Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread easily from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. COVID-19 has spread globally, including to the United States. Current information available suggests that symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, or new loss of taste or smell. The CDC believes that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the CDC coronavirus disease page. For information about Fika Midwifery’s COVID-19 policies, please visit our COVID FAQs page.
Fika Midwifery can provide rapid antigen testing at the Coit House for those who suspect they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms.
Testing for COVID-19 is an important step in combating and containing the spread of the virus. The BD VeritorTM System for Rapid Detection of SARS- CoV-2 is a type of test called an antigen test. Antigen tests are designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens, for example nasal swabs. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus, but are not as sensitive as molecular tests (also known as PCR tests). This means that a positive result is highly accurate, but a negative result does not rule out infection. The amount of antigen in a sample may decrease the longer you have symptoms of infection. Specimens collected after you have had symptoms for more than seven days may be more likely to be negative compared to a molecular assay.
How does the rapid test work?
If you are symptomatic or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, we can offer contactless COVID-19 testing. When you arrive to the office, you can text or call the office number: 716.427.4541. We will collect any required information or payment from you, then bring the test swab to your car. You will perform a nasal swab (approximately 1 inch into the nose) yourself, and we will collect the swab back from you. Approximately 15 minutes later, we can provide you with a result.
What are the benefits & risks of rapid testing?
The benefits of the BD VeritorTM System for Rapid Detection of SARS- CoV-2 test include increasing your healthcare provider’s ability to make informed recommendations about your care and helping to limit the spread of COVID-19 to your family and others in our community. Potential risks include possible discomfort that can occur during sample collection and the potential for an inaccurate test result.
The BD VeritorTM System for Rapid Detection of SARS- CoV-2 test is not yet approved by the FDA. When there are no FDA-approved or cleared tests available, and other criteria are met, FDA can make tests available under an emergency access mechanism called an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The EUA for this test is supported by the Secretary of Health and Human Service’s (HHS’s) declaration that circumstances exist to justify the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for the detection and/or diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Will my insurance cover rapid testing?
If you are an established patient of Fika Midwifery with BCBS commercial or medicaid plans, we can bill your insurance if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you have been exposed. For all others who are not established patients or have a different insurance plan, you may self pay $65 for the rapid test.
What happens if I test positive?
If your test result is positive, we must report it to the New York State Department of Health, and you will be contacted by the Erie County Department of Health with more information on the required isolation and to participate in contact tracing.
If you are a patient of Fika Midwifery, we will provide telemedicine visits until your quarantine period is complete. Unfortunately, if you go into labor and have COVID-19, we will have to recommend a transfer to hospital birth for your own health and safety as well as that of our staff.
