Like, but not the same as last year, families sending their kids off to school for the 2020-21 academic year can expect some changes to what they might expect from the typical school year. Unlike last year, schools are not allowed to require masks — though they are highly recommended — and COVID-19 protocols unfortunately are pretty much non-existent in Iowa.
Since kids under 12 can’t yet get vaccinated and COVID cases are on the rise due to the highly contagious Delta Variant, not only should we be stocking up on school supplies, but we should also have a plan for COVID testing for our kids in place.
Keep in mind that it can take a few days to a week to get test results back, so it might be in your best interest to order test kits and have them on hand for when you need them. While some places require insurance and a doctor’s referral, others are free and open to the public. Regardless of your situation, there’s a way for you to get tested.
Here’s where you can get a COVID-19 test in Des Moines:
Broadlawns Urgent Care (3 Locations)
Free: No. $65 for test plus additional office visit costs.
Insurance Required: No, but insurance is accepted.
Referral Required: No.
Hours: Varies by location.
Rapid Test Available: No. PCR tests.
Patients can walk into one of Broadlawn’s three Urgent Care locations in Des Moines to get a PCR COVID-19 test.
Hy-Vee (Multiple Locations)
Free: Yes and No.
Insurance Required: Not required, but insurance is accepted.
Referral Required: No
Hours: Varies by Location
Rapid Test Available: Yes.
Hy-Vee is offering PCR (free), Rapid Antigen (costs vary) and Rapid Antibody ($25) COVID 19 tests at select Hy-Vee pharmacy locations. All patients must register ahead of time in order to receive a test voucher and select a testing site and appointment time.
The Iowa Clinic Urgent Care (2 Locations)
Free: No.
Insurance Required: Not required, but insurance is accepted.
Referral Required: No.
Hours: Varies by location.
Rapid Available: Yes.
Patients can schedule a reservation online for a testing time or walk-in to be placed in The Iowa Clinic’s Urgent Care queue for a PCR, Rapid Antigen or Antibody COVID-19 test.
MercyOne Clinics & Urgent Care (Multiple Locations)
Free: No.
Insurance Required: Not required, but insurance is accepted.
Referral Required: Yes and No.
Hours: Varies by location.
Rapid Test Available: No. PCR tests.
An appointment is required if you have a MercyOne primary care provider referring you to a testing location. If you do not have a primary care provider or if you are showing symptoms, you may visit one of MercyOne’s Urgent Care Clinics, no appointment necessary.
Polk County Health Department (Des Moines)
Free: Yes.
Insurance Required: No.
Referral Required: No.
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Rapid Test Available: No. PCR tests.
Individuals can pick up a COVID-19 test kit at Polk County Health Department’s front desk. After individuals have completed the self-collect saliva test, they can drop it off at the State Hygienic Lab in Ankeny (2220 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023) OR send the test kit back with the UPS label provided with the kit. Once the test is received by the lab, the processing time for results may vary. Individuals usually receive results within a few days.
Test Iowa At Home (Online & Multiple Pick-Up Locations)
Free: Yes.
Insurance Required: No.
Referral Required: No.
Hours: Online 24/7 or Varies by location.
Rapid Available: No. PCR tests.
At-home test kits are available at no cost through the Test Iowa at-home program. To receive a free at-home test kit, request one at testiowa.com. After requesting a test kit, it will be sent to you. You can also pick one up from a nearby location. Results should be sent to you via the email you provided when you activated your kit within 24 hours after the sample is received by the laboratory.
UnityPoint Health (Multiple Locations)
Free: No. Cost varies by test $40, $125 or $240, plus additional office visit costs.
Insurance Required: Not required, but insurance is accepted.
Referral Required: Yes.
Hours: Varies by location.
Rapid Available: Yes.
Unity Point Health offers COVID-19 PCR, Antigen and Antibody testing at certain locations throughout the Des Moines area. A referral from a UnityPoint affiliated physician is required to visit the testing locations. If you are showing symptoms, you can visit one of the Urgent Care Clinics or UnityPoint Clinic Express by appointment.
Walgreens (Multiple Locations)
Free: Yes.
Insurance Required: No, but insurance is accepted.
Referral Required: No.
Hours: Varies by location.
Rapid Available: Yes.
Walgreens is offering free, contactless COVID-19 testing for patients age three and up at select locations, in partnership with the PWNHealth provider network at several locations in the Des Moines area. Walgreens offers both COVID-19 PCR and Antigen testing. To get a test you must complete a screening assessment and make an appointment online at www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing.
Do you have a plan for testing your kids for COVID for the upcoming school year?
