New combined testing for COVID-19, strep throat
As fall and winter begin, people will increasingly experience illnesses with symptoms similar to COVID-19. We want to help you get answers quickly and easily.
A new combined triage and testing process for COVID-19 and group A streptococcus (strep throat) now is available. There will be a single process for screening, testing and sharing results at Mayo Clinic Health System locations across the Midwest.
Get screened
If you are experiencing symptoms common for COVID-19 or group A streptococcus, call the COVID-19 Nurse Line at 507-293-9525 or answer questions about your symptoms using the Check Symptoms assessment tool in Patient Online Services on the web or the Mayo Clinic App. This tool is available to our patients with a home address in Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin. If you do not have insurance and are unable to cover the test cost, inquire about billing options when you call.
A nurse will determine what tests you need based on your symptoms, direct you to a local testing site if you meet criteria and provide instructions for scheduling your test.
Get tested
At the testing site, staff will collect specimens using appropriate precautions. If you require more than one test, staff may need to collect more than one specimen.
Get results
Specimens will be sent to a Mayo Clinic lab for analysis, with results expected in 24 to 72 hours. If you are positive for any of the illnesses, you will be contacted and advised of next steps.
Results will all be available in Patient Online Services or by calling the automated Mayo Clinic Service Line at 877-838-2050. Have your Mayo Clinic number and date of birth ready when you call.
You can easily create an account if you don't have one by going to Patient Online Services and clicking on "Create your account." You also can download the Mayo Clinic App from the Apple and Google Play app stores.