Last update: 2022-01-20

Due to limited test supplies, our emergency rooms and urgent cares can only test those with significant COVID-19 symptoms and those at risk for serious illness — including people with underlying medical conditions including pregnancy, and those 65 and older and their caregivers.

While COVID-19 tests are free, you are responsible for the cost of any ER or urgent care visit.

We are experiencing high volumes and encourage you to visit a location offered by our community or health care partners to be tested sooner. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing.

• Can I go to Sharp for a COVID-19 test?
• What are community resources for testing?
• Can I get tested at a Sharp Rees-Stealy urgent care?
• Is there a fee for COVID-19 screening or testing?
• When should I seek care for coronavirus symptoms?
• Can I take an at-home test?
• Can I get at-home COVID-19 tests for free?
• Will my health plan cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests?
• I don't work at Sharp and my employer told me that I need to get tested. What should I do?
• How do I request documentation of my COVID-19 test results from a Sharp location?

Can I go to Sharp for a COVID-19 test?

Not all patients who request a test will be tested for coronavirus. To determine who should be tested, Sharp follows the guidelines and criteria set forth by the CDC and California Department of Public Health.

If you do not have COVID symptoms, have not had an exposure, or are under the age of 65 with no underlying health issues, please visit a County of San Diego testing location or consult other community resources for testing options.

If you need to be tested due to a confirmed exposure, please contact your primary care doctor or visit one of these options offered by our community and health care partners to be tested sooner.

If your doctor orders a COVID-19 test, you will receive instructions on where to go and one of our caregivers will take a nasal swab and send it to a Sharp laboratory. In some cases, you will be instructed to self-test under the guidance of a caregiver.

If the sample is positive, Sharp will notify Public Health Services and a care plan will be determined.

We encourage you to use FollowMyHealth® or the patient portal your doctor uses to communicate with your providers and learn your test results.

Back to top of page

What are community resources for testing?

Free tests and walk-in tests are available through the following community and health care partners:

• County of San Diego
• Cal State University, San Marcos
• CVS
• Hummingbird
• Logistic Health Incorporated
• Quest Diagnostics
• Sameday Health
• San Diego State University
• University of San Diego
• Walgreens

Some school districts are offering COVID-19 testing sites for students, teachers and staff. Check with your district for specific testing site details. Learn about testing options for San Diego Unified School District.

Back to top of page

Can I get tested at a Sharp Rees-Stealy urgent care?

Because of the high demand for testing, San Diego County health care resources are severely limited.

To preserve care for those who need it the most, Sharp Rees-Stealy and other health care organizations are currently limiting COVID-19 testing to individuals at greatest risk for serious illness — people with underlying medical conditions including pregnancy, as well as individuals 65 and older and their caregivers. Please contact us to speak to a triage nurse, schedule a virtual urgent care visit or send a message to your doctor.

If you are between the ages of 16 to 64 and experiencing mild symptoms, assume you have COVID-19 and take all necessary precautions. Please consult community resources including 211sandiego.org. Home tests may be available online or in stores. A positive home test should be assumed to be accurate and does not need to be confirmed with a test at Sharp Rees-Stealy or other community resources.

For children with symptoms, please contact your Sharp Rees-Stealy physician. If your child has been exposed but is not experiencing symptoms, follow their school district’s directions regarding testing.

Call 911 if you think you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Back to top of page

Is there a fee for COVID-19 screening or testing at Sharp?

The California Department of Managed Health Care directed all commercial health plans and Medi-Cal health plans to cover the cost for medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19. This includes waiving the member's share of costs for the emergency room, urgent care or visits with a doctor.

In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has directed that Medicare Part B will cover all medically necessary COVID-19 testing only. Patients with Medicare Part B plans are still responsible for emergency, urgent care or doctor's office visit fees, even if related to COVID-19.

If you do not have health insurance and you have a doctor’s order for a COVID-19 test, you can get tested at a Sharp laboratory for $104 or get an antibody test for $55.

Back to top of page

When should I seek care for coronavirus symptoms?

If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you can most likely find relief with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, along with lots of rest and hydration. Monitor your symptoms and call your doctor if symptoms worsen.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are having trouble breathing or persistent pain or pressure in your chest, are unable to stay awake, have bluish face or lips, or are experiencing confusion.

Back to top of page

Can I take an at-home test?

Home self-test kits are considered to be as accurate as antigen rapid tests and can be purchased at some pharmacies. They are easy to use and provide results in approximately 15 minutes. However, PCR tests — provided at most COVID-19 testing sites — are considered the most accurate test to determine an active infection.

Back to top of page

Can I get at-home COVID-19 tests for free?

The U.S. government is offering 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests by visiting https://www.covidtests.gov/.

Back to top of page

Will my health plan cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests?

Health plans are required to cover a limited number of at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at no cost to members either directly at the point of sale or through member reimbursement. This is not applicable for Medicare members at this time. Please visit your health plan’s website to learn more about your coverage.

If you are enrolled in benefits with Sharp Health Plan, visit their COVID-19 resource center to learn more.

Back to top of page

I don't work at Sharp and my employer told me that I need to get tested. What should I do?

Your employer's occupational health (sometimes called employee health) department can refer you to the occupational medicine program they prefer. Please have your occupational health or human resources department contact your occupational health provider.

Back to top of page

How do I request documentation of my COVID-19 test results from a Sharp location?

The easiest way to access documentation of your COVID-19 test results is through FollowMyHealth. You can also request your hospital or Sharp Rees-Stealy COVID-19 test results.

Read the fact sheet about the COVID-19 test you received.

Back to top of page

We're here to help.

Sharp is ready to answer your questions about COVID-19. Call us at 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.