STAY CURRENT ON CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION →  COVID-19 VACCINES AT GALEN → If you believe you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and need to be tested please call our COVID-19 hotline at (423) 618-9006

Testing for COVID-19

How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In Chattanooga

Get Tested for COVID-19 In Chattanooga

If you or a loved one are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, Galen is here to help guide you through the process of getting the medical care you need. Our team of providers has developed a procedure for COVID-19 testing that is safe, easy, and convenient. 

Testing for COVID-19 — What You Need to Know

Registration & Scheduling

Do I need an appointment? 

Yes, all tests must be scheduled. Every individual who would like to be tested must make an appointment with their Primary Care Provider or with Galen Anytime (423) 497-5359.

Cost & Payment

Is there an out-of-pocket cost for patients with insurance? 

You should check with your health plan to confirm before scheduling a test, to see if you will have any out-of-pocket costs. If you have health insurance you must bring your insurance card with you to the test site. For patients who test negative for COVID-19 through a rapid test and come into the clinic, the clinic visit should be considered part of your test by your health plan. You will be responsible for any patient cost share as determined by your insurance. If active coverage cannot be located, your test will be submitted to the federal program for the uninsured for payment. 

Getting Results

How and when will I get results?

You’ll get rapid test quickly – within minutes. 

Lab tests take 1-2 days (on average) for our lab to analyze, however high demand can delay these results.

We will text you a secure link to view your test results.

What is the Patient Portal? 

The patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient 24-hr access to personal Health Information, including COVID-19 test results. 

If I test positive for COVID-19, what treatment options are available through Galen Medical Group?

If you test positive, your PCP or one of our Galen Anytime providers may be able to prescribe you antiviral medication. 

Your eligibility depends on certain medical criteria related to: 

  • When your symptoms started
  • Your age
  • Your medical history
  • Your likelihood of developing severe COVID-19 

If you meet the criteria, a Galen Medical Group provider will call you to discuss if you should take an antiviral medication. 

Taking the test

What type of test is performed?

Galen Medical Group uses multiple types of COVID-19 testing to check for active infection. Most rapid-result testing locations perform antigen testing. Galen Medical Group can also perform a PCR test. If you are getting your testing for a specific purpose such as travel, please ensure you are selecting the proper test required by your airline, destination, or other requiring organization. Certain travel destinations and airlines require PCR testing and do not accept antigen testing. 

Can I bring someone with me or should I come alone? 

We understand that you may need to bring someone with you; however, only patients who have qualified and scheduled a visit can be tested

How is my sample for testing collected? 

A Galen Medical Group staff member will administer the test by inserting a swab into your nose and collect a sample of nasal secretions. This is done by inserting the swab into your nostril approximately 1 inch into the nasal passage with the most visible drainage or the nostril that is most congested if drainage is not present. The swab is rotated several times, removed gently and this process is repeated on the other side. 

What do I need to bring with me? 

An insurance card and proof of identity are required.