Living Healthy

Dear Patients,

Best Medical Care is observing COVID-19 social distancing and other safety protocols for all patients visiting our clinics. Please take note of following;

• Patients will only be accepted inside the clinic one at a time, therefore be prompt for your appointment.
• Inform clinic’s reception of your arrival at the number posted in the clinic entrance and follow intake instructions provided.
• Ensure you’re wearing proper mask and fresh gloves.
• Where needed form a line and observe distancing guidelines, or wait in your vehicle until called.

Best Medical Care is currently offering two forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations – the PCR (Nasal Swab) test and the Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test). Please read below FAQ for more information regarding these COVID-19 tests offered at Best Medical Care.

What do these COVID-19 tests detect?

PCR (Nasal Swab): This test will detect if you are actively infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test): This test will detect if you have had prior exposure to COVID-19 and have built an antibody for the virus. For most viral illnesses, a positive antibody means prior exposure to a virus and some degree of immunity to future infection. As COVID-19 is a novel (new) infection, it is unclear if a positive antibody definitively offers immunity. Most experts agree it likely does, however the recommendation is to still practice universal precautions.

What criteria do I need to meet to receive one of these tests?

PCR (Nasal Swab):

– If you are actively experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as…

– Fever

– Persistent cough

– Shortness of breath

– Body aches

– Loss of sense of smell or taste

– You are a healthcare worker, first responder, or a Best Medical Care Occupational Medicine client.

– If your employer requires a negative test to demonstrate you are not actively carrying the virus.

– If you had tested positive for COVID-19 and want to see if you are no longer actively carrying the virus.

– If you believe you have recently (within past 14 days) have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test): 

– If you previously had COVID-19 symptoms (Fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, body aches) and have recovered after 14 days.

– If you received a positive test result for COVID-19 and have recovered after 14 days.

– If you believe you have come in contact with someone who had the COVID-19 virus.

How are these tests administered?

PCR (Nasal Swab): Administered via a nasal swab.

Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test): Administered via a blood sample.

How long will it take to receive my results and how do I view them?

PCR (Nasal Swab): Generally, it will take 3-5 days to receive your results. Your results can be viewed via your Best Medical Care Patient Portal account. You will receive a text message or email with a link to our portal.

Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test): Generally, it will take 3-5 days to receive your antibody results. Your results can be viewed via your Best Medical Care Patient Portal account. You will receive a text message or email with a link to our portal.

See below links for information on how to understand your COVID-19 test results.

– PCR (Nasal Swab) Test Results

– Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test) Results

What platform do you use for testing?

All Serology (Antibody) and Molecular/PCR tests are sent to our commercial lab partners. For serology, our lab partners use the Abbott Architect platform which has FDA Emergency Use Authorization. For PCR, our national lab partners use the Roche Cobas or PANTHER Hologic platform which also has FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

What locations can I visit for these COVID-19 tests?

You can visit all open Best Medical Care locations for these tests. Click here to find a Best Medical Care near you.

How much do each of these tests cost?

Per the CARES Act, Best Medical Care is not collecting copayments for COVID-19 related visits. Best Medical Care does not bill for lab testing and inquiries regarding lab bills should discussed directly with the lab partner.

If you have specific concerns, you may want to call your insurance provider ahead of your visit to confirm they will cover the cost of your Best Medical Care visit and test.

What precautions do I take based on my results of these tests?

PCR (Nasal Swab):

– Negative: Continue to exercise universal precautions such as social distancing, quarantining, frequent hand washing, wearing of a mask or face cloth in public, and other CDC guideline recommendations.

– Positive: Stay home, separate yourself from others in your home, continue to monitor your symptoms, call 911 if you have an emergency.

Serum Antibody IgG (Blood Test): Regardless of your results, you should continue to exercise universal precautions such as social distancing, quarantining, frequent hand washing, wearing of a mask or face cloth in public, and other CDC guideline recommendations. Remember, COVID-19 is a new infection, and it is unclear if a positive antibody definitively offers immunity.

What is the coronavirus and COVID-19? 

Coronaviruses were first identified in the 1950s and generally cause mild upper respiratory illness characterized by cough, fever, and/or body aches. This is very similar to most viral illnesses including flu and the common cold.

The current situation involves a new, or “novel,” coronavirus and the illness it causes is called COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Because this virus is new, testing has been limited; there are no vaccines and no medicines designed specifically to treat it.

Am I at risk for coronavirus? 

The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully known. As the pandemic expands, the risk of exposure will increase, and all persons are at risk for getting infected. Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of more serious illness due to COVID-19.

Can I come in and be tested for coronavirus?

What can we do to reduce the spread of the disease?

Everyone should be maximizing “social distancing” to slow down the spread of COVID-19, as the disease is now in the community and can be spread by people who may not have symptoms.  Here are things you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community:

– Stay home unless it is necessary to go to work, purchase necessary items, help someone who needs support, or seek medical care.

– Do not visit friends, gather in groups or otherwise socialize in person. Use virtual technologies to stay connected.

– Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).

What are the symptoms caused by coronavirus? 

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

– Cough

– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

– Fever

– Chills

– Repeated shaking with chills

– Muscle pain

– Headache

– Sore throat

– New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Because it is still cold and flu season, and allergy season is starting, our urgent cares continue to see a significant number of patients with these symptoms. As with the flu, most people who get coronavirus experience fever, cough, muscle pain or weakness, and fatigue, and will have a complete recovery.

Can the coronavirus be treated? 

Since it is a virus, the coronavirus cannot be treated with antibiotics. Mild infections are treated in the same way as the common cold or flu with medications to relieve the symptoms of cough, congestion, and fever. 

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms? 

If you are in respiratory distress, please call 911. If you have a fever, cough, and other symptoms of a respiratory infection, please visit your closest Best Medical Care location. As a precaution, wear a mask if possible and limit exposure to others. Please immediately notify the staff of your possible illness upon arrival.

Is it safe to take ibuprofen?

There is currently no scientific evidence suggesting that use of ibuprofen can worsen COVID-19. This concern is hypothetical. The World Health Organization (WHO) has made no recommendation against the use of ibuprofen. If you are taking prescription ibuprofen, it is safe to continue taking it for your condition as prescribed by your provider. It is also safe to take either over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen at recommended doses for short-term use to relieve pain and reduce fever. Discuss with your providers about long-term use of either medication.

What should I do to avoid infection? 

Please stay aware and take proper precautions. The coronavirus spreads via respiratory droplets such as from a cough or sneeze, so you should be using the same prevention methods as you would to avoid a cold or the flu:

– Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).

– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

– If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

– Stay home.

– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Are there any changes to your hours or open locations?

In order to preserve our ability to staff our sites with the dedicated doctors and teams you rely on from Best Medical Care, we are proactively closing certain locations temporarily to allow us to adjust staffing at other Best Medical Care locations to continue to provide the care you and your families need.

What is Best Medical Care doing to keep all patients safe? 

We take this situation very seriously and have been preparing for potential cases for weeks. For us that means reinforcing our protocols, using appropriate supplies and devising rapid-response contingency plans. At Best Medical Care locations, all staff are trained on the appropriate care for patients with flu-like symptoms and are wearing masks and using protective equipment when appropriate. We are following CDC and DOH guidelines to limit the spread of the virus including how we isolate patients with symptoms and how we disinfect rooms between patients.

Where can I get more information? 

NJ Department of Health:  

24-hour public hotline: 1-800-222-1222  

Website: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_resources.shtml  

NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: 

A COVID-19 website is available at  covid19.nj.gov 

NY Department of Health:  

Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065  

Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  

Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  

Quest Labs will report your results as:

Sunrise Labs will report your results as:

≥ 1.4: This is a positive result and has a high likelihood of prior infection. Some patients with past infections may not have experienced symptoms. It is unclear at this time if a positive IgG infers immunity against future COVID-19 infection. Please continue with universal precautions: social distancing, hand washing and when applicable PPE such as masks or gloves.

<1.4: This is a negative result. A common question is “My result was 1.3, does that mean I produced a little IgG and could be positive?” The answer is no. This should be interpreted as negative. This means you have not been infected with COVID-19. Please note, it may take 14-21 days to produce detectable levels of IgG. If you had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within the past 3 weeks and tested negative, repeat testing in 1-2 weeks may yield a positive result.

All PCR testing is performed by one of our commercial lab partners. The testing platforms used are Roche Cobus or Hologic Panther, both with Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. Both platforms search for 2 targets; target 1 that is specific to SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus causing COVID-19) and target 2 for general Corona Viruses (including but not limited to SARS-CoV-2).

Positive Results: You have tested positive for Sars-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Either target 1 alone or both targets 1 and 2 were detected (our lab partners do not specifically call out if you tested positive for target 1 alone or target 1 and 2 as it is not relevant, either scenario is positive). You are likely actively contagious and should home quarantine (sleep alone in bed, if possible use your own bathroom, wipe down surfaces, and wear a mask when in the same room as others). Please note, a small percentage of patients with active infection may be completely asymptomatic. Best Medical Care recommends the CDC’s most up to date return to work recommendation of the rule of 10/3. If you did not have symptoms at the time of your PCR nasal swab, you may return to work in 10 days (provided you do not have a fever 3 days prior to return to work). If you are asymptomatic and test positive, you are still likely contagious to others. A positive PCR test does not yield any information about potential immunity. Please be re-evaluated immediately for worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath or lightheadedness.

Negative Results: With a high likelihood, the results state you were not infected with Sars-CoV-2 at the time of testing. Neither target 1 or target 2 were detected. We recommend following quarantine recommendations and universal precautions (hand washing, social distancing, and when appropriate PPE such as masks and gloves). This test does not give information about past infections or future immunity.

Inconclusive Results (Presumptive Positive) or Presumed Positive: Inconclusive/Presumptive Positive or Presumed Positive means target 1 was not detected but target 2 was detected. It is presumed if you had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and test positive for target 2, you have COVID-19. You are likely actively contagious and should home quarantine (sleep alone in bed, if possible use your own bathroom, wipe down surfaces, and wear a mask when in the same room as others). Please note, a small percentage of patients with active infection may be completely asymptomatic. Best Medical Care recommends the CDC’s most up to date return to work recommendation of the rule of 10/3. If you did not have symptoms at the time of your PCR nasal swab, you may return to work in 10 days (provided you do not have a fever 3 days prior to return to work). A positive PCR test does not yield any information about potential immunity. Please be re-evaluated immediately for worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath or lightheadedness.

Sunrise Labs will report your test as:

Quest Labs will report your test as: