Answers to Common COVID-19 Questions
Our COVID-19 services have recently experienced a surge in demand. If you are concerned about COVID-19 and would like more information about what Howard Brown Health offers, please read the below FAQ and call us at 773.388.1600 if you have any further questions. Howard Brown is committed to helping slow the spread of COVID-19, and are standing by to support you and your family.
How can I get a COVID-19 test at Howard Brown?
If you would like a COVID-19 screening at Howard Brown, please pre-register using Healthvana. Pre-registration saves you time and helps you get your screening results faster. We have COVID-19 Care Stations across the city, including in Rogers Park, Englewood, Hyde Park, and Uptown. For a full list of our screening sites, visit our COVID-19 page.
Does Howard Brown charge a fee for COVID-19 tests?
Our COVID-19 services are available at no cost to you. If you have health insurance, we will collect your insurance information to help cover any lab fees but under no circumstance should any of the cost be passed along to you. In the very unlikely event that you do receive a bill from the lab company, please notify us right away and we will resolve that for you. No one will be turned away due to their inability to pay.
What should I do if I have been exposed to COVID-19?
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms such as fever or chills, shortness of breath, persistent cough, or other symptoms described by the CDC, it is very important that you isolate from others and seek guidance on next steps through the CDC’s website or by consulting with a medical professional. Call our COVID-19 hotline at 773.388.1600 and ask to speak to a triage nurse. The nurse will review your concerns and any symptoms you may have, and advise accordingly.
Are there any other South Side locations for COVID-19 tests?
Yes. Our mobile testing unit travels to various locations on the South and West Sides of the city every week. Our schedule changes day to day, so please look at our calendar of mobile testing dates on our website.
Do you offer drive-through testing?
No, at this time we only offer walk-up testing after you pre-register with Healthvana.
How long should I expect wait for a test?
Wait times vary across locations, but we are experiencing high demand throughout our network of screening sites. It is advisable to arrive early to ensure you are able to get a screening that day
When can I expect my results?
The fastest way to get your results is through the Healthvana app. You will be alerted via Healthvana portal for your COVID test results (negative or positive) once they are available. Patients with a positive COVID test will also receive a call from our clinical and contact tracing teams. If your results are negative, you will not receive a phone call. If you need a return to work letter, you can use Healthvana to download a return to work letter or proof of negative results. If you cannot access the app, you must fill out a Release of Information form and return the form to us in-person or via email at medicalsupport@howardbrown.org.
Do you offer antibody testing?
Yes. We provide COVID-19 antibody testing for patients who have not had COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days or more. Antibody tests are offered by appointment only, please call to schedule an appointment if you would like an antibody test.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please call us at 773.388.1600. We will get through this together, and Howard Brown is here to help