Testing Employees Makes Good Dollars & Sense
Companies across America are asking if they should test their workforce for COVID-19 and, if so, which test is appropriate. The following information will help you make an informed decision.
What tests are available and what does each test for?
- The molecular test — a nasal/oral swab — tests for active infection. This test should be done on symptomatic individuals or those suspected of recent exposure. It is also used to determine whether an asymptomatic employee could potentially be infecting others.
- The IgG antibody test — a blood test — looks to see if an individual has had significant exposure to COVID-19 for his/her body to mount an immune response. According to the FDA, COVID-19 antibody testing may indicate that “the person has been exposed to the virus and developed antibodies against it, which may mean that person has at least some immunity to the coronavirus.”
Why is it important to test?
An individual with a positive molecular/swab test should be quarantined and carefully observed for worsening symptoms. This person obviously should not be allowed into the workplace.
On the other hand, if an individual is asymptomatic and shows significant antibody to COVID-19, according to the FDA, this person “may be able to resume work.”
Why are negative results important?
If, for instance, a high percentage of your workforce tests negative for specific antibodies against COVID-19, it is further evidence that the protocols your company has put in place are effective. You have dramatically demonstrated successful due diligence against this pandemic.
Do my employees need to come to a Physicians Quality Care location?
No. For a minimum number of individuals to be tested, Physicians Quality Care OCCMed will come to you.
How do you bill for testing?
You have options …
At Your Site:
- We will perform either test at your worksite for a flat fee per employee tested. This includes all tech fees, travel costs, supplies, specimen processing and reporting results.
- If each employee is insured, PQC can bill insurance. However, since insurance only reimburses for the actual cost of the test, we will charge a fee for each person tested. This fee is significantly lower than the “no insurance” fee and covers the above costs plus the extra cost of processing the insurance claim and establishing the employee in our EMR.
At Our Clinic in Jackson:
We will bill insurance. Your company will have no additional charge, and we will waive the co-pay. Results will be reported only to the employee, and it will be his/her responsibility to report results to the company. Employees may arrive individually without appointment or a block of time may be scheduled in order to test your employees more efficiently.
