COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is available throughout North Carolina including at many area clinics and pharmacies. Testing sites can be found on the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services website.

COVID-19 Testing at UNC Health

If you are a UNC Health patient and need to get a COVID-19 test, here's how you can get tested:

  • Schedule your test using My UNC Chart and selecting “Schedule an Appointment” from the menu.
  • Contact your UNC Health provider and ask to be scheduled for the test.
  • Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order: 
    • Limit of one order per residential address 
    • One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests 
    • Orders will ship free starting in late January.

Other Testing Options

If you do not have a UNC Health provider, here is how you can get tested:

  • Visit the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services website to find a free testing site near you.
  • Request a free at-home test kit from LabCorp. Read the instructions on how to request a kit.
  • Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order: 
    • Limit of one order per residential address 
    • One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests 
    • Orders will ship free starting in late January  

If You Test Positive 

If you test positive for COVID-19 and are feeling sick, you can call your doctor’s office. They can help you decide what to do. Be sure to call your doctor before visiting the office or an urgent care location. If you need a doctor, find one near you. 

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will be able to recover at home, and some of the same things you do to feel better if you have the flu also help with COVID-19. These include such things as getting enough rest, staying well hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil to relieve fever and aches and pains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance for at-home treatment of COVID-19. 

If you tested positive and do not have symptoms, follow CDC guidelines for quarantine and isolation.  

If You Have Symptoms of COVID-19

If you are concerned you have been exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19, click the COVID-19 Help tab on the bottom of the page. This will bring up our COVID-19 symptom checker that will lead you through some questions to determine if you need medical follow-up. You can also call your primary care provider. Review COVID-19 testing options on this page. 

UNC Health has a very limited supply of monoclonal antibody treatment medications right now. The fastest way to see if treatment is available or if you are eligible is to call your primary care physician. 

Call 911 or seek immediate treatment if your COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent chest pain and/or pressure
  • A fever >104 degrees Fahrenheit that isn’t improving with over-the-counter fever reducing medication
  • Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Confusion they weren’t experiencing before
  • An inability to get up
  • A blue tint to your lips and/or face

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Fever or feeling feverish
  • Shaking with chills
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

If you were exposed to COVID-19 and have any of the above symptoms, or if you tested positive for COVID-19 less than 21 days ago, please call your provider's office before attending your next appointment.

Learn more about appointment protocols

COVID-19 Test Pricing

The out-of-pocket cost for testing varies:

  • If you have health insurance, you will be billed your primary care copay up to a max of $48.

  • If you do not have insurance, UNC Health currently participates in a program that may be able to assist with Covid-19 related care. Please contact our Customer Service Call Center toll free at (800) 594-8624 or local at (984) 974-2222 for more information on this program.

UNC Health testing/lab costs, before insurance or discounts are applied:

$100 - Caldwell UNC Health, Chatham Hospital, UNC Lenoir Health Care, UNC Medical Center, UNC REX Healthcare, Johnston Health, Nash UNC Health Care, Pardee UNC Health Care and Wayne UNC Health Care

Doctor visits and other services outside of the test, including urgent care and emergency room visits, are billed separately the same as any other medical services at UNC Health.