Diagnostic Testing

Yes, we are doing diagnostic testing for adults and children at 8 drive-up testing sites across the Twin Cities. In Minnesota and nationwide, tests and supplies are limited. We are working to expand our ability to test more people.

Anyone showing any of the following COVID-19 symptoms is a candidate for testing: 

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

• New muscle or body aches

• New headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• New and unexplained nausea or vomiting (throwing up)

• Diarrhea (loose stools)

• New and unexplained feeling of being tired or weak

• Poor feeding (in young children)

M Health Fairview is working quickly to ramp up testing for people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. However, national shortages of lab testing supplies require us to prioritize testing for certain groups without symptoms. These priority groups include:

• Patients admitted to our care facilities

• Patients scheduled for surgery

• Those who had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19

• Patients who reside in congregate living facilities such as nursing homes or group homes

• Those who have taken part in mass gatherings such as protests, vigils, or neighborhood clean-ups

• People traveling to locations that require a negative diagnostic test result for entry

Appointments are required for testing. Each person must first be screened by a provider and pre-approved for testing. If you have symptoms that fit with COVID-19, please use MyChart to complete a COVID-19 assessment, as outlined above. Our care team will review your symptoms, provide a care plan, and help you set up a testing appointment.

If you or a member of your family has COVID-19 symptoms and is having trouble breathing, please contact a medical provider. Other emergency warning signs can include:

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to wake or stay awake

• Bluish lips or face 

Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek help.

If you already have a MyChart account for your child, you should continue through the steps above. 

If you do not have access to your child’s MyChart account, you can schedule a virtual urgent care visit. 

• For children ages 0-11, you may call 1-855-324-7843 and request to set up a MyChart account for your child.
• For teens ages 12-17, a visit is required to set-up a MyChart account, please schedule a virtual urgent care visit.

Qualifying patients who have already been assessed through Oncare.org will be scheduled for an appointment. The appointment will take place at one of our 8 drive-up test collection centers. Collection involves swabbing deep inside the nose. People who test negative will receive their results in MyChart within 3 days or by U.S. mail in 7 to 10 days. People with positive results will receive a phone call from our care team within 3 days. Please note: To access your results in MyChart, you must use the MyChart system that matches the clinic that tested you: Fairview or HealthEast.

If you need COVID-19 testing, many Minnesota health plans are covering out-of-pocket patient costs. Please check with your insurer to understand your potential out-of-pocket costs according to your plan benefits. The charge for M Health Fairview to administer the test is $110.

If your result was positive, you have COVID-19. Follow our instructions for a positive result. Instructions are also available in Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish.

If your result was negative, we didn’t find the virus in your sample, but you might still have COVID-19. Follow our instructions for a negative result. Instructions are also available in Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish.

You will receive these instructions by mail or in MyChart as well.

Most people with COVID-19 have a mild illness and will recover at home. Our care team can guide you online or by phone. Those with more severe illness may need extra medical support or hospital care. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms, and when you should seek medical care.