blue insurers and conference calls between Blue executives to collude against the testing company.

Specifically, the suit illustrates how Blue KC and certain affiliates exchanged competitively sensitive pricing and other information with one another and aligned their strategies and approach in negotiating rates with GS Labs. Blue KC (and other BCBS affiliates) are alleged to have improperly shared competitively sensitive information, their future pricing approach to GS Labs, and their plan to either deny or pay less for GS Labs’ claims. The motion details email and other communication that explicitly demonstrates collusion and collaboration among Blue KC and other Blues. Per the filing, “Many of these communications between Blue insurers were filtered through the companies’ respective legal departments in an (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to hide the conspiracy under the cloak of privilege.”

The pleading also alleges that investigators working on behalf of Blue KC provided false information to state and federal regulators in an effort to deceive government officials and the public. Per the filing, this communication contained “a host of outright falsehoods and misleading statements, many of them reminiscent of Blue KC’s pleadings in this litigation.”

In addition to its role as a direct insurance provider, Blue KC provides third-party administration services to insurance plans sponsored by self-insuring employers and labor unions (“ASO plans”). The filing alleges that Blue KC had a legal obligation to the ASO plans to properly pay reimbursement claims; instead, Blue KC breached this obligation to its customers by unlawfully causing the ASO plans not to pay GS Labs, as required by the CARES Act. By causing the ASO plans not to pay reimbursements as required by federal law, Blue KC tortiously interfered with GS Labs’ business relationship with the ASO plans, indicating that GS Labs would need to pursue the companies whose plans Blue KC was supposed to represent, rather than working with Blue KC, their plan administrator.

GS Labs is seeking full payment for charges that will likely exceed $13.5 million by the end of the week, a total which grows daily as it continues testing without reimbursement. The company also seeks compensatory damages, interest and legal fees.

GS Labs began offering COVID-19 rapid tests in October 2020. Many communities directly requested assistance from GS Labs, due to a lack of testing resources. By keeping testing centers open 12 hours a day during the height of the pandemic – and paying above-market salaries to hire experienced registered nurses and other medical professionals – GS Labs to date has safely and effectively tested approximately one million Americans, including more than 12,000 Blue KC customers.

Des Moines Site Moves to University Avenue in Clive; No Service Interruption Expected

DES MOINES – As COVID-19 infections continue to soar across Iowa and in Des Moines, GS Labs has experienced a sustained surge in Iowans seeking rapid tests to determine their current infection status.

According to the latest national health statistics, COVID-19 infections in Iowa are at their highest level in the past year as the Omicron variant sweeps the state.

GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, last week performed more than 2,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Des Moines. These tests resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 600 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

For the week, GS Labs Iowa tests had a positivity rate of 29 percent, up from 23 percent the week before.

Since Thanksgiving in Iowa, GS Labs has experienced a surge in patients seeking COVID-19 tests. Testing appointments remain available. Appointments can be made at https://gslabstesting.com/. GS Labs testing sites are open seven days a week and each site can test up to 1,000 patients per day.

The GS Labs site located at on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines has been relocated to 8801 University Avenue, Clive, IA 50325 effective immediately. No interruption to service is expected.

Results for rapid antigen tests are typically available on the same day, usually in as little as 20 minutes after the completion of the test.

“With the Omicron variant still on the rise and infection numbers continuing to soar, we intend to be there for the communities we serve by doing what we can to increase testing capacity,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Even as home rapid tests are virtually impossible to find, we do have open appointments for those in need of this critical medical information.”

Nationally, GS Labs has experienced a testing increase of more than 65 percent between last week and Thanksgiving week. This sustained surge in testing resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers during the holidays. For the week, GS Labs antigen tests had a 26 percent positivity rate nationally, up from 21 percent the previous week.

GS Labs has a publicly listed cash price of $179 for a rapid diagnostic test, though most individuals should expect that their insurance will pay for testing as required by law. GS Labs does not take all insurances. Appointments must be made online prior to arrival.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Jackson, please contact David Leibowitz at david@leibowitzsolo.com or 602-317-1414.

OMAHA  – GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, continues to experience a sustained surge in testing at its 21 locations in seven states nationwide.

During the first week of the new year, the company performed more than 49,000 rapid antigen tests, an increase of 65 percent as compared to Thanksgiving week. Tests administered by GS Labs identified more than 13,000 patients who were currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers during the holidays. 

For the week, GS Labs rapid antigen tests had a 26 percent positivity rate, up from 22 percent the previous week and only 8 percent during Thanksgiving week.

“With the Omicron variant still on the rise and infection numbers continuing to soar, we intend to be there for the communities we serve by doing what we can to increase testing capacity,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Even as home rapid tests are virtually impossible to find, we do have open appointments for those in need of this critical medical information.”

GS Labs continues to have testing capacity at its testing sites in Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington. Each site can currently handle up to 1,000 rapid tests each day. Rapid antigen test results are typically available on the same day, usually in as little as 20 minutes after the completion of the test.

GS Labs has a publicly listed cash price of $179 for a rapid diagnostic test, though most individuals should expect that their insurance will pay for testing as required by law. GS Labs does not take all insurances. Appointments must be made online prior to arrival. 

“As the need for testing has become increasingly vital once again, we continue to do everything we can to help Americans who need critical healthcare information,” said Jackson. “We see this as a form of community service as much as anything and we will continue to do what we can to get testing to communities in need.”

For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Jackson, please contact David Leibowitz at david@leibowitzsolo.com or 602-317-1414.

SEATTLE – As COVID-19 infections continue to soar across Washington and Seattle area, GS Labs has experienced a sustained surge in patients seeking rapid tests to determine their current infection status.

According to the latest national health statistics, COVID-19 infections in Washington are at their highest level in the past year as the Omicron variant sweeps the state. 

GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, last week performed more than 14,700 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at its five locations statewide. These tests resulted in GS Labs identifying nearly 3,800 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

For the week, GS Labs Washington tests had a positivity rate of 25.8 percent, up from 22.6 percent the week before and 3.5 percent during Thanksgiving week.

Since Thanksgiving in Washington, GS Labs has experienced a 140 percent surge in residents seeking COVID-19 tests. Testing appointments are currently available. Appointments can be made at https://gslabstesting.com/. GS Labs testing sites are open seven days a week and each site can conduct up to 1,000 tests per day. The company currently has five locations in Washington, including Federal Way, Seattle-Northgate, Lynnwood, Bellevue and Vancouver. 

Results for rapid antigen tests are typically available on the same day, usually in as little as 20 minutes after the completion of the test.

“With the Omicron variant still on the rise and infection numbers continuing to soar, we intend to be there for the communities we serve by doing what we can to increase testing capacity,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Even as home rapid tests are virtually impossible to find, we do have open appointments for those in need of this critical medical information.”

Nationally, GS Labs has experienced a testing increase of more than 65 percent between last week and Thanksgiving week. This sustained surge in testing resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers during the holidays. For the week, GS Labs antigen tests had a 26 percent positivity rate nationally, up from 21 percent the previous week.

GS Labs has a publicly listed cash price of $179 for a rapid diagnostic test, though most individuals should expect that their insurance will pay for testing as required by law. GS Labs does not take all insurances. Appointments must be made online prior to arrival. 

For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Jackson, please contact David Leibowitz at david@leibowitzsolo.com or 602-317-1414.

MINNEAPOLIS – As COVID-19 infections continue to soar across Minnesota and in the Twin Cities, GS Labs has experienced a sustained surge in Minnesotans seeking rapid tests to determine their current infection status.

According to the latest national health statistics, COVID-19 infections in Minnesota are at their highest level in the past year as the Omicron variant sweeps the state. 

GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, last week performed more than 18,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at its eight locations statewide. These tests resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 4,200 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

For the week, GS Labs Minnesota tests had a positivity rate of 23.2 percent, up from 18 percent the week before.

Since Thanksgiving in Minnesota, GS Labs has experienced a surge in Minnesotans seeking COVID-19 tests. On a typical week, GS Labs provides more than 20 percent of all the COVID-19 rapid antigen tests performed in Minnesota. The company currently has eight locations in Minnesota, including Shakopee, Eagan, Minnetonka, at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Blaine, Maplewood, Woodbury and Burnsville.

Testing appointments are currently available. Appointments can be made at https://gslabstesting.com/. GS Labs testing sites are open seven days a week and each site can conduct up to 1,000 tests per day.

Results for rapid antigen tests are typically available on the same day, usually in as little as 20 minutes after the completion of the test.

“With the Omicron variant still on the rise and infection numbers continuing to soar, we intend to be there for the communities we serve by doing what we can to increase testing capacity,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Even as home rapid tests are virtually impossible to find, we do have open appointments for those in need of this critical medical information.”

Nationally, GS Labs has experienced a testing increase of more than 65 percent between last week and Thanksgiving week. This sustained surge in testing resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers during the holidays. For the week, GS Labs antigen tests had a 26 percent positivity rate nationally, up from 21 percent the previous week.

GS Labs has a publicly listed cash price of $179 for a rapid diagnostic test, though most individuals should expect that their insurance will pay for testing as required by law. GS Labs does not take all insurances. Appointments must be made online prior to arrival. 

For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Jackson, please contact David Leibowitz at david@leibowitzsolo.com or 602-317-1414.