At this moment we are pausing our travel testing and are only providing COVID-19 tests for people with medical necessities. Please visit our COVID-19 page to learn more
COVID-19 Screening Tests for Travel, Pre-Op Appointments, Employment and Leisure
What is it?
Many airlines, medical specialists, and employers may require COVID-19 testing in their efforts to keep others from getting infected as operations and economies reopen. This provides travelers, patients, or potential employees with proof they received a negative COVID-19 test that was reviewed by a medical professional prior to travel or appointments. In many cases individuals will be required to take a COVID-19 test 72 to 96 hours prior to travel or attending procedures such as dialysis. COVID-19 screening tests do not require an office visit with your CBHA provider.
CBHA’s COVID-19 screening testing program is not appropriate for those who are experiencing symptoms or have had recent exposure. If you are experiencing symptoms or have had recent exposure then we strongly encourage you to have an office visit with your CBHA provider who can perform a proper assessment and order an appropriate test.
Please give us a call at 509-488-5256 and our Patient Service Representatives can help you schedule an appointment to get tested for COVID-19.
Now Offered at our Othello, Wahluke and Connell Clinics!
Who needs a Screening Test?
A negative COVID-19 test may be required for many reasons such as entry to some U.S. states or foreign countries, prior to certain medical procedures such as dialysis or elective surgeries, or for pre-employment screens. Check with your airline, medical specialist, or employer if a negative test is required.
What are the different testing types?
CBHA currently offers only PCR testing. CBHA cannot guarantee that the tests offered will satisfy requirements such as those mandated by airlines for travel or to gain access to destinations, facilities or venues. It is the responsibility of the person requesting the test to ensure any non-diagnostic test will meet their needs.
- PCR Test. CBHA can collect a RT-PCR test which will be forwarded to InterPath Laboratory for processing. CBHA cannot guarantee rapid results for tests conducted outside its facilities.Turnaround time for results can take up to 5 days. For further information please visit interpathlab.com
Which test is the correct one for me?
Ask your airline/destination/venue what type of test they will accept. Many want a very specific type of test called PCR. Others will accept antigen tests or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT).
Most airlines/destinations/venues will dictate a specific timeframe that the test must be done before travel or attendance. It is common to require tests be conducted no more than 72 hours before travel. This may also mean you will have to get a second test at your destination prior to return travel if outside the timeframe.
Some airlines/destinations/venues may require that the test conducted be cleared or approved by the FDA. Most of the currently offered rapid tests are, in fact, not cleared or approved by the FDA. They are authorized by an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued by the FDA, but that is not the same thing as FDA approved. The rapid antigen test that CBHA can provide is not considered FDA approved. Generally if the airline/destination/venue does not specifically state they require FDA approved tests then those offered by Emergency Use Authorization will be acceptable.
Ask your airline/destination/venue if they will accept test results from your provider or doctor’s office. Some will only accept lab test results from specific labs that they have partnered with.
Can I get a COVID - 19 Screening test if i have symptoms or do not feel well?
COVID-19 screening tests require that you have not had any exposure to any COVID-19 infected persons in the last 14 days and do not currently have any symptoms commonly associate with COVID-19 infection that are not related to other conditions for which you may have been diagnosed such as asthma, allergies or migraine headaches. These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or are experiencing symptoms, then we encourage you to schedule an appointment or contact our clinic to be seen by a medical provider who can order the correct test for you.
How soon can I get my results?
Many destination/airlines/venues specifically state that they want a PCR test. CBHA can collect this test but must forward to InterPath labs for processing. Currently, turnaround time to receive results is up to 5 days, but can vary.
PCR results will be delievered when we receive the results via a secure text message.
For all printed requests, patients will need to return the following business day to pick it up.
How much does the test cost?
Medical insurance will not cover the cost of COVID-19 testing for non-diagnostic purposes. This exclusion includes and is not limited to public health tracking, employment, surveillance, or extracurricular activities, such as travel, school, sports, or summer camps. The total cost for COVID-19 non-diagnostic testing is dependent on the test administered. The prices listed below already include a swab/sample collection fee and a twenty percent prompt-pay discount. CBHA requires payment in full before administering the COVID-19 non-diagnostic test.
- COVID-19 PCR Testing (via InterPath Lab) - $100
How do I schedule a Screening Test?
Please give us a call at 509-488-5256 and our Patient Service Representatives can help you schedule an appointment to get tested for COVID-19.