What is an antibody test?
We hope that when you test positive for COVID-19 IgG antibodies, it means that you are immune to COVID-19 and cannot get reinfected!. While the issue of immunity based on the presence of antibodies has not been proven, it is likely that having antibodies would make you much less vulnerable to reinfection. This is a blood test, and is not intended to see if you have active infection (see below), but intended only to see if you have had a prior infection. Because there is very high demand for this new test, highest priority will be given to those patients who have been sick in the last 2-3 months, and those at high risk for infecting others (healthcare workers, service industry workers, etc.). If you would like to be considered for antibody testing, we are asking that you schedule a virtual visit with one of our providers to arrange for the blood to be drawn at a nearby Quest Lab testing facility. I am told the cost will be covered by your insurance company.
For now, all Primary Care continues through Virtual Visits
As you are aware, the stay-at-home order is still in place. As a result of this, we will continue to offer Virtual Visits which are covered by your insurance (copays and deductibles may apply). All primary care problems are encouraged to be addressed virtually at this time. We are scheduling Virtual Visits by appointment only Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 7pm, Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm. You may contact our office at (202) 244-0812. We anticipate returning to the office for healthy patients sometime between May 15th, and June 1st this year.
Active COVID-19 symptoms and testing
We also want to help manage any COVID-19 symptoms if you are feeling sick now. If you are experiencing upper respiratory or any other COVID-19 type symptoms, please schedule a virtual appointment today, and a provider will discuss your symptoms and management plan with you. If needed, we can arrange for you to be tested for active infection through virus RNA testing at a local testing center.
