COVID-19 Testing at Wellstar Urgent Care Centers

As COVID-19 continues to spread, our communities are seeing a surge in cases, especially among the unvaccinated and in children not yet eligible for the vaccines.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, it is recommended you get tested so you can take action for your health and to help stop the spread.

While Wellstar is offering rapid and PCR tests at all 18 of our urgent care locations, we are experiencing increased wait times due to high demand. Find additional testing locations by visiting a local retail pharmacy, such as Walgreens or CVS, or through your local health department.

How do I get tested?

Due to the increase in demand for COVID-19 testing and evaluation, online appointment availability at Wellstar Urgent Care Centers may be limited. We are continuing to see patients on a walk-in basis.

What if my child needs a COVID-19 test?

While our urgent care centers will perform COVID-19 testing on children 12 and older, Wellstar recommends choosing a testing location based on your child’s medical circumstance. If your child requires a COVID-19 test and is:

• Asymptomatic (showing no symptoms): Find a local COVID-19 testing site near you.
• Showing mild to moderate symptoms: Contact your Wellstar pediatrician’s office directly to determine the appropriate location to receive care.
• Experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, unable to keep liquids down, lethargy, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms: Seek immediate medical care at the nearest pediatric emergency department.

For more information, visit our Pediatric Care During COVID-19 resource page.

Which tests are available?

Wellstar offers rapid and PCR tests. Both tests involve a provider inserting a swab into your nose to collect nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat.

PCR tests look for viral genetic material in the sample. Test results are usually available within 24 hours. A lab processes the sample. Same-day results are available at the urgent care centers located at Wellstar health parks when testing is completed by noon.

Rapid COVID-19 tests detect specific protein in the sample, which may indicate a COVID-19 infection. The sample is then processed at the testing location. Results are also available at the testing location, normally in 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I still be treated at an urgent care location if my health issue is unrelated to COVID-19?

At this time, it is strongly recommended that patients with a non-COVID, non-emergency medical need use WellstarON for care, including:

• Cold/flu
• Cough
• Cuts
• Minor burns
• Sore throat
• Sprains

How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best defense against COVID-19 is vaccination. Everyone five and older is eligible to get vaccinated, and the shots are very effective at preventing COVID-19. Visit your local retail pharmacy to stick it to COVID and get your vaccine. 

However, our youngest community members under the age of five are especially vulnerable because they can’t get their shots yet. As schools are back in session, it is especially crucial that we step up to protect ourselves and our communities. Follow the 3Ws — wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance from others — and get a check-up with your Wellstar primary care provider to stay healthy.