The Washington State Department of Health recommends testing anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
With testing supplies and capacity in Washington increasing, the state is now urging Washingtonians to get tested if they think they might be sick, even if mildly symptomatic (learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 to watch for). This represents a shift from previous messaging, which urged individuals with mild symptoms to stay home.
Review the DOH's frequently asked questions about testing to learn more about who should be tested, what to do if you test positive, the types of tests (PCR and antibody), and more.
Physicians and other health care providers: If a patient comes to you with concerns over COVID-19 symptoms, state officials are urging you to get them tested. The goal of the state is to have all people with COVID-19 symptoms tested within 24 hours.
Costs for COVID-19 testing
If you have insurance and are symptomatic, there should be no cost to you as a patient for the COVID-19 lab test. Patients who do not have insurance should ask their physician or provider about using the HRSA portal to bill for the test: COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement.
The Washington State Health Care Authority is working with insurance carriers across all the populations they purchase for, including Medicaid (Apple Health), public employees and school employees, to waive the costs association with COVID-19 testing. Learn more on HCA's website.
If you don't have health insurance, visit the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to find out if you qualify for free health coverage through Apple Health, Washington's Medicaid program, or if you qualify to purchase individual health insurance under specific circumstances. Find answers to frequently asked questions about getting coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Washington State Department of Health offers more information about costs for COVID-19 testing in Washington state.
Where can patients get tested?
Some medical practices may not have sufficient testing and/or personal protective equipment to conduct onsite testing. There are many free and low-cost testing locations across the state.
Note: Testing sites may change and new ones may open. This list is not a complete list of all testing locations. It may not include the most up-to-date locations or contact information.
Urgent care centers - Use this link to find an urgent care center near you.
Community health centers – Use this link to find a community health center near you.
Google will show a list of testing sites in your area if you type in "COVID tests near me" (or just click on this link).
Benton and Franklin County testing sites
Grays Harbor County – Call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at 360.964.1850 to get a referral for testing. The call center is open seven days/week between 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Jefferson County - If you think you've been exposed to the virus and have respiratory symptoms, use Jefferson Healthcare's dedicated COVID-19/Respiratory Illness Nurse Consult Line 360.344.3094 as a first step.
King County free COVID-19 testing locations
Pacific County drive-through testing (by appointment)
Pierce County testing sites
Skagit County drive-through testing
Snohomish County offers drive-through testing by appointment
Spokane County screening site information
Thurston County - Providence Medical Group Hawk's Prairie Clinic in Lacey is now offering drive-through triage and swab collection for symptomatic patients.
Whatcom County testing sites
Yakima County testing sites
Other local health jurisdictions - Find your local health jurisdiction website for more information on free, public COVID-19 testing locations.
Community Health Care's Pierce County locations are offering drive-through testing for COVID-19 even if you are not a Community Health Care patient.
CHI Franciscan offers free e-visits for people who want to be tested
MultiCare Health System offers free e-visits for people who want to be tested
Providence testing centers
UW Medicine drive-up testing
Walgreens drive-through testing at select locations in partnership with the PWNHealth provider network.