Getting a COVID-19 Test at Esperanza
We offer testing by appointment at our Brighton Park site. Please note that the fastest way to receive your results and access to all of your documents is by registering for our patient portal, MyEsperanza.
Cost of getting your test
With the end of the Public Health Emergency, it's possible that there could be a charge associated with getting your COVID-19 test. See below to find out what you might be expected to pay:
| If you have... | Your COVID test is... |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part D | Free (vaccine is covered 100%) |
| Medicaid | Free until September 30, 2024 |
| Medicare Advantage | Check with your plan for details about your coverage |
| Insurance from your employer | Check with your plan for details about your coverage |
| No insurance | $15 at Esperanza |
Brighton Park COVID-19 Testing Schedule
| Monday | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
Your COVID-19 testing questions
Can I get an at-home COVID-19 rapid test at Esperanza?
Yes, although quantities are limited, Esperanza offers at-home Covid-19 rapid tests at all locations for any person who wants one, regardless of whether you have symptoms or not. Before stopping by, please call 773-584-6200 and listen to auto-message to check if there's any tests available.
Can I get a COVID-19 test at Esperanza?
Yes, Esperanza offers drive-thru testing to any person who wants one, regardless of whether you have symptoms or not, at:
Esperanza Brighton Park: 4700 S. California Ave.
To review symptoms of COVID-19, please visit our page on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19).
Do I need an appointment to get a COVID-19 test?
Due to the high demand in testing, we are asking everyone to schedule an appointment prior to arriving. Please call us at (773) 584-6200 to schedule your appointment. We will try to accommodate you as quickly as possible.
What is the cost of a COVID-19 test?
There is no cost for uninsured patients or for insured patients who are in-network with an Esperanza provider. If you receive a bill, please contact us immediately so we can appeal or waive the charge.
Patients who are out-of-network may still get a test at Esperanza, but they may receive a bill for these services. Your insurance company will be able to tell you if Esperanza is in your network.
Remember: Any person in financial hardship can call our billing department to request assistance.
Do I need a doctor's referral to get a COVID-19 test?
No referral is needed.
Do I need to bring any documents with me for a test?
Patients are strongly encouraged to bring their photo ID (driver's license, state ID, City ID), but can bring an alternative form of identification (i.e. a piece of mail or bill). Patients should also bring their insurance card, if they have one. You will be told what to bring at the time you make your appointment.
What is the COVID-19 test like?
When you call to make an appointment, you'll be asked some basic screening questions to make sure that testing is appropriate. We prefer patients to drive to the site and remain in their cars while we perform an assessment and complete the test. If you walked to the clinic or took public transportation, we ask that you not enter the clinic, but wait outside the testing facility and observe social distancing until it is your turn.
What happens after my COVID-19 test?
If you are negative and vaccinated
• To reduce the risk of being infected with the Delta or Omicron variant and possibly spreading it to others, we ask that you continue practicing social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and wearing a mask when you are outside of your home to prevent future infection.
• You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
If you are negative and UNvaccinated
• We ask that you schedule your appointment for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by calling (773) 584-6200.
• We ask that you continue practicing social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and wearing a mask when you are outside of your home to prevent future infection.
If you are positive and vaccinated
• You should isolate yourself for 5 days. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test.
• We ask that you continue practicing social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and wearing a mask when you are around others in public (and around others inside your home until day 10).
• We will give you more information on how to manage your illness, monitor your symptoms, and protect your loved ones.
• If you need to speak with one of our providers, call (773) 584-6200.
• If you are experiencing a health emergency, you should contact 9-1-1 immediately.
If you are positive and UNvaccinated
• You should isolate yourself for 5 days. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test.
• We ask that you continue practicing social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and wearing a mask when you are around others in public (and around others inside your home until day 10).
• We will give you more information on how to manage your illness, monitor your symptoms, and protect your loved ones.
• We ask that you schedule your appointment for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by calling (773) 584-6200 after the 5 day isolation or until you have no further symptoms.
• If you need to speak with one of our providers, call (773) 584-6200.
• If you are experiencing a health emergency, you should contact 9-1-1 immediately.
If your employer requires a follow-up test
• We will offer it at no cost.
• Please note you may still test positive, even if you are not experiencing symptoms. However, you are no longer contagious. This is a fairly common occurrence and the nature of the virus.
• If you still test positive, we cannot clear you to return to work.
If you need to speak with someone about COVID-19 in English or Spanish, please call us at (773) 584-6200. Our phone lines are available 24/7.