Remote Testing Facility
St. John's Church
9055 Tamar Dr Columbia, MD 21045
Tuesday through Friday: 11AM - 6PM
Saturday: 9AM - 4PM
Vaccine & Testing
COVID-19 Testing FAQs: Read Below
FirstCall Urgent Care Directory
GAMBRILLS, MD
1071 MD-3 North, Suite 101
Gambrills, MD 21054
Phone
HOURS
Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm
Sat and Sun 8am to 8pm
LAUREL, MD
10981 Johns Hopkins Road.
Laurel, MD 20723 (Maple Lawn)
Phone
HOURS
Mon-Fri 8am-10pm,
Sat and Sun 8am-5pm
ELKRIDGE, MD
8186 Lark Brown Rd Suite #302
Elkridge, MD, 21075
Phone
HOURS
Mon-Thur 7:30a-3:30p; Fri 9a-5p
Sat and Sun Closed
Ellicott City, MD
10120 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Phone
HOURS
Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm
Sat and Sun 8am to 5pm
ST. Johns Church
9055 Tamar Dr
Columbia, MD 21045
Phone
HOURS
Tuesday - Friday: 11AM - 6PM
Saturday: 9AM - 4PM
COVID-19 Testing at FirstCall Medical Center
FirstCall Medical Center provides rapid testing in Howard County for our patients that provides results within the same day. Rapid Testing is broadly available to the public and you do not need a doctor’s order.
COVID-19 testing procedures and policies are as follows:
- We test both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with no referral needed. Our test results meet or exceed the requirements for travel on all major airlines, summer camps and for work or return-to-work post-exposure
- Patients at our center get results up to 48 hours after their visit so they can make important life decisions and changes immediately
COVID-19 Self-Pay Policy
All Self-Pay testing must be accompanied by a Medical Visit that varies in complexity from $99-$249
- Lab Based PCR Test (24-72 Turnaround time) $125
- Antigen Rapid Testing – $75
- Molecular Rapid Testing – $100
- BWI Location Only
- Rapid PCR Testing – $200
- Rapid PCR Combo Flu/RSV/Covid – $250
No Evaluation and Management Fees for Surveillance Testing, e.g. Testing for School, Work, Travel.
All sick visits require an Evaluation and Management Visit with a provider, which can be billed to insurance or paid up front – $99 for straight forward, $149 for low complexity – for moderate complexity $199
What type of tests are offered at FirstCall Medical Center?
Confirmation Tests
True PCR results now provided within 48 hours by our own in-house CLIA Registered Highly Complex Laboratory.
Screen using either a rapid Antigen Test and if negative, a confirmation test via PCR or Molecular Screenings. To find out about more about each test we provide, read the sections below:
Rapid Tests
Abbott, ID Now Rapid Covid – 19 Molecular Test
Detects the RNA of the virus in 13 minutes or less using a nasal swab, does not require PCR confirmation for negative results
For more information:
https://www.abbott.com/IDNOW/IDNOW-COVID-19-FAQ.html
Quidel, Sophia 2, Rapid Nasal Antigen Test
Detects the protein of the virus within the same day using a nasal swab, currently requires PCR confirmation for negative results
For more information:
https://www.quidel.com/immunoassays/rapid-sars-tests/sofia-sars-antigen-fia
Becton Dickinson, Veritor Plus, Rapid Nasal Antigen Test
Detects the protein of the virus within the same day, using a nasal swab, currently requires PCR confirmation for negative results
For more information:
COVID-19 FAQs for Patients
Patients that most likely have exposure to COVID-19 meet the following three criteria:
- Traveled to another country in the last 30 days
- If you had direct contact with another patient with a confirmed case of COVID-19
- If a patient has been exposed to COVID-19 and is shown to be symptomatic
Additionally, since COVID-19 rates are skyrocketing nationally, any patient that has prolonged exposure in large groups of people or elsewhere is likely to have exposure. If you believe you are at risk please contact the Maryland Department of Public Health.
How long will I test positive for COVID-19?
After a positive test result, you could continue to test positive on antigen tests for a few weeks.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19, Strep, Flu, or RSV?
Testing is available at all of our Urgent Care Facilities and Community Access Sites, 7 days a week – see locations here for details.
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
People with symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. People who were exposed to COVID-19 should get tested 5 full days after your last exposure.
Will I need a physician’s order or appointment for COVID-19 testing?
No. An appointment or order from a referring physician will not be needed for a COVID-19 test. You will either be given an examination on-site or during an e-visit prior to the test being administered. This will help us assess exposure risk, deliver quarantine instructions, and vital signs for further healthcare needs and or follow-up care.
We select patients to be followed up on based on symptoms or exposure. Negative confirmation tests may receive a call for a follow up due to a high risk exposure or symptoms documented. No test is perfect and clinical judgement always supersedes the test result, so these follow ups are necessary from time to time, to make sure you are healthy and not spreading the virus within the community. These telephone calls may result in a billable event to your insurance company.
How will I receive my results?
Everybody must set up their Patient Portal prior to leaving any site so you can receive your results. Negative results are placed in your portal, and positive results are delivered via phone call. We cannot email patients with their results. Those who need a hard copy can pick up at our Maple Lawn office, 10981 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel MD 20723.
I was charged a fee for COVID testing. What can I do?
In most cases you should not have to pay out-of-pocket for COVID testing. But you should contact your health plan prior to receiving a COVID-19 test to determine whether testing is covered by your plan in your particular circumstance, and where you should go for a test. Maryland Medicaid will cover the costs of COVID-19 testing for its beneficiaries.
Does the PCR test at FirstCall detect the variants? (Delta, Omicron)
YES. Our PCR test detect the genes associated with Delta and Omicron so we are able to distinguish between a positive and negative if either variant is present.
COVID-19 Information, Resources, and Updates
CDC Updates on COVID-19:
The Centers for Disease Control are constantly providing status updates, information, and prevention resources for COVID-19.
WHO Updates on COVID-19:
The World Health Organization is monitoring the progress of COVID-19 globally to measure total cases, risks, and how much the virus is spreading.
Maryland Department of Public Health COVID-19 Updates:
The Maryland Department of Health continues to monitor the current cases in the state as well as emergency updates for closures, stay-at-home orders, and critical information for residents.
Simple and Effective COVID-19 Prevention
Leading public health experts strongly encourage patients to continue self-quarantine at home, limiting outside travel, and maintaining sanitary households through handwashing and cleaning. Communities across the state continue to fight the challenges related to COVID-19. Making the tough decisions to stay at home and reduce contact with others is crucial to reducing the spread of the virus.
Per the CDC: As with other respiratory viruses, we recommend people protect themselves and others by practicing everyday actions:
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine if you have not had one.