Frequently asked questions

Allina Health will be vaccinating all people ages six months and older when the new vaccine becomes available in early October.

Vaccine sections of these websites:

• cdc.gov
• fda.gov
• health.state.mn.us
• dhs.wisconsin.gov

You should consider a COVID-19 test if you have:

• symptoms of COVID-19
• had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19
• been asked or referred to get testing by your health care provider or your local or state health department.

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or suspect you may have it, we know you want answers fast. But we want to make sure you get the right test for the right condition—and we don’t want you to be tested unnecessarily. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to other illnesses including flu and strep, so a care provider will determine if a test is right for you.

To see if testing is the right option for you, schedule a virtual visit or an in-person appointment with a primary care provider.

Schedule now.

With your provider’s recommendation, you can get tested in one of two ways:

1. At an in-person appointment, you can receive a test immediately as part of your appointment.
2. Following a virtual evaluation, your care team can direct you to one of our convenient locations for your test.

If you believe you may have coronavirus, learn more about your care options.

The Minnesota Department of Health partners with communities to offer COVID-19 testing. Learn more about the MDH testing process and upcoming events, to see if it may be an option for you.

Allina Health uses the COVID-19 RT-PCR in its clinics, and for testing before a procedure. The sample is collected using a nasal swab. The swab is inserted into the back of your nasal cavity. The collection can be a bit uncomfortable. If you think you may have COVID-19, talk with a provider using a virtual or in-person care option to see if testing is right for you.

Allina Health also offers COVID-19 antibody (serology) testing for people who meet certain criteria. This test works by detecting the presence of antibodies in the blood and may tell you if you had a past infection. If you think you meet the criteria, your next step is to schedule a virtual visit with your health care provider, who will decide whether you are a good candidate for antibody testing and who can explain your test results after they come in.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

We make every effort to get results processed as soon as possible, but it may take up to a week to receive your test results. Test results are delivered seven days a week.

While you are waiting, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home until you get your test results and follow the advice of your health care provider.

The fastest way to get your test results is through your Allina Health account.

This free online account makes it easier than ever to review your results and communicate with your clinic, hospital and provider. Learn about all of the benefits of an Allina Health account and sign up for an account.

Positive Test Results
If your COVID-19 test result is positive you will be contacted via phone. If you are not able to be reached by phone, a detailed message with the result will be left.

Negative Test Results
Negative COVID-19 test results will be sent via your Allina Health Account (MyChart). If you do not have an Allina Health Account (or MyChart) your results will be sent via mail. Mailed results may take an additional 4-5 business days.

If you have a positive COVID-19 test:

• Stay home except to get medical care.
  • You should stay home until your symptoms go away.
  • If you need medical care, call your health are provider before you go in to be seen. You can also schedule a virtual visit.
• Separate yourself from other people.
  • As much as possible, stay away from other people and pets in your home.
  • If possible, stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom.
  • Do not share food or personal household items.
  • Wear a mask when you are around other people and if you need medical care.
• Monitor your symptoms.
  • Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines to help you feel better.
  • Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse. Tell them that you were tested for COVID-19 and the result was positive. Your health care provider will give you instructions on what to do if you need to be seen.

Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19 at cdc.gov. If you have any questions or concerns, please call your health care provider.

If you had a positive COVID-19 test and you have symptoms, you can be around others when these three things have happened:

• at least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
• you have had no fever for 24 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fever and
• other symptoms of COVID-19 have improved.

Continue to wear a mask for an additional 5 days any time you are around others.

Please note: Loss of taste and smell may last for weeks or months after recovery and do not need to delay the end of isolation.

If you had a positive COVID-19 test but have no symptoms and do not develop any symptoms, you can be around others after 5 days have passed since you had a positive test. Wear a mask for an additional 5 days any time you are around others.

Important: The above recommendations do not apply to people with severe COVID-19 or with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).

Employers, schools and day cares may offer their own safe return guidance.

If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance under “What should I do if I have a positive test result?”

Learn more about when you can be around others at cdc.gov. If you have any questions or concerns, please call your health care provider.

If you have a negative COVID-19 test result, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. Continue to take steps to protect yourself.

If you have any questions or concerns, or develop symptoms of COVID-19, please call your health care provider.

Allina Health now offers COVID-19 antibody (serology) testing for people in the hospital who meet certain guidelines. In addition, antibody testing in at an Allina Health clinic may also be considered for people who:

• have symptoms of COVID-19 that began more than 14 days ago and:
  • had a past negative COVID-19 test result
  • have never had a COVID-19 test 

If you think you meet the criteria above, your next step is to schedule a virtual visit with your health care provider, who will decide whether you are a good candidate for antibody testing and who can explain your test results after they come in.

If you’re not sure, call your clinic or 1-888-4-ALLINA (1-888-425-54621-888-425-5462). We will ask about your symptoms and guide you to the right care.

We have expanded our virtual care options. Virtual care offers a safe and convenient way to get care, right from your home. It can help you with common illnesses and injuries, preventive care, mental health conditions and a range of other medical needs. More often than not, there is a virtual care option for the care you need.

• Virtual visits allow you to make an appointment to talk with your provider face-to-face using your mobile device and the Allina Health account app. These visits can also take place via telephone if you prefer. A virtual visit usually costs the same an office visit (depending on your insurance coverage), and if your provider decides you should be seen in person, you won’t be charged for the virtual visit. Schedule by signing in to your account or by calling your clinic.
• Allina Health Virtual Care uses a brief online questionnaire to gather information about your symptoms. A provider reviews your answers and responds with a care plan within an hour. Available 24/7, Allina Health Virtual Care is an easy and inexpensive way to be treated for many common health conditions. Cost is $49 or less depending on your insurance. Start a visit.

If you have a medical emergency or life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Our Emergency Departments are open to all patients and are taking precautions to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

If you have an urgent medical need, you can visit an urgent care location. Our urgent care locations are now designated as respiratory care, non-respiratory care and split care sites. We recommend calling the urgent care location to make sure it is the best option for you. You can also call 1-888-4-ALLINA (1-888-425-54621-888-425-5462) and we’ll guide you to the right location.

Allina Health Virtual Care is also available if you need care right away. Our team of board-certified providers treat a variety of common everyday conditions virtually - for children to adults. Just complete a short online health interview and a provider will send you a diagnosis and treatment plan within one hour.