Coronavirus (COVID-19) Drive-Through Testing Locations

Due to increased demand and in line with recent recommendations from Allegheny County’s health department, patients must be experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 – including fever, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, gastrointestinal issues or loss of smell or taste – to receive a test across all AHN testing sites.

AHN has opened seven locations for drive-through Coronavirus test collection. As we work to slow the spread of Coronavirus, these collection sites will help protect our patients and our staff.

Coronavirus testing in Pittsburgh and Erie

These are not walk-up testing sites. Only patients who have been previously evaluated by a health care provider for COVID-19 symptoms and who have a valid prescription order from their doctor may be tested at the drive-through testing sites this time.

Steps to get Coronavirus testing:

1. If you’re experiencing symptoms — such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath — stay in your home. Call your doctor’s office, schedule a virtual visit through MyChart, or call (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 to discuss symptoms and next steps.
2. Your doctor will evaluate you based on your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment, which may or may not include a COVID-19 test.
3. After the COVID-19 test is ordered, an AHN care specialist will contact you directly, within 48 hours to set up your appointment at a Coronavirus testing collection site.
4. To view your Coronavirus testing status and results log into your MyChart app, click the “COVID‑19” icon to view your Coronavirus testing status. If your test was ordered by an AHN provider, your status will be updated when results are finalized and confirmed. Please do not call (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 as your will be notified when your results are final.
   

We understand this process may be frustrating — but it’s in the best interest of the community to make sure we can manage the testing capacity and availability of tests to those who need it most. By having multiple levels of screenings, we can ensure the right patients get the right tests and everyone stays as healthy as possible.

If you’re experiencing a true medical emergency, dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency department. We recommend calling ahead to the ED so that they know your symptoms.

AHN Mobile Unit Schedule for COVID-19 Testing

Allegheny Health Network caregivers will also operate mobile testing vehicles. To minimize wait times at the mobile clinic and to find a location near you, patients are strongly encouraged to make an appointment prior to arrival by calling AHN’s 24/7 Nurse On Call-line (412-687-7348). A physician’s order is still NOT required for the mobile clinic.

For asymptomatic patients – including those who believe they have been directly exposed to someone positive with the virus – AHN recommends quarantining for 14 days.  This measure is being taken to help AHN conserve testing supplies and expedite results for symptomatic patients, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the illness.

What to expect when arriving at the mobile testing site:

• Patients will walk or drive through a secured, marked area.
• No outdoor restrooms will be available at the collection locations.
• The sample is collected via a nasal swab and the process typically takes less than 30 seconds, not including any wait times.
• Testing results for the coronavirus typically take 3-5 days, depending on test volume. Individuals will be contacted directly with their results.  As volumes increase, wait times for results may be longer.
• While waiting for their test results, individuals should stay at home. Those who receive positive COVID-19 test results may be issued additional care orders or self-isolation orders.
  

Have questions? We have answers.

Getting Tested

Cost and Coverage

I have a prescribed test order

I have a question about getting Coronavirus testing:

Can I just show up to a drive-through Coronavirus testing location?

Unfortunately, no. To be as efficient as possible, you’ll need to have a doctor’s order. Follow the three steps above if you’re showing symptoms.

How do I get a Coronavirus testing order?

Follow the three steps above if you’re showing symptoms — cough, fever, or shortness of breath. Call your doctor’s office, 412-NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348, or schedule a virtual visit through MyChart. Your doctor will evaluate you based on your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment, which may or may not include a COVID-19 test.

How do I get an appointment at the drive-through Coronavirus testing location?

Your doctor will evaluate you based on your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment, which may include a COVID-19 test. If that’s the case, your doctor will send you a test order. At that point, an AHN care specialist will call you within 48 hours to set up your appointment.

Are you doing Coronavirus testing for children?

Yes — if a child is symptomatic, has seen a doctor, and has a test order, the child can get tested at a drive-through collection site.

Can my whole family be tested if a doctor orders Coronavirus testing for one of us?

Unfortunately, no. The test order is only for that specific person. If you have been prescribed a test, try to limit your interactions with your family until you have test results.

I have a question about the cost or coverage of the Coronavirus testing:

How much is a test?

The federal government has issued a directive requiring health insurance companies to waive member cost-sharing amounts for testing for COVID-19. Health insurance plans were informed to eliminate cost sharing, co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance for medically necessary testing for COVID-19. The federal government has also passed legislation that provides free coronavirus testing to individuals without insurance. COVID-19 testing covered with no cost to patients, requires an insurer to pay either the rate specified in a contract between the provider and the insurer, or, if there is no contract, a cash price posted by the provider. Insurance companies with whom an AHN facility does not have a contract may find the cash price for COVID-19 testing; SARS COV2 COVID AMB PROBE $77.00, SARS COV2 COVID AMB PROBE HTP $150.00, and COVID AB MULTIPLE STEP $37.00.

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) promises to provide medically necessary services to patients no matter how much they can pay. If you have questions, or need assistance with information regarding the AHN Financial Assistance program, or other government programs, please visit ahn.org/about/uninsured-financial-assistance. You may also contact an AHN Customer Service for Hospital and Physician Billing by calling 1-844-801-8400 between 8:30 AM. and 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.

Could other testing be ordered?

Will I be charged for a flu/RSV test?

Please call your insurance provider’s customer service team — the number is typically on the back of your insurance card — to see if copays, deductibles, or co-insurances apply.

How will I be billed?

Copays, deductibles, or co-insurance may apply. You will not need to present your insurance card at the collection site.

I don’t have insurance. What should I do?

Please call the PA Department of Health or your county health department.

I don’t have a car. What should I do?

Please call the PA Department of Health or your county health department to locate additional testing options. If you live near the Braddock or North Shore locations, they have the option to walk into the site for your test.

I have a prescribed test order and have questions about the Coronavirus screening:

What if I don’t have MyChart?

You can still get tested if you don’t have MyChart.  

When are the drive-through Coronavirus testing sites open?

Below are the hours for each of our testing sites. You can either go through a drive-through lane or walk into the test site.

Bethel testing hours
Monday           8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday           Closed
Wednesday     8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday         Closed
Friday               Closed
Saturday          9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday             Closed

Monroeville testing hours
Monday           Closed
Tuesday           8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday     Closed
Thursday         8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday               Closed
Saturday          9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday             Closed 

Erie testing hours
Monday            8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Tuesday           8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Wednesday     8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Thursday         8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Friday               8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturday          9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday             Closed 

Wexford testing hours
Monday            8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday           Closed
Wednesday     8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday         Closed
Friday               8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday          Closed
Sunday             Closed 

Kindred testing hours
Monday           Closed
Tuesday           8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday     Closed
Thursday         8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday               Closed
Saturday          9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday             Closed 

Braddock testing hours
Monday           9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday           Closed
Wednesday     9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday         Closed
Friday               9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday          Closed
Sunday             Closed 

Natrona Heights testing hours
Monday           Closed
Tuesday           8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday     Closed
Thursday         8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday               Closed
Saturday          Closed
Sunday             Closed

Why are these Coronavirus testing locations not at hospitals?

We’ve put these collection sites closer to where people live and work. It also helps to lessen the strain and risk of spread to our emergency departments. That helps protect people who are most vulnerable due to other health conditions.

I’m going to a test collection site; will I have access to a bathroom?

For everyone’s safety, you will not be allowed to leave your car or enter a facility.

The Braddock and North Shore locations now accommodate patients without cars and you may use the bathroom at those locations.

I have a test order and I’m going to get screened. What should I expect?

For starters, please come alone if possible, or have as few people in the car as you can. You’ll be asked to verbally verify your name, date of birth, and address. Please follow the direction of the staff once you arrive at the site.

How long until I get my results?

COVID-19 test results will be back in 3-5 days. Log into your MyChart app, click the “COVID‑19” icon to view your Coronavirus testing status. If your test was ordered by an AHN provider, your status will be updated when results are finalized and confirmed. Please do not call (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 as you will be notified when your results are final.

How is the test given?

Your sample will be collected through a nasal swap, a quick process that takes less than 30 seconds.

What should I do after I complete my drive-through test?

Stay safely in your home as you wait for results. Since you’ve been ordered to have Coronavirus testing, for control and prevention, follow guidelines as if you have the virus until you get your results. If you’re experiencing an immediate medical emergency, call 911. Make sure to mention you have been tested for COVID-19.

How long will I have to wait at the coronavirus testing location?

We’re working hard to test 20 patients per hour. By setting up appointments, we’re avoiding long wait times. 

How do I get the results of my COVID-19 test?

The doctor who ordered your test will contact you with results. Log into your MyChart app, click the “COVID‑19” icon to view your Coronavirus testing status. If your test was ordered by an AHN provider, your status will be updated when results are finalized and confirmed. Please do not call (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 as you will be notified when your results are final.

How are you protecting employees?

We’re following all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for screening and caring for patients. Our teams at the drive-through sites will have the same protective gear they would have at the hospital.