Before traveling for the holidays, you can now stop by nine BayCare Urgent Centers to get a rapid test that detects both COVID-19 and the flu.
According to a press release, the test is available for asymptomatic people who want to make sure they're negative before traveling or visiting a loved one. Results can be received in 30 minutes.
The service, which officially starts November 16, is an extension of Tampa International Airport’s testing site that's operated by BayCare.
“We’re looking forward to offering this service for patients and give them an accurate diagnosis in real-time,” said Jim Cote, senior vice president for ambulatory services. “This service will give people a peace of mind as they plan their holiday travels and celebrations with their families.”
The test is available on a reservation basis due to limited supply, and will not be billed to insurance. It's available for $150. Click here to register by using Save Your Spot.
“We believe testing plays a crucial role in containing the spread of COVID-19,” said Cote. “That’s why we were one of the first health systems in the region to provide testing access early in the pandemic. We hope this additional service will help reduce the spread of the virus as we head into the holiday season and winter months.”
The following BayCare Urgent Care locations will offer RT-PCR testing:
- BayCare Urgent Care (Countryside)
- 3351 North McMullen Booth Road
- Clearwater, FL, 33761
- BayCare Urgent Care (Clearwater)
- 711 South Belcher Road
- Clearwater, FL, 33764
- BayCare Urgent Care (New Tampa)
- 17512 Dona Michelle Drive, Ste 5
- Tampa, FL, 33647
- BayCare Urgent Care (Riverview)
- 10125 Big Bend Road
- Riverview, FL 33578
- BayCare Urgent Care (South Tampa)
- 1155 South Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 7
- Tampa, FL 33629
- BayCare Urgent Care (Winter Haven)
- 400 1st Street North
- Winter Haven, FL 33881
- BayCare Urgent Care (St. Petersburg)
- 2331 4th Street North
- St. Petersburg, FL, 33704
- BayCare Urgent Care (Carrollwood)
- 11921 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 7
- Tampa, FL, 33618
- BayCare Urgent Care (Largo)
- 13670 Walsingham Road
- Largo, FL, 33774
“Patients experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to get tested at our drive-thru testing sites,” said Dr. Nathan Keith Waldrep, chief medical officer for BayCare Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine and medical director for BayCare HomeCare and BayCare Telehealth.
“Our full network of urgent care clinics is also available for those who wish to be evaluated for flu or COVID-19. If clinically indicated, patients can receive a flu test and a traditional PCR test for COVID-19 that’s sent out to BayCare Laboratories for processing.”