Texas Emergency Care Center now has COVID-19 tests available at our Atascocita and Pearland locations. Rapid Antigen, PCR, and Rapid Antibody Tests available. No appointment needed. Short wait times!
As a result of the Covid Pandemic, Texas Emergency Care Center has been approved as a Medicare Provider for the duration of the pandemic.
Testing at Our Facilities
Testing at our facilities is for patients who are sick and/or are presenting symptoms associated with being “Covid Positive” according to CDC guidlines. We do not conduct testing for return to work or school approval or for travel.
If you feel you need a test, call one of our locations! We’ll help you determine if you need a test today.
Molecular (PCR) Test
- Atascocita and Pearland ER Locations
This is a very accurate test done using a nasal swab that detects the presence of the coronavirus in the body. It takes just a few minutes to perform and your results will be back in a few days.
Antibody Test
- Results in as little as 25 minutes
- Atascocita and Pearland ER Locations
Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies which can determine if you have been previously infect by Covid-19. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose active COVID-19 infection.
AntiGEN TEST
- Results in as little as 25 minutes
- Atascocita and Pearland ER Locations
Antigen tests check for active COVID-19 infection through a sample collected with a swab of the nasal cavity.
FFCRA & Cares Act Provider Compliance Information
Pursuant to section 6001 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) as amended by Sections 3201 and 3202 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) specifically as the foregoing relate to the provision and reimbursement of orders for and or administration of SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 (collectively, “COVID-19) in vitro diagnostic tests (including serological tests used to detect COVID-19 antibodies) as well as the provision and reimbursement of items and services furnished to individuals during visits that result in an order for, or administration of a COVID-19 in vitro diagnostic test(s) and or the provision and reimbursement of services related to the evaluation of such individuals by the attending healthcare provider for purposes of determining the need for the product or service in question, the following are the lists by provider of CPT codes and associated cash prices required by section 3202 (b) of the CARES Act related to the foregoing COVID-19 in vitro diagnostic testing services as well as said related items and services:
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PATIENTS | In order to provide clean, safe, efficient and appropriate emergency medical care to our community, we are ONLY offering COVID-19 testing to individuals who have emergency symptoms or a concerning exposure to COVID-19 that could lead to a potential medical emergency. As an emergency room, our top priority is the safety of our ER patients and our staff.
Every patient who comes to our facility will receive an examination by a medical provider, but you may be declined testing if you are not having emergency symptoms or a concerning exposure to COVID-19 that could lead to a potential medical emergency. If you do not meet the criteria for emergency testing, we will help you find the most appropriate location to meet your needs. You may also wish to contact your primary physician if you are only having mild symptoms.
Please wear a face mask in public and continue social distancing as we face these uncertain times.
Guidance for Routine and Repeat COVID-19 Testing | As an Emergency Medical Facility, we are unable to see non-sick patients for routine COVID-19 testing. We DO test and treat patients who have emergency exposures to COVID-19 or emergency symptoms of COVID-19 that may lead to a medical emergency. Patients should contact their primary physician or seek other community resources for routine or repeat testing. Following is additional information about repeat testing:
If you have previously tested negative, you may consider retesting at Texas Emergency Care Center Emergency Room in the following situations:
- You develop additional or worsening symptoms since the time of initial testing.
- You have persistent symptoms related to COVID-19
- You experience another emergency exposure to COVID-19 that might lead to an emergency medical condition
If you have previously tested positive and wish to discontinue home isolation, we are not recommending retesting. Rather, that you follow the CDC guidelines for ending home isolation. These can be found here.Retesting for work-return should be arranged through your primary physician and not through an emergency room. You may also seek community resources for work-return testing.
If you have previously tested positive and you have symptoms of a new infection, you should be evaluated by a physician. The physician will determine if you need to be tested for a particular virus or bacterial infection. In very rare cases, a person may become sick again with COVID-19 even after recovering from a previous illness.
CORONAVIRUS FAQs
What is CoronaVirus?
From the World Health Organization (WHO):
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
What are the Symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
The following sympoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs, get medical attention immediately. These include:
- Difficult breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
This is not an all inclusive list. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
There is currently no vaccine to prevent CoronaVirus.
The virus is thought to spread person-to-person, betweeb people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and/or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT ILLNESS IS TO AVOID BEING EXPOSED TO THIS VIRUS.
From the CDC: Take Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take Steps to Protect Others
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: It is recommended that you wear a facemask in public places, espeically when you might be in close proximity with people. Please follow the advice of your local officials.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
What to Do if Your Are Sick
The FIRST thing you should do is CALL your healthcare provider, or Texas Emergency Care Center
STAY HOME EXCEPT TO GET MEDICAL CARE
- Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
- Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
- Get Tested to confirm your diagnosis. Texas Emergency Care Center provides Molecular and Antiboy tests at both our Pearland and Atascocita locations.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
- If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with the person who is sick should not stay in the same room with them, or they should wear a facemask if they enter a room with the person who is sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid sharing personal household items
- Do not share: You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
- Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
- Clean and disinfect: Practice routine cleaning of high touch surfaces.
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
- Disinfect areas with bodily fluids: Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
- Household cleaners: Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Monitor your symptoms
- Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
- Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
- Wear a facemask when sick: Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
- Alert health department: Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
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Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
Discontinuing home isolation
- Stay at home until instructed to leave: Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.
- Talk to your healthcare provider: The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Can I Get Tested at Texas Emergency Care Center ER or Pearland Urgent Care?
YES! Texas Emergency Care Center offers Molecular and Antibody tests at both our Pearland and Atascocita ER locations.
YOU DO NOT NEED AN APPOINTMENT!
Facilities are open and available for tesing 24/7!
RESOURCES for Moms!
Find more ER visit tips on the blog.
https://txercare.com/making-the-most-of-your-er-visit/
When you visit one of our facilities, rest assured that there are other moms who understand what it's like. We've been there!
Nurse Glory Raley spent last year's lockdown with two children in casts. She said, "We have been through it in our house...from stitches to head injuries. From broken bones to surgeries. Believe me, Mama. I get it."
-Eric, Pearland
As a result of Covid-19 and the declared pandemic, TECC is an approved Medicare Provider until the pandemic is over.
Details on the blog! https://txercare.com/child-abuse-prevention-month/
