COVID-CARE BY TRAINED CLINICIANS
A primary mission of Murphy Medical Associates is to identify positive patients and reduce the spread of COVID-19. We are a medical practice comprised of trained physicians, physician assistants and nurses. All testing is performed by trained clinicians who examine and evaluate each patient for symptoms of COVID-19, even those patients who attest to being asymptomatic, and potential exposure to COVID.
After a patient appears for a COVID-19 test, it is our general practice to follow up with each patient to check on the patient's symptoms and conditions and to determine if further medical intervention is needed.
If a patient tests positive for COVID-19, a member of our team will spend time with the patient describing next steps and recommend personalized treatment based on a number of factors, including the patient's pre-existing conditions.
Even if a patient tests negative for COVID-19, we believe that follow up and care is the best and appropriate medical practice.
COVID TESTING OPTIONS
We have two different types of COVID testing options available. Both use a swab test, and the swabbing experience is the same. The difference occurs in where and how the test sample is processed, the turnaround time for the test, and the amount your insurance company is billed for the test.
COVID-ONLY TEST through one of our lab partners - Depending on your medical need, lab demand, and requested turnaround time, we use partner labs such as LabCorp to process your test. Once the sample is sent to our lab partners, we do not have any control on the turnaround time for your test results.
BIOFIRE 2.1 - Our in-house lab offers the BioFire 2.1 Respiratory Panel which tests for 21 respiratory pathogens, including COVID, as well as other forms of Corona, multiple strains of influenza, and pneumonia. As we run this test in our lab, we will be able to closer estimate a return time for your results.
We also offer Bloodwork for COVID Antibodies.
Bloodwork for COVID Antibodies - We can perform only-COVID antibody testing but recommend that COVID-positive patients discuss our comprehensive blood pane.
MMA Comprehensive Blood Testing - Our comprehensive blood testing to identify COVID-19 antibodies as well as checking certain protein levels, vitamin levels, hormone levels, and other key indicators. This comprehensive test helps inform our team how the virus has potentially affected vital organs and systems, and helps determine a course of treatment for those who have been infected with COVID-19.
NO COST TO PATIENTS
For the COVID-only tests we send to our lab partners, we may bill your insurance company between approximately $200 and $600.
For the BioFire panel tests for 21 respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, we may bill your insurance up to approximately $1,800 for running this panel.
For COVID Antibodies bloodwork (depending on your symptoms and medical history), we may bill your insurance between approximately $150 to $2,300.
For telemedicine follow-up (depending on your symptoms and medical conditions), we may bill your insurance between approximately $200 to $480.
You will not be billed for any of these costs regardless of which lab is used to process your test.
Both federal and state laws have mandated insurance companies to pay for COVID Testing and treatment at 100% of the insurances’ contracted rate. Murphy Medical will bill your insurance company for testing and our services.
In medical billing, insurance companies reimburses medical providers for the testing at a rate the insurance company determines, not the price a medical provider bills.
You may get a letter from your insurance company called an Explanation of Benefits or EOB. This letter is to advise you that your insurance company has received a bill from us for the testing services provided.
Even if the EOB says you owe a portion of the bill, under federal and state law, you do not owe anything for COVID testing. You will never receive a bill from Murphy Medical Associates for COVID testing and care.
If you do not have insurance, we will provide you with the same standard of care and treatment. We will not turn you away, and we will never seek reimbursement from you for the medical services and care provided.