Elgin Family Care Center to offer COVID-19 testing at Sycamore, McHenry, Elgin locations

A regional health care center will begin providing COVID-19 testing in Sycamore, Elgin and McHenry Tuesday as part of a partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health.

According to a news release, the Greater Elgin Family Care Center will provide COVID-19 testing to patients and non-patients at the care centers who qualify as high-risk, health care workers and first responders, and those exhibiting severe symptoms of the viral respiratory disease.

Results are estimated to be available within two to four days following a nasopharyngeal swab test by LabCorp, according to the release.

Testing locations include Seneca Health Center and Dental Clinic, 450 Dundee Ave. in Elgin, McHenry Community Health Center, 3901 Mercy Drive in McHenry and Center for Family Health, 165 E. Plank Road in Sycamore.

Each of the testing locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for tests, which are available by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

If you are exhibiting symptoms which you believe may be related to COVID-19, including but not limited to high fever, shortness or breath or persistent cough, loss of taste or smell, you are encouraged to call the Greater Elgin Family Care Center at 847-608-1344 or 815-363-9900 where you will speak with a health care professional who will determine whether you qualify for testing.

Testing is available for both insured and uninsured people, according to the release.

If you qualify for testing, you are required to come alone to your scheduled appointment, during which you must remain n your vehicle until greeted outside by a staff member who will provide you with a mask to wear. Patients will then be escorted into the health center for further registration, the nasal swab test and check-out procedures.

Payment for the COVID-19 test can be accepted via medical insurance if your insurer is accepted by the health centers. For those who don't have medical insurance, a scale of fees based on income level is available online at www.gefcc.org.

Regional hospitals also offer rapid COVID-19 testing to patients who qualify, with results available in hours or less. Physicians Immediate Care announced Sunday they are also offering COVID-19 testing to all patients who exhibit symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Results are available within 15 minutes through the Abbott ID Now COVID-19 test, according to the website.

Physicians Immediate also is providing testing to all health care workers, first responders or those exposed who are deemed at-risk by an immediate care professional, whether they have symptoms or not.

For information, visit physiciansimmediatecare.com.