How much does COVID testing cost in Ocracoke?

In many cases, COVID testing can be free. Many state and local health departments continue to offer free testing to community residents as part of their response to the pandemic. In other cases, commercially insured patients, or those on Medicare or Medicaid, may receive testing at no out of pocket cost, or with a nominal office visit copay. For cash paying patients, or those that need rapid COVID testing which will deliver results in under an hour, COVID tests can range from $50 to $150 each. It is best to call your healthcare provider prior to getting tested to better understand the cost of the specific test you require.

Where can I get free COVID testing in Ocracoke?

COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. Check with your Ocracoke-area health department as they are generally a good source for free COVID tests, or can at least point you in the right direction. Additionally, you can ask your primary care provider to recommend a free COVID test site.

Where can I get COVID testing in Ocracoke?

COVID testing is available at many outlets near Ocracoke including urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care offices, health departments, and more. Different venues will have different types of tests available, many at different price points. Some testing sites are allowing walk-in patients, however, many are still requiring some degree of advance booking to control patient volume.

Solv / COVID-19 Testing / North Carolina / COVID-19 PCR Testing /

COVID testing & Rapid testing near me in Ocracoke, NC

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Ocracoke Health Center

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

305 Back Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960305 Back Rd

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Engelhard Medical Center

Open until 5:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatUnknown
SunUnknown

33270 US-264, Engelhard, NC 2782433270 US-264

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Hyde County Health Department

Open until 4:30 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
SatUnknown
SunUnknown

1151 Main St, Swan Quarter, NC 278851151 Main St

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My brother and I went to Afc for covid testing in July and it was quick clean and efficient. We meet Dr. Wyn. He thought my brothers cough sounded bad and did a chest xray. My brother has stage 3a lung cancer. We had gone to our primary care 3 times for the cough and my brother was told it was allergies. Without Dr. Wyn my brothers cancer would have been found to late. The doctors think they caught it just in time to save him. I went back to afc this morning and met Dr. Kelly, Suzette was my nurse. I have a sty and Dr. Kelly and his nurse were great. Afc is the only urgent care I will ever go to. Once you enter Afc everyone from the girls in the front to the doctors and nurses are top notch. I couldn't ask for better care.

- Verified patient on 9/12

We went on short notice with an appointment for a Covid Rapid Test. The lady who checked us in was extremely nice very thorough explaining their service and quickly helped us with the necessary forms. We waited in our car until we were notified by text when they were ready for us. We were quickly escorted to the patient room, where 2 very pleasant ladies went through their process, checked our vitals then performed the Covid Test. We waited about 15 minutes for the results. Another person, probably a P.A., came in with our results explained them for us and even checked my blood pressure again! She was also super nice, very knowledgeable and answered questions. Overall we were impressed with the AFC operation! Well done ladies! We will return to them next time we need care!

- Verified patient on 8/5

It was hard. Had trouble breathing with a mask (asthma). Wanted to fill out forms and deal with everything NOT virtually. So the receptionist let me have the forms in the car. I was there from 8 or so until noon. Dan (EMT) thawed and was fine as did the receptionist. Powell super friendly and appealing. X ray guy fine. Glad I went but not surprised that Covid test was negative and chest x ray ok. Thank God I wasn’t kicked out to be fobbed off on the ER because I did NOT want to go: I am not suicidal. 😜 Bravo Urgent Care! 👩‍🌾

- Verified patient on 11/17

Telehealth is pretty confusing. I came for a covid test, but needed a consultation first? The man who came to take my vitals was kind and gentle. But he also administered the test (before the consultation). I remained in the parking lot for the consultation for close to an hour. The woman I talked with didn’t get any additional information, and was surprised that I already had the covid test and said that I was done then. Glad I got a test, but wished I could have just left after getting tested instead of prolonging my “visit” for an hour.

- Verified patient on 10/20

I took my daughter very close to closing for a rapid COVID test and everyone was wonderful! It would have been easy to rush us out of there and simply complete the test but they gave us their attention and time and loved on my daughter to make her feel comfortable. The front desk staff, the nurse and the Dr. we’re all amazing. Thank you! Thankful we have you guys around the corner when we need you again

- Verified patient on 6/1

Wow! This was my very first CoViD test. I was a little bit nervous. I had the absolute BEST service member named Faith test me. She was outstanding. She even helped me download a QR scanner before I tested. She was kind, helpful, friendly & very professional. She reassured me every step of the way with genuine care. She was efficient & finished my registration & test quickly. Hard to find outstanding service employees who go above & beyond. Faith is a true asset to FreeCovidCare!

- Verified patient on 10/15

Did not get the opportunity to have my daughter get her Covid test today, with no appoinment. The lady at the front desk was rude to me, from my point of view. Besides that, and kept going doing some errands in the meantime i receive my phone call for my daughter test but my phone only rang like 3 times or 4, but not more than that. Could not get the phone call. Was not sure if i needed to take my daughter or not. Did not take her. But again, the lady at the front desk was not nice at all. Thank you

- Verified patient on 8/30

Have been in twice for Covid testing. This place is the best urgent care i have ever been to in my life. From Necole at the front desk, the nurses on both visits and both doctors I know of no one who is nicer and has such a professional and kind bedside manner. I will be using them for future visits even though I live in another nearby state. Both times I've left feeling like someone actually cared. That's rare these days. Hats off to AFC urgent care and family care. I 💕 you!

- Verified patient on 11/19

Called ahead and was told I could just walk in for a Covid test for my child. We walked in, were asked to sign in and then go back to our car and wait. Then went back in when called, tested in triage and put in an exam room. Then waited for the NP to examine and give the results. Overall the entire process took an hour, which is a long time for a 4yo and 6yo to wait. I will say that absolutely every staff member we encountered was very pleasant, sweet and helpful! I would be willing to return just for the amazing staff!

- Verified patient on 6/14

Mercy Urgent care is the ONLY location in the entire town of Brevard conducting Covid test before Christmas. While the wait was a touch long, everyone appeared to be understanding, given the tremendous demand for Covid test. The staff was wonderful and very apologetic for the wait times, as they diligently tried to accommodate the needs of each patient. I received a call regarding my test results (thankfully negative) within the 30 minute time frame as promised. I would definitely recommend Mercy Urgent Care.

- Verified patient on 12/24

I’m not going to give any negative feedback because the staff there was overwhelmed with Covid testing, it took me about two hours to stand in line and get signed up this morning then I sat for another two hours once they texted me to come in to finally be treated and released. I can’t say I have anyone I can blame for that but I will say, that was one positive and professional staff you have at that location, everyone from the ladies at the desks out front to Amanda who took me to my room and drew my blood and including the doctor that spoke with me after my test was performed. I can’t say that about a lot of doctors offices I have been to so I was very impressed, especially with the hours they’re keeping in the grumpy people they’re dealing with. Clone them all

- Verified patient on 10/6

I will not go another urgent care after my experience here. My wife and I went for a Covid test after testing negative at a drive thru a week before. When they called us the nurse noticed my wife struggling and didn’t like her color and told them to put her in a room. The doctor came in and ordered an ekg and told me he had called EMS to come and transport her to the hospital. Our results came back positive before the ambulance arrived. These are the most alert an conscientious people I’ve ever encountered at an urgent care.

- Verified patient on 8/21

I had a very nice experience with it being my first visit at Cary location. Tested me for COVID and when it was negative asked if I wanted flu test to see if that was what I had. Negative for flu. So she listened to my lungs and diagnosed me with bronchitis. Gave me prescription and recommended trying GoodRx for best price due to no insurance. The nicest thing is after negative COVID test she could have just let me leave but wanted to actually take time and diagnose what was going on with me and help me get better. I really appreciate that! Very nice and friendly staff too! Checked in and waited in my car for nurse to call me. I waited maybe 10 minutes and nurse called and told me to come to a door and was right there as soon as I got to door. Walked me to room and had everything for test ready. Did test and told me about 15 minutes and Dr came in about 15 minutes later. Told me it was negative and asked about flu test and did it and it would be about 20-25 minutes and she was back in about that. She then took time to listen to lungs and diagnose me with bronchitis. I was there maybe an hour/ hour and half and most of it was the time it took for tests to be run. But they were in the room after tests were finished right at time they said it would be to run. I did not have to sit and wait forever for someone to finally come back in each time they ran a test, they were right back in after each one. That was very nice since I was not feeling well and wanted to be back at home. I recommend anyone needing the COVID test or flu test to go to Cary location bc they are very punctual and actually care about what is wrong with you.

- Verified patient on 2/3

I went there to receive a covid test due to travel. I told the nurse what test I wanted but when the PA came to see me and informed me that I had the wrong test, I could hear the woman behind the door getting testy. She said “Well that’s not what she ordered through the phone..” I apologized because I felt like I had inconvenienced them, but at the end of the day, I am human, we make mistakes. Her comment wasn’t necessary. I checked in at 6p and was seen at 7p.

- Verified patient on 10/20

I appreciate this pharmacy and the owners. They are hardworking and stay so kind and polite despite the high demand of Covid testing, vaccines and every day customers. We all have to remember that they are a pharmacy and they send off specimens and it will take time because of the high demand and they are the ones in the middle. Be kind. Be patient. Don’t forget they are providing us with a local location to go for testing. To the owners: my family appreciates you and you are doing amazing with keeping up! 💐💐💐💐💐

- Verified patient on 1/15

I walked in which I expected. I was checked in and waited on my car until called. I went in & went into a room very quickly. The nurse talked with me & gave me a Covid test. I waited about 15 minutes for the results which a PA gave me. The test was negative and he checked me and told me what to do for my symptoms & what to do if anything changed. Great experience!

- Verified patient on 12/14

Had appts for family COVID tests (for travel authorization), easy labs... because we had to get my daughter home in 45 mins to take test for remote school. Arrived 10 mins early to appt as requested by facility. Waited 40 mins!!+ to get quick test, then had to wait for Dr (not sure why, to see if we had any questions). Needless to say she missed her school test, struggle to get it rescheduled. Overall, Staff was great, waiting was ridiculous!!! Especially when we had appts! Bummer!

- Verified patient on 11/17

The only change I can think that could be made was that we be told we could leave and continue to watch the que. I waited for over 7 hours for a COVID test and I would have left to go home and come back closer to when my number was number 8 or 10 in the que. I would have even been okay with people in their cars that were symptomatic going first. There were some Sick people That waited in their cars for a long time. Thank you again for all the work you are doing.

- Verified patient on 10/9

I was surprisingly pleased with my visit today! All staff was friendly and informative. I'm a tough one to impress regarding customer care especially since Customer Service in general in Fayetteville is aweful. I cant say enough how well my visit went from checking in to me leaving. Its refreshing to be treated so kindly at an urgent care. My friend and I came in for a COVID test for travel but this kind of customer care matters the most especially when you dont feel well and need medical attention. If I ever need and urgent care again, Ill def come back to thos one!!

- Verified patient on 4/6

Jason and Z were great! I really appreciate them getting our large family in for Covid tests on a busy day. Jason was so very good with getting our small kids less scared with the test and I don’t know if anyone could have done a better job. He was amazing. And Z was super helpful with organizing the time slots to get our huge family done at once which I imagine was no easy task. We will most definitely be coming back if needed! Thanks y’all!

- Verified patient on 12/15

Ocracoke COVID Testing & Rapid Testing

Types of COVID Tests

There are two types of coronavirus tests (COVID-19 tests) available, those that can test for a current infection (viral test) and those that can test for a past infection (antibody test).

Viral COVID testing can be done in a few different ways, the most common being nose swabs, but saliva tests are becoming more popular. Some tests are processed out on-site and can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. These are called rapid COVID tests. The majority of tests, on the other hand, are collected at the clinic on-site and then submitted to off-site labs for processing. Results can take up to 2-3 days to arrive.

Antibody testing looks for a past infection and may not reveal if you have an active COVID-19 infection because antibodies can take up to three weeks to form in your body. The presence of COVID antibodies may help to prevent you from becoming infected with the same virus again; but, because the clinical understanding of COVID-19 is still developing, it's unclear how long that protection will continue.

Who should get tested for current infection

The CDC currently defines four instances where COVID testing is recommended:

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you have been vaccinated, or tested positive in the past 3 months and not experiencing symptoms, you do not need to be tested.
If you are unvaccinated and participated in high-risk activities where distancing is not an option. This could include travel, large social or mass gatherings, crowded indoor settings, etc.
If you have been referred to get a COVID test by your healthcare provider or local health department.

How is testing done for COVID-19?

Most COVID tests are collected by a nasal swab. A member of the medical team puts a swab inside your nose for a few seconds on each side to collect the sample. After that, the samples are packaged according to CDC guidelines and tested on-site or transported to a facility for testing. The lab will test samples for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID infection and either your care provider or the lab will notify you with the results as soon as they are available.

PCR vs Antigen Testing

Viral COVID tests are available as molecular and antigen tests. The molecular test, also known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, usually delivers results within a few days since most of these tests are sent to offsite labs for analysis. The average turnaround time for PCR test results is 48 hours, but in some instances may be significantly longer due to backlogs related to insufficient lab volume and capacity. Antigen tests are also known as rapid tests and have an average turnaround time of between 15 to 30 minutes.

Both PCR and rapid COVID tests can be used to test people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, those who were close contacts to COVID-19, and those without COVID-19 symptoms who live or work in a high-risk setting (such as a nursing facility); or those individuals who are identified as part of outbreak detection and response. The rapid COVID test is also recommended for the screening of residents or healthcare workers at skilled nursing facilities along with a PCR confirmation, and for repeat screening for the early detection and prevention of outbreaks in congregate settings (such as schools, workplaces, and prisons).

COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. To reduce the risk of facing extra costs related to COVID testing, ask your primary care doctor to recommend a free COVID test site, and confirm there are no charges or fees for the test that are not covered by your insurance plan. Additionally, avoid getting a COVID test at a hospital or free-standing emergency room, as these facilities may charge fees for COVID testing and related services.

COVID-19 Testing FAQs

How much does COVID testing cost in Ocracoke?
In many cases, COVID testing can be free. Many state and local health departments continue to offer free testing to community residents as part of their response to the pandemic. In other cases, commercially insured patients, or those on Medicare or Medicaid, may receive testing at no out of pocket cost, or with a nominal office visit copay. For cash paying patients, or those that need rapid COVID testing which will deliver results in under an hour, COVID tests can range from $50 to $150 each. It is best to call your healthcare provider prior to getting tested to better understand the cost of the specific test you require.
Where can I get free COVID testing in Ocracoke?
COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. Check with your Ocracoke-area health department as they are generally a good source for free COVID tests, or can at least point you in the right direction. Additionally, you can ask your primary care provider to recommend a free COVID test site.
Where can I get COVID testing in Ocracoke?
COVID testing is available at many outlets near Ocracoke including urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care offices, health departments, and more. Different venues will have different types of tests available, many at different price points. Some testing sites are allowing walk-in patients, however, many are still requiring some degree of advance booking to control patient volume.
Where can I get a rapid COVID test in Ocracoke?

Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Ocracoke-area urgent care centers and physician offices, usually at an additional cost ranging from $50 up to $150 per test. Usually this will allow you to get results back in under an hour, and require advanced booking through the provider. However, if you can wait 24 hours for your results, many labs are turning around send-out lab tests in that time frame, which could save you some money.
How to make an appointment for COVID testing in Ocracoke?
Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Ocracoke are bookable directly through Solv. Simply browse the list of healthcare providers conducting COVID tests above, find one with a “Book Online” button, and book a time that aligns with your schedule stating “COVID-19 Test” as your reason for visit.
Can I get tested for antibodies if I am sick with COVID-19 Ocracoke?

An antibody test for COVID-19 might inform you if you previously had a coronavirus infection. Because it can take between 1–3 weeks after an infection for your body to develop these antibodies, an antibody test during an active infection would not be successful. To see if you are currently infected, you need a viral test.
Do I need a COVID test if I have been vaccinated?
Even if you have been fully vaccinated, if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, experts believe that you should be tested yourself, particularly if you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms commonly aligned with the coronavirus.
How long does COVID testing take?
Getting a COVID test is quick. Most tests are done with a nasal swab, which takes less than a minute to swab both nostrils. Depending on where you get your COVID test, this means you could be in and out of the testing site in as little as 10-15 minutes. During busy times—particularly around holidays—testing sites may be busier than usual and wait times may be longer.
How long does it take to get COVID test results in Ocracoke?

Most labs are returning send-out molecular (PCR) COVID test results within 24-48 hours of the test. Some sites take longer, so call and ask if the reason for the test is proof for travel. Rapid COVID tests are processed on-site and are able to deliver results in under an hour, sometimes in as little as 15 min.
Do COVID tests detect the Delta variant and Omicron variant?
Regular COVID tests are able to detect both the Delta variant and Omicron variant in that they can determine whether or not you have the coronavirus. However, they can't tell which variation is involved. That would necessitate genomic sequencing, which is a different process from regular virus testing that not all labs can undertake. Sequencing is uncommon and can cost up to $100 per test. Since the treatment is the same for any variant, it is not clinically useful to an individual patient to know whether the infection was caused by a variant or not.