Doctors Care Urgent Care offers walk-in COVID-19 antibody testing at all locations
April 30, 2020
Doctors Care is pleased to begin offering walk-in COVID-19 antibody testing at all of its urgent care centers across the state. Any interested person who is healthy and has not had any COVID-19 symptoms in the preceding 14 days can obtain the test without an appointment. Results are available within 24-72 hours, and the test will be filed with the patient’s insurance.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 antibody test is used to detect the presence of antibodies, not to diagnose active infection. A positive result indicates that the individual may have had a previous exposure to COVID-19 and their body has developed antibodies. Some people infected with COVID-19 will never exhibit symptoms but will have detectable antibodies.
“We know there are a lot people in the community who believe that they were possibly exposed to the virus in the early stage of the pandemic when no testing was available,” said Dr. Curtis Franke, president of Doctors Care urgent care. “This test will allow those patients some peace of mind, although it does not guarantee immunity for those with a positive result. We still have much to learn about this infection and the antibody response, and results should be treated accordingly.”
While there is belief that the presence of antibodies may provide immunity to future infections, there is not yet enough data to support this conclusively.
Jill Armbruster, spokesperson for Doctors Care urgent care, cautions patients not to come to centers for the antibody test if they are experiencing any symptoms of the coronavirus, or have experienced symptoms within the preceding 14 days. “For the safety of our staff and other patients, we ask that only symptom-free patients seek testing at our centers. And to be extra cautious, we also request that you wear a facemask or bandana to eliminate any risk of exposure to those individuals also in center.”
Doctors Care is also offering on-site antibody testing as part of a suite of services aimed at businesses eager to get their employees safely back into the workplace. Workplace Entry Solutions coordinated by Doctors Care Employer Health Services and Corporate Health & Wellness teams include temperature checks, symptom questionnaires, antibody testing, and viral diagnostic test referrals via virtual visits. These protective measures, in addition to smart social-distancing precautions, will help employers create a safer work environment for employees.
“The safety of employees in all industry sectors is key to getting our state back on track, and Doctors Care wants to be a part of the solution,” added Armbruster. “We’re in this together, and want to offer our expertise to support businesses around the state.”
For anyone who believes they may have an active COVID-19 infection, they should initiate a virtual urgent care visit with a Doctors Care provider at DoctorsCare.com/Anywhere. Doctors Care operates several drive-through COVID-19 specimen collection sites around the state, and can refer patients to the best local option. For more information about the antibody test, please visit DoctorsCare.com. For more information about Employer Health Services, please visit Employers.DoctorsCare.com.
About Doctors Care Urgent Care
Doctors Care urgent care is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original center, opened in Columbia in 1981, was the first urgent care center in South Carolina. Now, Doctors Care is one of the largest urgent care companies in the United States. Its network of 54 locations continues to expand to serve patients with quality healthcare that is both convenient and affordable. All Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, flexible hours, onsite X-ray, laboratory and onsite prescriptions, virtual visits and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.
