COVID-19 RAPID TESTING INFORMATION

COVID-19 RAPID TESTING INFORMATION & FAQS

GS Labs provides several types of COVID rapid testing, including rapid antigen, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.
 

The testing method will be based on supply. We will accommodate test preference as long as we have the supplies. These tests have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA to diagnose COVID-19 infections.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
When you arrive at the COVID-19 testing site for your booked appointment time, please park in one of the designated spots and stay in your vehicle. The test will only take a few minutes. One of our staff members will either conduct a nasal swab or nasopharyngeal swab to collect the sample for testing. You will receive a notification approximately 20 – 30 minutes later when your results are available.

COVID-19 RAPID TEST COST

Submit your insurance info online before your appointment. After your COVID-19 test(s), you may receive an Explanation of Benefits letter (EOB) from your insurance company – this does NOT mean you owe a balance to GS Labs for your COVID-19 test(s). Your insurance company’s payment will be treated as payment in full by GS Labs, based on current regulations under the CARES Act and FFCRA. You are not responsible for paying any outstanding balance. If you provided us with insurance information when you registered for your appointment, you won’t pay anything out-of-pocket.

Questions? Visit our FAQ page for more information.

TYPES OF COVID-19 TESTS

COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TEST

The COVID-19 rapid antigen test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. This test requires a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab. For the antigen test, GS Labs is using the CareStart, Sienna Clarity and Indicaid testing platforms for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2. Results may come back in as soon as 20 – 30 minutes.
  • Test Purpose: Used to detect an active infection. 
  • Sample Type: Nasal or Nasopharyngeal Swab
  • Results Time: 20 – 30 Minutes* (Wait times may vary depending on volume)

COVID-19 PCR TEST

When supplies are available, we offer COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. This test detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. GS Labs uses Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. – cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test that checks a full respiratory pathogen panel looking for multiple viruses and bacteria. The PCR technology is the most accurate method of testing for COVID-19.
  • Test Purpose: Used to detect active infection.
  • Sample Type: Nasopharyngeal swab
  • Results Time: 3-5 Business Days* (Due to shipping requirements, the first business day after the test is administered is Day 1)
Note: If you do not receive results within 5 days, please contact us at 844-263-9994.
OTHER TESTING SERVICES
GS Labs provides various other testing services, including at-home testing options and at-location testing for COVID, Flu, STD’s and more.

Travel Questions

When planning a trip outside the US, we strongly encourage you to visit this link to find the necessary testing requirements for your destination.

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php.

Our Rapid LAMP and Rapid PCR tests meet most travel requirements. Once you have confirmed our tests meet your travel requirements, please schedule an appointment by visiting gslabstesting.com.

A QR code will be added to your Rapid PCR or Rapid LAMP results. This will help facilitate the travel process by streamlining how results can be viewed and validated. There is also a section to display your passport number on the result form if the number is provided upon registration.

General FAQS

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test:

The COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test is used to detect an active infection of SARS-CoV-2. This test is administered with a nasal swab, and GS Labs uses the Indicaid Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test, which allows results to come back in as little as 20 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). Most insurance providers fully cover this test.

COVID-19 Lab PCR test:

The COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test detects an active infection of SARS-CoV-2. The PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those who have no symptoms, because it detects the virus’s RNA (or genetic material). The PCR technology is the most accurate method of testing for COVID-19. GS Labs offers this test while supplies are available, and results of the PCR test come back in 3–5 days (due to shipping requirements, the first day after the test is administered is considered day one). Most insurance providers fully cover this test.

COVID-19 Rapid PCR Test (NAAT-PCR):

The COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is a type of nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) test used to detect an active infection of SARS-CoV-2. This test can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those who have no symptoms, because it detects the virus’s RNA (or genetic material). GS Labs uses the Accula SARS-CoV-2 test that uses proprietary Oscar™ PCR technology to shorten thermocycling times to provide results in as little as 30 minutes. This test’s limit of detection (LoD) is among the lowest measures for the FDA SARS-CoV-2 reference panel and is offered by GS Labs while supplies are available. The Rapid PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00. Please note that only select GS Labs locations offer Rapid PCR tests.

COVID-19 Rapid LAMP Test (NAAT-LAMP) :

The COVID-19 Rapid Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). This test is very similar to a PCR, differing only in the lack of temperature fluctuations in the testing process. The COVID-19 Rapid LAMP test is used to detect an active infection of SARS-CoV-2, even in those with no symptoms, because it detects the virus’s RNA (or genetic material). GS Labs uses the Lucira All-in-One SARS-CoV-2 test, administered with a nasal swab, and can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. The limit of detection (LoD) is among the lowest measured for the FDA SARS-CoV-2 reference panel. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00.

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen & Flu A/B Test:

GS Labs offers one test to detect two contagious respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and influenza. The COVID-19 Rapid Antigen & Flu A/B test detects COVID-19, influenza A, and influenza B. This test is administered with a nasal swab and can provide results in as little as 20 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $199.00.

Yes, all GS Labs testing sites offer COVID-19 Rapid Antigen testing. Each of our sites also offer Rapid PCR or Rapid LAMP testing.

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms
  • At least five days after known or suspected close contact with COVID-19
  • For screening (schools, workplaces, congregate settings, etc.)
  • Before and after travel
  • When asked by a healthcare professional or public health official
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

We can test patients as young as one year old. A parent or legal guardian must complete this registration for all minor patients (Nebraska: a minor is anyone under age 19). A parent or legal guardian must accompany patients 15 years of age or younger.

Please visit gslabstesting.com/covid-rapid-testing-locations/ to view your nearest location’s hours of operation.
GS Labs has testing sites in many states across the US. To find our nearest location, please visit gslabstesting.com/covid-rapid-testing-locations/. Appointments are encouraged. However, drive-up appointments are available.

Test Result FAQS

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test → In as little as 20 minutes. 

COVID-19 Lab PCR Test →  3–5 days. Due to shipping requirements, the first day after the test is administered is considered day one. 

COVID-19 Rapid PCR Test (NAAT-PCR) → In as little as 30 minutes. 

COVID-19 Rapid LAMP Test (NAAT-LAMP) → In as little as 30 minutes. 

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen & Flu A/B Test → In as little as 20 minutes.

Your Rapid Antigen, Rapid PCR, and Rapid LAMP results will be sent to you via email and SMS messaging. If you have accidentally unsubscribed from these communications, please email concerns@gslabsne.com

Your Lab PCR results will be available to you in your patient portal. Please be sure to check your junk/spam folder for an email from “portal@labnexus.net” with the subject line “Register for the GS Labs Patient Portal by MM/DD/YYYY.

Link to login to the patient portal(s) used by GS Labs: gslabstesting.com/patient-login/

We are happy to hear you received your rapid antigen results so quickly!

As stated in our consent form, we only process your confirmatory PCR sample if 1.) You chose to have a PCR sample collected on-site AND 2.) Your Rapid Antigen test result is negative.

If you received a positive antigen test, your confirmatory PCR will NOT be processed. Our Rapid Antigen test has a ~12% chance of a false negative, which is a common average among COVID-19 antigen tests. The chances of a false positive result are less than 1%. False positives are next to nonexistent in patients that have COVID-19 symptoms or suspected exposure to a COVID-19–positive individual.

Billing & Out-of-Pocket Expenses FAQS

Yes, we offer a financial hardship discount on select tests. Rapid Antigen – $179 (50% off with the financial hardship discount). Lab PCR – $229 (50% off with the financial hardship discount). 

Full Price Only (No Discounts) – Rapid PCR/LAMP (NAAT) – $299. Rapid Antigen & Flu A/B – $199.

After your COVID-19 test(s), you may receive an Explanation of Benefits letter (EOB) from your insurance company – this does NOT mean you owe a balance to GS Labs for your COVID-19 test(s). If you provided us with valid insurance information when you registered for your diagnostic COVID-19 test(s), you shouldn’t pay anything out of pocket. Based on current regulations under the CARES Act and FFCRA, you are not responsible for paying any outstanding balance.

If you have already received an EOB from your insurer that indicates you may owe GS Labs for any portion of your claim, please click the “+” for more information.

If you see a portion of the amount charged to your insurer listed as patient liability/responsibility on your EOB, your insurer has incorrectly processed our claim(s) for your COVID-19 testing. Your insurer is in violation of the federal CARES Act as they did not reimburse GS Labs for the full cost of your COVID-19 test(s) and insinuated that you are responsible for paying GS Labs the remainder of the charged amount.

We would like to assure you that, in accordance with the federal CARES Act, GS Labs does not engage in balance billing of its patients, as doing so is prohibited under CARES. As such, please be assured that GS Labs is not pursuing payment from you for any amount that may show on your EOB as patient liability/responsibility for the COVID-19 testing services.

Your group or individual health insurer is prohibited under the CARES Act from imposing cost sharing (including coding or allocating a certain portion of the service charges as patient liability/responsibility) onto its members for diagnostic COVID-19 testing that its members receive during the public health emergency.

We strongly encourage you to contact your insurer to ask that they correct their claims processing for COVID-19 services. Your insurer is required by the federal CARES Act to cover 100% of COVID-19–related services without imposing any cost sharing on you, so we encourage you to speak with them and demand that they provide the coverage that is guaranteed to you under federal law.

1. Some helpful tips for communicating this request to reprocess your claim according to the federal law include:

2. Demanding that your insurer pay your claim in full directly to the provider.

3. Requesting that your insurer not use a PR (patient responsibility) adjustment code.

Asking your insurer to change their claims-editing software for all COVID-19–related services to align with the requirements of the federal law to not only assist with correcting your claim but the claims of all their insureds.

If it would be helpful to you, we can set up a three-way call with a member of our billing team, you, and your insurer to discuss the processing error. To reiterate: no amount is due and owing from you to GS Labs for the testing that you received from us, and we will not pursue payment from you for any portion of the balance that may show on your EOB.
We offer an out-of-pocket option if your insurance does not cover the test or you are testing without COVID-19 symptoms or a suspected exposure to a COVID-19–positive individual. You may qualify for our financial assistance program. If interested, please fill out the form at gslabstesting.com. The form is at the bottom of each location’s webpage.

Rapid Antigen and Lab PCR tests are available at no out-of-pocket cost when billed to your accepted health insurer. However, GS Labs does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, GEHA, or any supplemental plans to those listed.

Out-of-pocket fees are as follows:

Rapid Antigen – $179

Lab PCR – $229

Rapid LAMP –  $299

Rapid COVID-19 Antigen & Flu A/B – $199

If you have any questions about our pricing, we ask that you visit our pricing-transparency page published on our website. gslabstesting.com/covid-19-pricing-transparency/ When visiting the link, you will find the CPT codes associated with each test. You are encouraged to give those CPT codes to your insurer to confirm whether they cover our tests. Please note, although most insurers cover our Rapid Antigen and Lab PCR tests, our Rapid LAMP and Rapid COVID-19 Antigen & Flu A/B tests are NOT covered.
In order for GS Labs to provide a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen and/or Lab PCR test at no cost to the patient, the patient must be seeking a diagnostic (medically necessary) test for insurers to cover the cost. That is defined by the CDC as either experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or having a suspected exposure to somebody who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Note: GS Labs does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, GEHA, or any supplemental plans to those listed at this time.
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