Testing for Patients with COVID-19 Symptoms

According to the CDC, people with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

St. Luke's Symptomatic Testing Process

St. Luke’s offers COVID-19 testing to patients with COVID-19 symptoms, as confirmed through MyChart self-triage, nurse triage by phone at 208-381-9500, or clinical evaluation. 

• If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, or may have been exposed, please use our self-triage tool in MyChart first; it will help you determine what to do next. If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can create one online here. 
  • NOTE: If you have already received a COVID-19 testing order from a provider during a virtual urgent care visit, you do not need to perform self-triage! You can simply login to MyChart, select Schedule an Appointment from the Menu, and click Schedule now within the COVID-19 Test order to select a time that works for you.
• If self-triage indicates that you should be tested, you will be able to schedule an appointment through MyChart at one of our designated clinic locations. You may also call our COVID-19 hotline for instructions or assistance at 208-381-9500. Please note: you must have an appointment for testing, we are unable to accept walk-ins. 
• St. Luke’s clinical protocol is to wait at least 14 days between tests. If you need an additional test due to continued or worsening symptoms, you may schedule a test by contacting your primary care provider. If you need to be seen for your symptoms, please visit your primary care provider or urgent care. 
• If you are experiencing severe symptoms and need immediate assistance, go to the nearest emergency department. 

COVID-19 tests will be provided to anyone who meets this criteria. St. Luke's will bill your insurance company; you may owe an out-of-pocket or co-payment amount dependent on your insurance benefits. If you do not have insurance, you will be responsible for the balance and St. Luke's will bill you for the test. Payment options are listed on your billing statement.

 

COVID-19 Testing for Asymptomatic Patients

Asymptomatic patients (not exhibiting symptoms) are currently tested under the following circumstances. Patients should ideally be tested between 24-48 hours (and no more than 72 hours) prior to: 

• Discharge or transfer from a St. Luke’s hospital to a high-risk congregate living facility, such as a long-term care, skilled nursing, or psychiatric care facility.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is also available, as follows: 

• Nasopharyngeal swab testing will be available for those with known exposures. We continue to recommend isolation after potential exposure, social distancing, masking, hand hygiene, and frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces.  
• Asymptomatic specimen collection will be available for those needing pre-travel testing. 
  • If scheduling a COVID test for travel purposes, it is your responsibility to understand the specific COVID testing requirements for your destination. St. Luke’s uses Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAAT) by TMA (Transcription Mediated Amplification) to test for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and we cannot guarantee our laboratory testing method (NAAT) will meet all the requirements for travel.

Asymptomatic Testing Process

Asymptomatic testing appointments are available through MyChart at one of our designated clinic locations. You may also call our COVID-19 hotline for instructions or assistance at 208-381-9500. Please note: you must have an appointment for testing, we are unable to accept walk-ins. Asymptomatic testing results will be sent via myChart.

COVID-19 tests will be provided to anyone who meets this criteria. St. Luke's will bill your insurance company; you may owe an out-of-pocket or co-payment amount dependent on your insurance benefits. If you do not have insurance, you will be responsible for the balance and St. Luke's will bill you for the test. Payment options are listed on your billing statement.

Testing Locations

Symptomatic and asymptomatic testing are offered at a variety of location across the St. Luke's footprint. Please check MyChart for appointment availability or call 208-381-9500.

Please visit an emergency department if you need treatment for severe symptoms. 

For Employers or Non-St. Luke’s Care Facilities 

For any employers or non-St. Luke’s care facilities in need of group testing, please contact your local public health district office; find the list here.