Who is eligible for testing?

Testing is available to both members of KCDPC & their referrals from the community — anyone is welcome to test (whether they have symptoms or not).  If influenza and/or strep throat seems more likely, we may offer to do this rapid testing (takes less than 10 minutes) prior to proceeding with COVID testing. Influenza testing is $30; strep testing is $15.  

What is the price of COVID testing?  Is it free?

While the Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by congress on March 18, 2020 attempted to provide “free” testing, the way they set this up is that insurance companies must pay for testing.  As you all are aware, we do not bill any insurers for our services.  Because of the cost of supplies, labor, and the risk associated with testing, there is a $75 visit fee for testing from KCDPC that will be charged when you book your COVID-19 testing.

When we send the test sample in to a commercial lab, however, we can include your insurance information and they can bill your insurer for the cost of the test.  For those without insurance, they will invoice you for approximately $0-100 in several months (please let us know if their billing significantly exceeds this price). 

How do I schedule?

You will pick a 5-minute window for testing at the clinic. This testing requires a lengthy set-up for us, so unfortunately, we cannot be that flexible. If you arrive late, you may miss your appointment. If you cannot make your scheduled date and time, please call us to reschedule at least 3 hours before your appointment to reschedule for a later date/time .

Where is the testing done?

KCDPC’s parking lot at 2016 W 43rd Avenue, Suite A — we share a parking lot with the Commerce Bank ATM.  Park in a parking spot on arrival. Remain in your vehicle and call us when you arrive (913-730-0331); we will greet you ASAP.

What do I need to bring?

You must present a government-issued ID to be tested.  You may also want to bring a tissue, as things can get a bit messy.

How is the testing done?

Specimen collection will most likely be done by nasopharyngeal swab.  This is essentially an elongated q-tip that we insert through each nostril and use to swab the back of the oropharynx.

NOTE: We also have the option to collect samples using nasopharyngeal aspirate. So long as we have supplies available, you are welcome to choose which method you prefer.  We will administer the swab, should you prefer that; however, the aspirate, should you choose this method, needs to be done by you.  Just let us know which one you prefer when you arrive and call (we’ll default to swabbing). A nasopharyngeal aspirate is, essentially, like doing a saline nasal rinse with something like a Netti Pot.  One of our colleagues (the always entertaining Dr. Ryan Neuhofel of NeuCare) in Lawrence made this video to demonstrate; please watch it to know what to expect. (If that link doesn’t work — you can copy/paste this URL: https://youtu.be/lnEETKTi9kE )

Written instructions:

• Tilt your vehicle seat slightly backwards.
• Open the bag and remove items, placing them on your lap. 
• Place the un-capped, pre-filled syringe (saline solution) into one nostril.
• In other hand, place plastic cup under the other (opposite) nostril.
• Tilt head backwards to look straight up at ceiling
• Squirt the saline (about 5 mL) into your nasal cavity. You will feel the fluid move to the back of your nose and throat. DO NOT SWALLOW!
• Tilt your head towards the plastic cup, allowing fluid to exit opposite nostril and into the cup.
• Squeeze the nostril that you squirted the saline into and blow the other nostril hard into cup. WE WANT MUCOUS SO DON’T BE SHY!  🙂
• Blow your nose a few times with provided tissue.
• When you are done, hold the specimen cup outside of your car window.  A provider or nurse will approach to suction up the fluid to be transferred to another container.  You will hold the cup the whole time; do not hand it to the clinician.
• Take the pipette from the provider or nurse.
• Place all the materials used into the plastic baggy provided and discard at home in a trash can.

What’s next?

We will send in your sample for COVID-19 testing to a private reference lab within 24 hours of collection.  Labs are currently reporting a turnaround time of 2-14ish days; this will vary depending on total volume for them.  We will notify you of the results within 24 hours of us receiving them. Please wait at least a week before contacting us for an update regarding the results.

While you wait for your results, you must home quarantine.  Those who are under home quarantine should not attend school, work or any other setting (including stores, grocery stores, etc.).

To confirm you’ve read this entire document, please share the password “social distancing” with us when you arrive for testing. Thanks!