COVID-19 Updates

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. If you have an appointment at the clinic, patients are required to use a face covering or mask to enter the building. The mask or face covering should cover your nose and mouth completely. If you do not have a mask, you will be given one before entering the clinic. We are also screening at the entrance with a thermal scanner and series of questions. Most importantly, we ask that you call first if you have a fever, cough or trouble breathing before you come into a clinic. For those who have mild symptoms, it is best to use our home care instructions.

COVID-19 (PCR) Drive Through Testing

UT Health Austin COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing is offered through our drive-through testing clinic and WorkLife clinic (by appointment only). Please call 1-833-UT-CARES for scheduling information. If you are a UT Health Austin patient, you may self-schedule a drive through PCR test through your patient portal.

• Location: 1601 Trinity St., Austin, 78712 Health Center Garage (HCG), 5th Floor.
• Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
• Results: results can be expected within 48-72 hours. Only those who test positive will receive a phone call. All results will be uploaded to the patient’s portal.

Antibody Testing (PCT)

Antibody testing is limited to new and established UT Health Austin patients. Patients may call 1-833-UT-CARES (833-882-2737) to schedule a telehealth appointment with WorkLife 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 persons with COVID-19)
• Someone who has had symptoms resembling COVID-19 at some point this year
• Someone who has had an 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.