There are Several Ways to Test for COVID-19 and Obtain Results

A rise in COVID-19 testing at Glendive Medical Center (GMC) has individuals who have been tested wondering how and when they can see their results. How a person obtains results depends on several factors including the presence of symptoms and if that individual was tested as a “close contact”. Results are typically available between 3-10 business days.

A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet, for 15 minutes or more to someone who has tested positive. When someone tests positive, close contacts are identified by the Dawson County Health Department (DCHD) during the period of communicability, which is 48 hours prior to symptom onset, or if symptoms haven’t developed, 48 hours prior to the positive test date. DCHD will call these individuals to get tested. This test is currently provided by the state at no cost. Close contacts are tested curbside in a designated spot outside of GMC Urgent Care. Test results for close contacts can be obtained by calling DCHD directly at (406) 377-5213, however, individuals with positive test results will be contacted by the Dawson County Health Department. Please allow the designated timeframe of 3-10 business days. Anyone who has been deemed a close contact needs to be quarantined for 14 days. It is not recommended for contacts of contacts to test or quarantine.

An individual who is having COVID-19 symptoms can call the Healthcare Hotline at (406) 345-8811 to make an appointment to be tested in GMC Urgent Care. This test is currently provided by the state at no cost, however patients will be charged for their Urgent Care visit. Results will be available through the patient’s PatientConnect portal located at the top of the home page at www.gmc.org. If a patient has not registered, or is not sure if they have PatientConnect, they may register with the Patent Access Representative upon check in. They will then receive an email to finish their registration online. Once complete, patients will have access to their electronic medical record 24/7. Test results will be available the same time the provider receives them. A provider will still contact their patient with results, however.

For individuals who do not have symptoms but would like to be tested for COVID-19, there are two options available through GMC Lab: A COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal swab or the SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Serum Blood Test. The Nasopharyngeal swab is sent to the state lab with the same duration of expected result time of 3-10 business days. The IgG Antibody Serum Blood Test is available between 7-10 business days and is for anyone who suspects they may have already had COVID-19. These test results will be available in the patient’s electronic medical record through the PatientConnect portal as well. Individuals with no symptoms can register for PatientConnect at either the Outpatient desk or through the Healthcare Information Management (HIM) department. The COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal swab is currently available at no cost and the IgG Antibody Serum Blood Test is available for $75. Patients may obtain a letter to submit this to their insurance. To make an appointment for either of these tests, please call (406) 345-3370.

If an individual is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, please call 911 or the Emergency Department prior to arrival at (406) 345-3314.