We offer convenient and reliable COVID-19 testing at CLS Health Primary Care clinics throughout the Greater Houston area. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, need a test for travel, or are preparing to visit someone at high risk, our top-notch care teams are here to guide you. Read on to learn more about COVID-19, available testing types, and what to do if you test positive.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a contagious respiratory illness that can range from mild symptoms to severe complications, especially for older adults and those with underlying health conditions. COVID-19 primarily spreads through droplets released when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes and can also be transmitted by touching surfaces carrying the virus. Testing is essential in helping prevent its spread and enabling timely treatment.
COVID Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Headache and fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
Types of COVID Tests
There are two common types of COVID-19 tests and we offer both at CLS Health Clinics.
- PCR Tests (Polymerase Chain Reaction): PCR tests, a type of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), detect the virus’s genetic material and are known as the “gold standard” for COVID-19 detection. Samples are typically sent to a laboratory for analysis, with results usually available within 1–3 days. This test provides the highest accuracy, especially for those with or without symptoms.
- Antigen Tests (Rapid COVID-19 Tests): Antigen tests detect viral proteins, offering a quicker alternative to PCR tests. These tests are often referred to as at-home tests and are useful for identifying active COVID-19 infections, particularly in symptomatic individuals. However, if you take an antigen test when asymptomatic and receive a negative result, a follow-up test within 48 hours is recommended for confirmation.
When to Test for COVID
Knowing when to test for COVID-19 is important to help you make informed decisions about your health and avoid spreading the virus to others.
- If You Have Symptoms: Test as soon as possible if you experience COVID-19 symptoms to confirm if you have an active infection.
- If You Were Exposed: For those without symptoms, the CDC recommends waiting at least five days after exposure before testing to increase accuracy.
- Pre-Event Testing: If you plan to attend gatherings or visit high-risk individuals, testing beforehand can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
- After Recovering from COVID-19: If you’ve had COVID-19 within the last 30 days, a follow-up test is not generally needed unless new symptoms arise.
What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID
Here is the CDC’s updated guidance if you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.
- Stay Home and Limit Contact: Stay home and avoid close contact with others, especially in the first few days when you’re most contagious. Isolate until at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided and symptoms improve. You may need a longer isolation period if you have a weakened immune system. Your provider can help you determine the best course of action depending on your situation.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, and seek medical care if they worsen, especially if you experience breathing difficulties. Treatments are available for high-risk individuals to reduce illness severity.
- Take Precautions After Isolation: After isolation, wearing a mask, practicing good hygiene, and improving ventilation for five additional days can reduce harm during the later stages of the illness.
How Long After Testing Positive for COVID Are You Contagious?
People with COVID-19 are most contagious during the first five days of symptoms or following a positive test. After five days, most people can end isolation if they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. For those with weakened immune systems or prolonged symptoms, a longer isolation period may be necessary. Your CLS Health provider can offer personalized advice based on your symptoms and health history.
Coronavirus Testing in Houston
CLS Health provides accessible, convenient COVID-19 testing services throughout Greater Houston. Our clinics offer both PCR and rapid antigen tests to meet your needs, whether for a scheduled visit or on-demand testing. We also administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Aetna Select
- Open Access Selects
- Elect Choice
- Aetna Open Access Elect Choice
- Aetna Choice POS II
- Managed Choice
- Open Choice PPO
- Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans
CLS Health does not accept:
- Aetna CVS Marketplace Plans
* Some providers may not accept this insurance, please call to confirm
- Superior Ambetter Core (Complete, Clear, Focused, Standard Silver and Gold)
- Superior Ambetter Value (Clear Value Silver, Focused Value Silver, CMS Standard Silver & Gold Value, Everyday Value Gold)
- Superior Ambetter Virtual (Ambetter Virtual Access Silver, CMS Standard Virtual Access Basic Silver, Ambetter Virtual Access Gold)
- Superior Health Plan CHIP*
- Superior Health Plan MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug)
- Superior Health Plan Medicare
- Superior Health Plan MMP Medicaid*
- Superior Health Plan MMP Medicare
- Superior Health Plan STAR*
- Superior Health Plan STAR Kids*
- Superior Health Plan STAR+PLUS*
CLS Health participates in most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans including:
- Blue Choice PPO
- Blue Essentials
- Blue Essentials Access
- HealthSelect
- HealthSelect of Texas In Area
- Consumer Directed HealthSelect in Area
- HealthSelect of Texas Out of State
- Consumer Directed Health Select Out of State
- HealthSelect Secondary 65+
- Medicare Advantage HMO
- Medicare Advantage PPO
- Medicare Advantage Value HMO
- POS
- Traditional/Par Plan
- TRS-Active Care
- TRS-Care Standard
- BCBS MyBlue Health (Marketplace)
*Some providers may not accept Community Health Choice, please call to confirm
- MarketplacePremier
- Medicaid*CHIPCHIP PerinateSTAR
- Medicare AdvantageDual-Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)
CLS Health accepts most Cigna plans, including:
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna Local Plus
- Cigna Open Access Plus
- Cigna PPO
- ChoiceCare PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- HMO Premier
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- HumanaChoice - Medicare Advantage PPO plan
- Humana Gold Choice - Medicare Advantage Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan
- Human Gold Plus - Medicare Advantage HMO & Special Needs Plan
- Military (TRICARE South Region Military Health Plan)
- POS - including Choice POS, National POS Open Access/Plus and Preferred POS Open Access.
- PPO
*Some providers may not accept United Healthcare, please call to confirm
- Commercial, HMO, POS, EPO and PPO Plans (Charter, Choice,Core, Doctors Plan, Freedon, Heritage, Navigate, Nexus ACO, Options PPO, Passport Connect, Select)
- Indemnity
- Medicare Advantage (AARP, Care Improvement Plus, C-SNP, D-SNP, I-SNP, Erickson Advantage, ERS Medicare Advantage, TRS-Care Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealthcare Chronic Complete, UnitedHealthcare Connected (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete, UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO, United Healthcare Medicare Complete)
- Community Plans* (CHIP, CHIP Perinate, Star, Star Kids, Star Plus, MMP)
- Wellmed (Wellmed Dual SNP Focus, Wellmed Medicare Advantage Focus)
*Some providers may not accept Wellpoint, please call to confirm
- Medicaid (All Texas Plans Including the Below)*
- CHIP
- CHIP Perinate
- STAR
- STAR+PLUS
- STAR Kids
- Medicare Advantage
- C-SNP
- D-SNP
- I-SNP
- Medicare Advantage HMO
- Medicare-Medicaid (MMP)
- Medicare-Medicaid Program (MMP)
- STAR+PLUS MMP
*Some providers may not accept insurance, please call to confirm
PPO Networks
- Beechstreet PPO
- Carnival Cruise Lines PPO
- Envolve Benefit Options Vision-PPO, HMO
- First Health
- Curative/First Health
- Galaxy Health Network
- HealthSmart Preferred Care
- Accel
- Healthsmart Payors Organization
- Multiplan PPO
- Tricare (Humana) PPO/Prime
Employer-Specific Plans
- Brazoria County Employees – Aetna TPA Brazoria County Employees
Workers’ Compensation Plans
- Workers’ Comp
- Auto & Workers’ Comp
Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Traditional
- Medicare Advantage
- Memorial Hermann Health Solutions Commercial and Medicare
- Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO SNP
- Medicare-Medicaid Program (MMP)
- STAR+PLUS MMP
- Alignment Health Plan
- AllyAlign Health
- American Health Plans
- Florida Complete Care
- Gold Kidney Health Plan
- Imperial Health
- Independent Health
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado
- Mass Advantage
- Presbyterian Health Plan
- PriorityHealth
- Provider Partners
- SCAN
- UCare
- Vantage Health Plan
- Verda Healthcare
- Zing Health
Medicaid and CHIP Programs
- Molina Healthcare* (Marketplace, Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinate, STAR, STAR Kids, STAR+PLUS)
- Texas Children's Health Plans*
- TMHP (Traditional Medicaid) Traditional Medicaid
Specialty Plans
- VA Community Cares Network CCN
FAQs
COVID-19 tests have expiration dates to ensure accuracy. The FDA has extended expiration dates for some tests; you can check the FDA’s website or consult your CLS Health provider to confirm if your test is still effective.
PCR tests may detect COVID-19 for up to 90 days, even if you’re no longer contagious. Antigen tests are generally better for confirming new infections within a shorter time frame. If you’re unsure, speak with a provider about the most appropriate testing option for your situation.
COVID-19 test results typically indicate “positive,” “negative,” or “invalid.” A positive result confirms infection, while a negative result suggests no detectable virus. Follow-up testing may be recommended for antigen tests, particularly if you have symptoms.
At-home tests are effective for detecting COVID-19, especially when symptoms are present. For best results, follow all instructions closely, and complete a second test 48 hours after an initial negative result if symptoms persist.
COVID-19 testing coverage may vary. Many insurance plans cover testing, and some testing sites offer free services. Check with your insurance provider or ask our team at CLS Health at 2810 724-1860 for assistance with any coverage questions.
