COVID Q & A

Can I Get the COVID Vaccine at First Care Medical Clinic?

We have been approved to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in North Carolina in coordination with the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Current established patients of First Care Medical Clinic eligible for vaccination will receive an email and text message, and Call Center employees will schedule your appointment. 

All other patients are encouraged to fill our the Vaccine Intake and Questionnaire to request your appointment.

Please note, at this time we have no timeline as to when we will offer the COVID vaccine in South Carolina.

What COVID Tests Are Available at First Care Medical Clinic?

Two types of COVID-19 tests are available to detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus: Antigen (nasal swab) and Antibody (blood). These tests can be either rapid (results within minutes) or standard (results within days). 

• Antigen tests will show the presence of an active COVID-19 infection, and can be either rapid or standard testing.  
• Antibody tests will show if your body has developed antibodies for COVID-19 infections, indicating you have had (and most likely have recovered from) COVID-19 within the past three to six months, and is conducted via blood draw with standard testing.

What COVID Test is Right for Me?​​​

For most patients, the Rapid COVID-19 Antigen test will satisfy most requirements for COVID-19 screenings. First Care Medical Clinic uses the CareStart COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test, which provides results within 15 minutes to one hour. Unless your employer, school, or other agency requests the more detailed PCR test, the Rapid Antigen test will be right for you. For more information regarding the Rapid Antigen Test, please click here to view the Patient Information Sheet. 

For some patients, their employer, school, or other agency may require a more detailed test than the Rapid test can provide. Should the PCR Antigen test be necessary, your results will be available within 3 to 5 business days.

COVID-19 Antibody testing is only conducted on an as needed basis by request only, usually to meet a specific need.

Unless specifically requested, patients will be given the Rapid COVID-19 Antigen test. Your provider will discuss the options with you and determine the best test for you.

How Much Does a COVID Test cost?​​​

Your insurance provider will determine your out-of-pocket cost for COVID-19 testing. As a general rule of thumb, most insurance will cover either 100% of the cost of the test, or will cover the cost of testing minus a small out-of-pocket copay or other nominal fee. We will verify your insurance coverage prior to your appointment, or you may call your insurance provider directly. 

Do You Accept My Insurance at First Care Medical Clinic?

View a full list of accepted insurance providers at First Care Medical Clinic. However, please note that if you are part of an HMO, and your insurance card lists the name and telephone of a primary care provider, we are unable to bill your insurance for COVID-19 testing, and you will be responsible for the entire cost of the testing. 

Can I Get a Free COVID Test?

Under state and federal programs, individuals without any insurance may be eligible for free COVID-19 testing. We will verify your eligibility through the federal portal prior to testing.