ANTIBODY TESTING PROCESS

Download the Telescope Health app and register for a free account. Patients may receive a $25 virtual visit by entering the promo code “HERE4YOU.” Once information has been entered, you may complete a virtual provider visit to discuss antibody testing. If you meet the criteria for testing, your provider will approve you for a Quest or LabCorp visit at a location convenient to you. Within two hours you will be eligible for a walk-in antibody test. You may also make a direct appointment with your lab location at a time that is convenient for you.

DETAILS

For your appointment, you MUST wear a mask. Your information will be sent to Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp within two hours of your virtual visit. You will not receive a notification in your Telescope Health patient portal. You may contact the lab of your choosing, as guided by your insurance plan, to confirm your test order is active or to make an appointment. Testing is done via a standard blood test at a Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp location. Appointments are not required for antibody testing, but may be encouraged to avoid wait times. You are eligible for a walk-in lab visit within approximately two hours after your virtual visit. Your results, interpretation, and education materials will be uploaded to your patient file in the web based Telescope Health platform (not available on mobile app). You will receive an email from Telescope Health when this becomes available. A care provider may contact you via a phone call to discuss urgent results, followed up by an email. Lab results may take up to three days. The amount of time will depend on the volumes of the lab. If you have not received your results after 4 days, please contact our patient care team at 904-373-5304.

Antibody Testing FAQ

What is an antibody test?

An antibody test looks for the presence of antibodies, which are specific proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies can be found in the blood of previously-infected people who are being tested.

Can people in Florida and Georgia be tested?

Yes, residents across Florida and Georgia are eligible for testing as deemed appropriate through a Telescope Health provider.

If it is determined during the doctor visit that I meet the criteria for antibody testing, when and how do I receive my order?

Your information will be sent to Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp within two hours of your virtual visit. You will not receive a notification in your Telescope Health patient portal. You may contact the lab of your choosing, as guided by your insurance plan, to confirm your test order is active or to make an appointment.

Does testing positive mean I have COVID-19?

The antibody test alone cannot confirm a COVID-19 case, but antibody levels provide clues as to whether you may have come in contact with the virus previously. You should not receive an antibody test if you are experiencing current COVID-19 symptoms.

How much will it cost?

Antibody testing through Telescope Health is covered under most insurance plans. Self-pay patients may see a Telescope Health provider for just $25 with use of promo code HERE4YOU, plus the cost for the antibody test which can range from approximately $50 – $100, depending on the lab provider.

Who should get tested?

Antibody testing can help determine if a patient may have been previously exposed to the COVID-19 virus. If you feel you may have been previously exposed to the virus, consult with a Telescope Health provider for testing.

Can I use any Quest or LabCorp located near my home, in any county?

Yes, you can choose any Quest or LabCorp location, as guided by your insurance plan.

Where will the antibody testing be conducted?

If approved by your provider, you will be eligible for antibody testing at the lab of your choosing approximately two hours after your virtual Telescope Health visit.

Can I just go to a Lab for antibody testing?

No, you must be approved for testing by a Telescope Health provider.

How can I test positive if I was never sick?

It is possible you may receive a positive antibody test result without ever showing obvious symptoms of COVID-19. This is known as having an asymptomatic infection, or an infection without symptoms.

I tested Negative, what do I do now?

A negative result means you most likely have not come into contact with the coronavirus. Please continue to practice safety guidelines from the CDC such as hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, maintaining clean surface areas and practicing safe social distancing by keeping a distance of six feet from others.

Am I eligible to be tested?

Patients who have been symptom free, including fever, for a minimum of 10 days are eligible for antibody testing. This is not a test for people currently displaying symptoms.

What are the hours of operation for Telescope Health?

Doctors are available for virtual visits 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I tested positive, am I safe to be around people without a face cover and without staying 6 feet apart?

When you receive your test results, a Telescope Health provider will also ensure appropriate next steps are included. Please continue to practice the safety precautions advised by the CDC and the Department of Health such as wearing a face covering when around others, hand washing and practicing safe social distancing.

I tested Negative, does this mean I never had COVID-19?

In most cases, a negative antibody test may mean you have not yet come into contact with the coronavirus and do not have it in your system. If you believe you had symptoms of the virus or came into contact with an infected person and have negative results, you may have been tested too early and have yet to develop antibodies against the virus. This is known as a false-negative.

Can I return to work?

A Telescope provider will review your test results and provide the appropriate next steps. If there is no evidence of an active infection or recent exposure to COVID-19, you will likely be able to return to work. Please continue to practice the appropriate safety guidelines.