Non-referral rapid COVID testing at Condo Pharmacy

PLATTSBURGH | In October, the Governor's Office announced rapid COVID-19 testing in each county throughout the state. Condo Pharmacy in Plattsburgh, one of 50 pilot testing locations in New York, now has the equipment to offer two different types of diagnostic rapid testing: antigen and molecular. Owner Steve Moore, PharmD said the antigen test detects proteins on the virus, while the molecular test is more detailed, detecting its RNA. These tests are now available in addition to the standard PCR collection test. "Multiple tests being done is common for individuals with symptoms," Moore told Sun Community News, saying someone might get an antigen test and follow up with a molecular test as well. For the antigen and molecular tests, individuals would receive the results on site of the pharmacy within about 15 minutes of being tested -- no outsourcing to a lab required. PAYING FOR CONVENIENCE Something the pharmacy has noticed since Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order declaring COVID-19 tests widely available: anyone can be rapid-tested without a doctor's note, but that doesn't mean their insurance will cover it. "Essentially you're paying for speed and convenience," said Moore. A PCR test costs $25 apart from lab costs; an antigen test costs $95, and a molecular test costs $125, as per the pharmacy's official website. With regard to how many individuals have been tested through the pilot program, Moore said it depends on the area of the state. "Hundreds in New York City, but in a place like the North Country, fewer." VALUE OF RAPID TEST Asymptomatic patients come to the pharmacy, too, seeking tests for travel, work, and school purposes. Moore said there are a number of people who have come to the area who have older relatives who live here who may be in nursing homes or other care facilities. The rapid testing capabilities allow them the time to safely visit once they have tested negative and undergone any necessary quarantine measures. "If we can help to relieve some of the burdens to keep healthy people out of doctors' offices and hospitals, we can reduce the strain on the local healthcare industry," Moore said. In a press statement, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said rapid testing "will allow health care institutions throughout the state to quickly and accurately determine COVID-19's spread, control outbreaks and keep families and communities safe." Appointments for rapid-tests can be made online, locally, via condopharmacy.com.

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Non-referral rapid COVID testing at Condo Pharmacy

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