With more testing sites increasing capacity and allowing those without symptoms to receive testing, local health officials have updated guidelines on who should get tested and how.
Original post: March 23, 2020
As more kits become available, here is how Houston area residents can receive coronavirus testing. In the coming weeks, more providers may begin offering testing and existing sites may expand capacity.
Who can get tested?
Testing criteria varies by site but most prioritize medical workers, first responders and the elderly or those with underlying conditions, recent travel or exposure to someone with a confirmed positive case. People presenting common symptoms such as fever and a dry cough are also prioritized.
Can people without symptoms get tested?
Those without symptoms who have not traveled to high-risk destinations recently or come in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus will not be prioritized by those offering testing, Houston Director of Emergency Medicine Dr. David Persse said. Those who are asymptomatic could receive a false negative test result.
“The reason we're trying to focus on the people who have symptoms is that your ability to spread the virus parallels how much of the symptoms you have. Somebody who's asymptomatic may be able to be able to test positive but they're not likely shedding a lot of virus,” Persse said. “We want to identify the people who are spreading it a lot. ... Does that leave a gap? It sure does, but that's because we don't have a ubiquitous amount of testing available.”
Does the test cost anything?
Tests administered through Harris County and the City of Houston are free. Tests offered by private providers are paid through insurance or out-of-pocket payment. For payment questions, residents are encouraged to contact their primary care physicians or Houston and Harris County’s coronavirus hotlines.
City of Houston: 832-393-4220
Harris County: 832-927-7575
Fort Bend County: 281-633-7795
Where can I get a test?
There are two types of testing locations:
- On-site testing: Some tests are available at clinics, urgent care centers, freestanding emergency rooms and hospitals, which require insurance coverage or out-of-pocket payment. However, those with non-life-threatening symptoms who are seeking testing should call primary care physicians for a consultation first, Harris County Public Health officials recommend. This gives health care providers time to prepare to administer a test by wearing protective clothing and isolating a patient before they come in contact with others.
- Drive-thru and walk-up service at large-scale testing sites are now being offered by both private and public providers. Government-funded tests are free to those with and without insurance. Some test centers require pre-screening while others perform screening on site
The testing site originally offered pre-screening online but switched to only in-person screening as of March 19.
Service: drive-thru
Cost: free
Pre-screening required? No
Houston
United Memorial Medical Center, 501 Tidwell Drive, Houston
Forest Brook High School, 7525 Tidwell Road, Houston
Sugar Land
18111 Lexington Boulevard, Sugar Land
281-618-8500
www.ummc.care
Legacy Community Health
As federally qualified health centers, Legacy Community Health Clinics aim to provide low-cost care for underserved individuals.
Service: walk-up
Cost: On a sliding fee scale, no upfront costs
Pre-screening required? No
Legacy Bissonnet, 12667 Bissonnet Street, Houston
281-498-6100
Legacy Fifth Ward, 3811 Lyons Ave., Houston
832-548-5400
Legacy Mapleridge, 6550 Mapleridge Street, Houston
713-779-7200
Legacy Montrose, 1415 California St., Houston
832-548-5100
Legacy Northline, 5598-A1 North Freeway, Houston
281-628-2030
Legacy San Jacinto, 4301 Garth Suite 400, Baytown
281-420-8400
Legacy Santa Clara, 5616 Lawndale Street, Houston
713-921-0075
Legacy Sharpstown, 6677 Rookin Street, Houston
713-921-0075
Legacy Southwest, 6441 High Star Drive, Houston
713-779-7200
Legacy Central Beaumont, 450 North 11th Street, Beaumont
409-242-2577
Legacy Central Stagg, 3455 Stagg Drive, Beaumont
409-833-8850
www.legacycommunityhealth.org
My Family Doctor
My Family Doctor is a private clinic offering testing for anyone exhibiting symptoms.
Service: drive-thru
Cost: free through insurance or $150 out-of-pocket, cash only
Pre-screening required? No
6430 Hillcroft Ave., Houston
Pre-screening required? No
832-709-1515
www.covid19drivethru.com
Houston Health Department
Two sites are now open to any pre-screened individuals presenting symptoms. Pre-screened and approved test seekers are directed to the best available site.
Service: drive-thru
Cost: free
Pre-screening required? Yes
832-393-4220
www.houstonemergency.org/covid19
Harris County Department of Health
Two sites are open to any pre-screened individuals in the greater Houston area, including those outside of Harris County. Pre-screened and approved test seekers are directed to the best available site.
Service: drive-thru
Cost: free
Pre-screening required? Yes
832-927-7575
www.checkforcorona.com
UT Physicians
UT Physicians opened two drive-thru testing sites in Houston and Missouri City April 2 and plan to open more as additional supplies become available.
Service: drive-thru
Cost: Free through insurance, some out-of-pocket charges may apply
Pre-screening required? yes
Houston
Acres Homes, 7364 Antoine Drive, Houston
Missouri City
8810 Highway 6, Ste. 100, Missouri City
713-486-2619
www.UPhysicians.com/COVID19Testing
What happens when someone receives a positive result?
Those with manageable symptoms should stay home and avoid all person to person contact until symptoms abide, Persse said. Health care providers can monitor symptoms remotely and determine when a patient has returned to health. If conditions worsen, Persse said to seek medical advice and call ahead if going to an emergency department.
Editor's note: this post has been updated for clarity.
