Given the high level of disease in our community at this time, UT Health Austin is focusing on providing COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals and those asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19. There are additional testing options available in the community and across the state in addition to self-testing. Our goal is for returning students to test in their community to not only avoid importing disease, but also so that they have the comfort of isolating in their own homes if their test results are positive.
UT Austin students should contact their primary care physician’s office or local pharmacies to complete testing within 72 hours prior to moving to Austin or returning to campus.
For additional COVID-19 resources, please check your local health authority. For COVID-19 testing information that pertains to the city of Austin, please visit here. For additional COVID-19 information related to The University of Texas at Austin, please visit the Protect Texas Together website or download the app.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. This page will be updated as information is made available.
Reviewed and Updated by: UT Health Austin’s Clinical Quality Manager
Your safety and health are our top priority. UT Health Austin recommends patients stay home if you have mild-to-moderate symptoms, use home monitoring and care for COVID-19 symptoms. Please note that people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, similar to the common cold. Currently, there are no antiviral medications to treat Coronavirus and antibiotics are not useful for treating viral infections such as Coronavirus.
If you are experiencing new, or worsening, of any of the following symptoms or, if you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, before going to an urgent care or the ER, we recommend you call your doctor or healthcare provider’s office.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- New loss of taste or smell
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering or surgical mask before medical help arrives.
In accordance with public health guidance, we’ve made some important changes to our clinic operations to keep you and our staff safe. UT Health Austin is following the most up-to-date CDC screening guidelines for COVID-19 detection. These guidelines are subject to change and we will update this page as needed. Click here to learn what other measures we are taking to protect our patients and staff.
For in-person appointments, we are doing everything possible to keep you safe while delivering the care you urgently need. We ask that you continue to mask in the Health Transformation Building as we care for patients who are vulnerable and immunocompromised. These patients are at risk for COVID-19 and need continued protection.
For infectious disease control, we have always asked individuals who exhibit rash, fever, and/or have respiratory infection to mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.
Drive-Through Testing: For Patients WITH SYMPTOMS
UT Health Austin COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing is offered through our drive-through testing clinic, by appointment, for patients who are SYMPTOMATIC (showing symptoms). Please call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) to schedule your appointment. If you are a UT Health Austin patient with a portal account, you may self-schedule a drive-through PCR test through your patient portal.
- Location: 5th floor of the Health Center Garage (HCG), 1601 Trinity Street, Austin, 78712.
- Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon by appointment only.
- Results: Results can be expected within 24-48 hours. Only those who test positive will receive a phone call. All results will be uploaded to your patient portal.
Walk-In Testing: For Patients WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
Patients who are ASYMPTOMATIC (not showing symptoms) who wish to be tested may use UT Health Austin’s Walk-In Clinic.
- Location: 1st floor, Suite 1.701 of the Health Transformation Building (HTB), 1601 Trinity Street, Austin, 78712
- Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Results: Results can be expected within 24-48 hours. Only those who test positive will receive a phone call. All results will be uploaded to your patient portal.
Antibody testing is limited to new and established UT Health Austin patients. Patients may call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) to schedule a telehealth appointment with UT Health Austin’s Walk-In Clinic to 1) determine if testing is appropriate and 2) discuss the implications of the test results for their individual situation.
Antibody testing is appropriate for:
- Anyone who has a high probability of yielding accurate results from the test (e.g., an individual who has not been able to maintain social distancing, consistent masking, hand washing, or exposure to COVID-19)
- Anyone who has had symptoms resembling COVID-19 at some point this year
- Anyone who has had exposure to someone who had COVID-19 or has traveled to a highly endemic area for COVID-19 (e.g., China, Italy, New York, Seattle, etc.) within the past 14 days
- Anyone who is actively having symptoms of COVID-19, particularly within 14 days since symptom onset, should be scheduled for PCR testing (nasal swab) rather than antibody testing
UT Health Austin complies with all vaccination criteria as established by the Texas Department of State Health Services. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine availability or to request a vaccination at UT Health Austin, please visit here.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a number of provisions to provide relief to the public from issues caused by the pandemic, including price transparency for COVID -19 testing. Section 3202(b) of the CARES Act requires providers of diagnostic tests for COVID-19 to post the cash price for a COVID-19 diagnostic test on their website from March 27 through the end of the public health emergency. For more information, see the FAQs.
*At UT Health Austin, the self-pay cost for COIVD-19 screening and testing is $80.00, plus an additional lab charge for Clinical Pathology Laboratories of $70.00.*
UT Health Austin is now performing elective surgeries and procedures (operations) which require an overnight stay. All surgeries will proceed pending the results of COVID-19 pre-screening.
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