Covid-19
Covid-19 FAQs
Will you test my child for Covid-19?
Patients can be tested if they are a primary care patient at our clinic, and are having symptoms or have a known expsoure to someone who has Covid-19.
What symptoms?
A temperature over 100 and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include loss of taste and smell, headache, vomitting, fatuge, and diarrhea.
What does it mean to be a primary care patient?
It means we are your pediatric clinic and you come to us for all well visits and sick visits.
Why do I have to be a primary care patient? Why can't I just get the test?
We are a primary care clinic and can only treat our patients.
How do I schedule an appointment?
If you already come to Des Moines Pediatrics, you can call 515-255-3181 and ask for an sick visit appointment, or click on Appointment Request and select an afternoon time two or more days out. If your family does not come to us yet, call to talk to the front desk. Have your insurance information handy to give to us over the phone.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We'll see you within a few days.
What can I expect at the appointment?
You'll arrive in our parking lot at the time of your appointment and call to let us know you are here. A provider will meet you in the parking lot. He or she will be wearing full personal protective equipment, including a mask and face shield. If you are new to the clinic, the provider will bring you a Transfer Care form to sign, which transfers the patient to our clinic as a primary care patient. The provider will do a brief exam and perform the test in the parking lot. You will have time to ask any questions you have.
What is the test like?
A swab is inserted briefly into the nose. People who have gotten tested describe it as unpleasant but tolerable. Most people say it doesn't hurt, and the unpleasant sensation goes away very quickly after the swabbing ends.
What should I do after the test?
Act as if you have a positive result. Stay home, don't interact with others, and wash your hands often.
How soon will I get results?
Results are typically back in two to three days. If labs are processing a higher volume of tests than usual, it might be a few more days. We have no control over how long the lab will take to process the test, but as soon as we get the result, we will call and let you know.
What then?
When the provider calls to tell you the test results, they will also explain the next steps.
What will it cost me?
Please note that this is a primary care clinic, and you are coming for a sick visit with concerns about Covid-19. The test itself is free for patients who have symptoms or known exposures. The cost of the appointment will be related to the sick visit, and your individual insurance plan will determine the cost to you. The cost of the visit might go toward your deductable or not, and you may have a copayment or not, depending on your insurance plan.
My child was sick a while ago. I want to know if it was Covid-19. Do you offer antibody testing?
Yes, we offer antibody testing. Again, you need to be a primary care patient here, and your insurance plan will determine the cost to you.