With public demand for COVID-19 diagnostic testing increasing significantly, it is important that patients and the community understand where to seek testing, depending on whether one is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or not.
Individuals Who Are Experiencing Symptoms
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to contact their health care providers. UW Health patients can call their clinic or send a message via MyChart.
Patients who receive a COVID-19 test at a UW Health facility can receive their results quickly through their MyChart account. Patients who do not have a MyChart account can sign up online. To sign up, visit uwhealthmychart.org and select the Sign Up Now blue button.
Individuals Who Are Not Experiencing Symptoms
Individuals age 5 and older who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 but would like to get tested for COVID-19 should come to the local public testing facility at the Alliant Energy Center.
Patients who receive tests at Alliant Energy Center should refer to the Alliant Energy Center web site for guidance on accessing their test results and ask their health care provider whether results can be uploaded to their medical record.
Reasons for wanting to get tested when not experiencing symptoms include:
- You’ve been exposed to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
- You’ve been at an event where individuals have tested positive for COVID-19.
- You have friends or relatives who have tested positive for COVID-19 or may have been exposed.
- You have friends or relatives who are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 and want to make sure you don’t expose them.
- You have upcoming travel, work or other life events that may require you get tested.
Regardless of where individuals are tested, they should limit contact with others while test results are pending. Read more about self-quarantine
Patients who are not experiencing symptoms and attempt to schedule a test through their health care provider are likely to be referred to the public testing site. Likewise, those tested at public sites who display symptoms of COVID-19 may be encouraged to reach out to their health care provider.
COVID-19 Testing When Previously Positive
It is not recommended to be re-tested for COVID-19 within 90 days of a positive COVID-19 nose/mouth swab test. There are a few exceptions to this; please consult your doctor if you have questions.
Practice Prevention
It’s also important to recognize that testing alone will not get us through this outbreak. Practicing smart, preventive behavior remains the most important step we can take to reduce risk and slow spread in our community, including:
- Practicing physical distancing. Stay six feet away from people who do not live in your household.
- Wear face coverings, especially if you will be indoors with others (e.g., grocery store).
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home if possible, especially if you have any symptoms (e.g. fever, cough).
- Follow isolation guidelines if you test positive. Follow quarantine guidelines if exposed to someone with COVID-19.