COVID-19 Testing
New York and Connecticut
Em Português - Portuguese
Who can have a COVID-19 test at Nuvance Health?
New or existing patients with symptoms, or previously confirmed positive Please note that during the current surge, we are focusing on symptomatic testing.
- New or existing patients experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can have a COVID-19 test.
- New or existing patients previously confirmed positive who require clearance using test-based strategy to return to work can also have a COVID-19 test.
Procedural and surgical patients
Patients who meet criteria for testing should have a COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before their procedure/surgery. Your physician or surgeon will let you know if you need a COVID-19 test.Other testing needs
Criteria for testing continues to evolve depending on testing capacity and state and federal government guidelines. If you have symptoms or have been exposed, please call your doctor to determine if you meet criteria for a COVID-19 test based on the latest guidelines and your situation, including risk of exposure or need for testing.If you need a COVID-19 test for reasons other than experiencing symptoms or having a procedure or surgery, please contact our community hotline at 1-888-667-9262 for additional information.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test, and do I need to schedule an appointment?
New or existing patients with symptoms or previously confirmed positive
Testing is available for new or existing patients at our primary care practices. New or existing patients who have COVID-19 symptoms and want a test should first schedule a telehealth visit with one of our primary care doctors. To book a COVID-19 appointment and be seen quickly, visit our COVID-19 hub.- Primary care offers PCR or Rapid Antigen testing
- Urgent care offers PCR testing
Procedural and surgical patients
Your physician or surgeon will order a COVID-19 test for you if you meet criteria before a procedure or surgery. If you meet the criteria, you’ll need a test within 72 hours of your procedure or surgery. Your physician or surgeon will provide you with information about how to schedule an appointment and where to go for specimen collection. Our COVID-19 specimen collection sites for procedural and surgical patients are at Danbury Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Sharon Hospital, Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
What do I need to bring with me for my appointment?
- Government-issued photo ID (examples: driver’s license, passport)
- Insurance card (if you have one)
- Please wear a surgical face mask
- Physician order (prescription) for the COVID-19 test. Your doctor will tell you if you need to bring a paper order with you or if it will be submitted electronically.
What do I do when I arrive?
To ensure we maintain our practice hygiene standards and keep you and our staff safe during your visit, please stay in your vehicle and call to let us know you arrived. Our team will guide you on next steps and you will be allowed to enter the facility as soon as possible.
How will you collect the specimen sample from me?
Under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional, you’ll self-administer an anterior nasal swab to collect a sample from inside your nose. This is not a blood test. We will assist patients who are unable to self-administer the specimen collection.
What should I do after I have a COVID-19 test?
Experiencing symptoms
If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, drive home and limit your interactions with others. You’ll need to self-quarantine at least until your test results are back. Your doctor will let you know what to do when they review your test results with you. You’ll receive self-quarantine guidelines from your doctor’s office.
If you have worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, go to the nearest emergency department. Call to tell them you’re on your way and that you’ve been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting for the results.
If you needed a COVID-19 test before a procedure, surgery or other tests identified by your physician, plan to self-quarantine from the time of your test to your procedure or surgery. In most cases, this will be 72 hours. Your physician or surgeon will provide directions specific for you.
How long will it take to get my test results back?
Testing time varies based on demand. Your doctor will notify you of the results. You can also access your results through the patient portal at patient-portal.
Can anyone come with me for my appointment?
To ensure a healthy and safe environment for patients and staff during the pandemic, we’re continuing to limit visitors at all of our hospitals and facilities. Patients may be allowed a support person if the care team determines they’re essential. These circumstances may include people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, or those requiring communication or mobility support. All support persons must pass screenings for COVID-19 risk factors before they will be approved to accompany the patient at their appointment.
Please contact your insurance company to see if they will cover 100% of the test at our specific location. If your insurance requires a co-pay for your doctor’s visit to evaluate your symptoms and testing needs, you will be responsible for that amount. Click here to download additional pricing information.
What should I do if I don’t meet the criteria for a COVID-19 test, but I still have questions or concerns?
- For general questions or concerns, call the our COVID-19 Community Hotline at 1-888-667-9262.
- Visit us at: www.nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus
- For information regarding Connecticut, including alternative test locations, visit gov/coronavirus or call 211.
- For information regarding New York, including alternative test locations, visit health.ny.gov or call 1-888-364-3065.
- For information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website: gov/coronavirus.
Nuvance Health is keeping our communities informed at coronavirus and on social media @NuvanceHealth, or search for your hospital’s name. Our hospitals include Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut; and Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York.