How do you get a rapid COVID-19 test? We wish we could provide a simple answer. However, with patient volumes and testing at their max throughout Alabama, clinics are busy and there are long wait times. As a result, we’ve developed a contactless registration system for MainStreet and KidsStreet clinics. It does require a wait, but please know that we’re trying to help you and your neighbors the best we can. Thank you in advance for your patience. We cannot take appointments or provide updates regarding the number of tests available per day, so please read carefully.
How many COVID-19 tests are given daily?
At the beginning of each day, there are a limited number of tests based on the clinic staff and the number of tests available. When you arrive at the clinic, please register via our contactless registration system using the QR codes on the signs that are visible from the outside of the clinic. The number of COVID tests provided daily is limited and you must register online once you arrive at the clinic to get an available test. Once online registrations have reached the daily threshold, patients will receive a message via our contactless registration website that says we have reached our limit for the day. All other patients will be asked to return the next day and get in line before we open.
How early should I get in line?
Contactless registration eliminates the need for a physical line. Please do not form a line or wait outside the clinic. All registration can be done from your car using the online registration directions outside the clinic. You may see cars outside the clinic well before opening, so we recommend arriving before opening to ensure you get a test. You can find opening hours for all locations at www.kidsstreeturgentcare.com. We cannot, however, guarantee anyone a “spot” in advance unless you have used the contactless registration system and received a confirmation via text or email.
For your safety and the safety of others, we ask that patients refrain from lining up for COVID-19 testing prior to 6 am. Local law enforcement will be patrolling to help enforce this.
Do I need to use contactless registration if I’m visiting for something other than COVID-19?
Yes. If you are visiting MainStreet Family Care or KidsStreet Urgent Care for something other than COVID-19 testing, please use the contactless registration system. If you are uninsured, please see the front desk. If you are here for occupational medicine services or worker’s comp and you have an intake form provided by your employer, please do not use the contactless registration. Instead, present your paper intake form to the front desk. Primary care, urgent care (injuries and other illnesses), and occupational medicine patients will be prioritized. If you are having difficulty using the online registration system or if you do not have a smartphone, please walk-in the clinic and ask the front desk staff for assistance.
Can I make an appointment for COVID-19 testing?
No. We do not accept appointments for COVID-19 testing. Due to the unbelievable volume of calls, our clinics are unable to answer the phones. Please do not call the clinics directly.
Does KidsStreet still see patients throughout the day even though COVID-19 testing thresholds are met?
Yes. Once we have reached our testing threshold for the day, the contactless registration page will let patients know that we have reached our daily MAX for COVID-19 testing. However, we will still evaluate and treat any symptomatic patients, and provide primary care and occupational medicine services. Patients who are not coming in for COVID-19 testing may scan the QR code and continue with contactless registration.
What kind of test is this and how quickly do I get my results?
You can find more information on the COVID-19 rapid swab test here.
How much does the COVID-19 rapid swab test cost?
We will submit the cost of the test and your visit to your insurance provider or the HHS Uninsured Patient Program. If for any reason they do not cover it, you will receive a bill. We recommend you contact your insurance provider to determine the following:
- If you will be responsible for the cost of the test and discuss the specifics of your plan and your current deductible balance
- Ask them about a rapid COVID-19 antigen test with FDA Emergency Use Authorization
- In addition to the test, some insurance companies expect you to pay for the office visit when you get the test along with other tests that may be run at your visit (such as a flu test).
You can find more information about the costs of testing here.
I’m taking a vacation and must have a negative test within 72 hours of boarding my flight or arriving at my destination. Can you test me now?
Please refer to the instructions above. There are many people that need to be tested for important reasons. We are trying to help all of you the best we can.
I’m bringing in my family of 5 to get tested. We were all recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Please refer to the instructions above. It is safe to anticipate a significant wait time and know that we will help you as soon as we are able. We are trying to help all of you the best we can.
Do I have to wait in line? When can I go to the waiting room?
- There should be no lines or waiting outside the clinic. Prior to opening, all patients should wait in their car and use the contactless registration system.
- When you receive a text notifying you that it is your turn to come into the clinic, you will have 5 minutes to come inside the clinic and check-in. Please wear a mask and try to maintain a 6 ft. social distance when possible. The staff will call you back when it is your turn to go back to see the provider.
- If you are a patient that is ill, disabled, elderly, or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please wait in your vehicle once you’ve registered.
- As each group of patients is seen, more patients will be invited into the waiting room to check-in with the front desk staff.
What safety precautions are being taken?
- All patients must wear a mask inside the clinics. In accordance with Gov. Ivey’s statewide mask order, a face covering must be worn in public when in close contact with other people. Specifically, all people must wear a mask when within 6 feet of a person from another household; in an indoor space open to the public; or an outdoor public space where 10 or more people are gathered.
- Please do not rearrange or modify our waiting rooms from our standard setup.
- Our clinic staff is continually sanitizing.
- Social distancing is a personal responsibility. We ask that you respect the space of others around you. If we all respect the space of those around us, everyone will benefit.
- We ask that everyone remember that we’re in this together. Patience with other patients and our staff goes a long way. Please be kind and understanding. Our staff is working overtime and we are trying our best to help each and every person that walks into the clinic.
Please do not call the clinics directly. If you have further questions, please email us at info@mainstreetfamilycare.com.