Should you get tested for COVID-19 at Kaiser?

There are two kinds of tests that are available for COVID-19. A viral test tells you if you are currently infected with the coronavirus. An antibody test may tell you if you have been infected in the past. Decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers like Kaiser. If you are a Kaiser patient, have symptoms of COVID-19, and want to get tests, you need to call Kaiser’s 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center for guidance. 

If it’s recommended, your doctor will order the test. Kaiser patients who have an order for COVID-19 testing from their doctor may use one of the drive-through testing sites at designated Kaiser facilities as long as they have an appointment. 

The issue with testing for COVID-19 is that people across the U.S. are reporting turnaround times of at least a week or even longer between getting tested for COVID-19 and getting the results of their test. Testing sites in California have had to close due to a surge in demand for testing. While Kaiser claims that it generally provides test results in two to three business days, that can fluctuate due to demand and capacity and whether the test is processed at their own labs or at a private commercial lab.

If you’re going to get tested for COVID-19 through Kaiser, you should keep a record of all interactions with Kaiser employees, including doctors and nurses, in case there is a problem with the testing, the test site, or the amount of time it takes for you to get your results. Many members of Kaiser have been victims of medical malpractice and negligence due to delays or denials of testing, treatment, and referral to outside doctors.

Staying safe during these difficult times

It is crucial that you take all necessary steps to protect and care for yourself as well as others in your family and your community. The CDC recommends hand washing often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you’ve been in a public place. Avoid close contact, and cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a daily basis, cover coughs and sneezes, and monitor your health daily.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 and are a Kaiser member, call their Appointment and Advice Call center about testing, treatment should you test positive, and when you should seek emergency medical attention.

Should you get tested elsewhere?

Kaiser COVID testing is available to all symptomatic members as well as members without symptoms who are coming in for clinical procedures or require testing for other reasons.  However, you can elect to get tested at an outside lab, but the test must be conducted by a licensed provider. You will need to pay out-of-pocket for your test, but you can file a claim for reimbursement.

If you feel that you’ve been a victim of negligence on the part of Kaiser with respect to COVID-19 testing or while in the care of the Kaiser HMO insurance system, Scott S. Harris, San Diego malpractice lawyer, has been very successful at handling Kaiser arbitrations and settlements.