COVID-19 Information
LATEST COVID-19 NEWS
09/30/22: Per CDC guidelines, insurance no longer covers asymptomatic patients—this includes tests for screening purposes such as travel, return to work, and event-required testing. All asymptomatic testing will be a $199 self-pay PCR test (2-3 day turn around).
07/25/22: The current PCR test lead time is 3 days. At this time, Mercy Urgent Care does not offer rapid PCR tests—the only rapid tests offered are for detecting antigens.
01/04/22: Mercy Urgent Care is pleased to now offer therapeutic treatments for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults ages 18 and over with positive COVID-19 test results. Some of the treatments available include Merck’s oral antiviral treatment Molnupiravir—a five-day treatment course for patients who are at high risk for severe progression, including hospitalization or death, and within five days of symptom onset. Learn more about therapeutic treatments.
12/27/21 Updated quarantine guidelines: Anyone who tests positive needs to isolate from others for five days. Individuals with no symptoms, or whose symptoms have resolved, can leave the house but should continue to wear a mask around others for an additional five days. Vaccinated individuals with a close contact/ known exposure to COVID-19 (has been within 6 feet for a cumulative 15 minutes in 24 hours or longer with someone known to have COVID-19) who are asymptomatic do not need to isolate, but should wear a mask around others for ten days, test on day five from exposure, and immediately quarantine if begin to show symptoms. Unvaccinated individuals with a close contact/ known exposure to COVID-19 who are asymptomatic should isolate for five days, wear a mask around others for the next five days, test on day five from exposure. If one begins to show symptoms, immediately quarantine and get tested. Quarantine guidelines in easy-to-follow chart format.
Can health insurance be used?
Per insurance policy, a visit is required and can be scheduled online at your nearest location. Standard insurance copays and deductibles apply. Some insurance companies may not cover provider visit charges in which case the individual is responsible for the balance. As of September 30, insurance no longer covers asymptomatic testing—this includes tests for screening purposes such as travel, return to work, and event-required testing. All asymptomatic testing will be a $199 self-pay PCR test (2-3 day turn around).
Why is testing not free?
At this time Mercy Urgent Care pays for the tests and equipment, and does not receive funding to subsidize testing.
How long does it take to get results?
Rapid antigen tests can be run in 30 min and same day results provided. PCR tests are sent out to a lab for screening, results are typically available in 1-2 days, but tests collected on the weekend or around holidays may take longer. Please note: The rapid test is Antigen not PCR. As of July 2022, the PCR test lead time is 3 days.
Pricing Information
• PCR test with results in 2-3 days = $199.
• Rapid antigen test + PCR (sent to lab) = $249.
COVID-19 testing falls into two categories:
Diagnostic—used for treatment. Patients are symptomatic or asymptotic but have been exposed.
Screening—used for administrative purposed. Patients are asymptomatic and have not been exposed. As of September 30, 2022, asymptomatic COVID tests for screening purposes are no longer covered by insurance. All asymptomatic testing will be a $199 self-pay PCR test (2-3 day turn around).
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relieve, and Economic Security Act (CARES), Insurance plans must cover diagnostic testing without cost-sharing—cost sharing being the amount assigned to patient responsibility; it includes deductibles, copays and co-insurance—but do not have to cover screenings. They also are not required to cover antibody testing, which is used to determine whether a patient has a history of COVID-19 rather than the active virus.
COVID-19 Testing through Mercy Urgent Care
Mercy Urgent Care offers COVID-19 testing at all eight locations. A virtual visit is not required prior to testing, but if you test positive you will need to schedule a visit with a provider. There are costs associated with testing. Please note that some insurance will not cover the cost of the appointment. Please click here for pricing information.
To help increase testing in our community and help our business partners with decision making regarding employees, we have the following tests available (Self-pay costs for consultation plus one PCR test is $199; for consultation plus two tests is $249. Pricing information).
- LabCorp Molecular PCR send out test, nasal swab (results in 1-3 days) PCR send out test fact sheet
- Antibody blood test (results in 1-3 days) Antibody blood test information sheet
State and CDC guidelines for isolation should be followed until results of confirmatory testing can guide return to work, school and activities outside your home.
If you are waiting on results from your COVID-19 testing, click here for information on how to access results through the LabCorp Patient App or 800 number.
Mercy Urgent Care is still seeing patients for other illness, injury and work-related testing or exams. Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle and call your Mercy Urgent Care location for instructions. (Click here for more information about regular urgent care visits and new, safe patient procedures.)
We appreciate your patience as we work to bring you the best care possible during these trying times.
Additional resources:
- Statewide North Carolina COVID-19 Triage Plus Line: 877-490-6642 (7 a.m.-11 p.m. all week)
- For Buncombe County and Asheville-specific questions about COVID-19 concerns (including the Stay Home, Stay Safe Declaration), call the Ready Team at 828-419-0095 or email ready@buncombecounty.org.
- Buncombe County Health Department Symptom Checker
Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing falls into two categories:
Diagnostic—used for treatment. Patients are symptomatic or asymptotic but have been exposed.
Screening—used for administrative purposed. Patients are asymptomatic and have not been exposed. As of September 30, 2022, Mercy Urgent Care no longer offers COVID tests for screening purposes.
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relieve, and Economic Security Act (CARES), Insurance plans must cover diagnostic testing without cost-sharing—cost sharing being the amount assigned to patient responsibility; it includes deductibles, copays and co-insurance—but do not have to cover screenings. They also are not required to cover antibody testing, which is used to determine whether a patient has a history of COVID-19 rather than the active virus.
NC State recommendations on who should be tested for COVID-19
- Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
- Symptomatic close contacts of known positive cases (the ideal time for asymptomatic close contacts to get tested is 5 days after last exposure to the case)
- Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in the following populations who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19:
- People who live in or have regular contact with high-risk settings (e.g., long term care facilities, homeless shelter, correctional facility, migrant farmworker camp)
- Historically marginalized populations (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
- Frontline and essential workers in settings where social distancing is difficult (e.g., those who work in restaurants, grocery stores, child care facilities, construction sites, processing plants, etc.)
- Healthcare workers or first responders (e.g., EMS, law enforcement, fire department, military)
- People who are at high risk of severe illness (e.g., people over the age of 65 and people of any age with underlying health conditions)
- People who attended protests, rallies, or other mass gatherings where social distancing was difficult to maintain
Prevention Information
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Practice social distancing (6 feet separation between people)
- Wear a cloth face cover in public places
