As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Colorado, it is important to know what are the options when it comes to testing. How much does it cost? How quickly can you get the test results? Do you need insurance? Thankfully, there is a variety of services, private and public, that provide the most advanced testing to detect the presence of the virus. Whether you are insured or not, here is a complete guide to all the testing sites in Denver.
Public Testing
Denver Human Services East
Where: 3815 Steele St., Denver
Cost: Free
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 3-4 business days
The Lowdown: The office of Denver Human Services offers drive-up testing every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To ensure the office has adequate testing supplies, you must register each time you wish to be tested. A valid email address is required in order to receive results as quickly as possible.
Green Valley Ranch Pool
Where: 4455 Jebel St., Denver
Cost: Free
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 3-4 business days
The Lowdown: The Green Valley Ranch Pool is one of the new community testing sites established by the state. The location offers drive-through testing for the uninsured every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Anyone interested in taking a test must register online before going to the location.
Paco Sanchez Park
Where: 1290 Knox Ct., Denver
Cost: Free
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 3-4 business days
The Lowdown: Drive-through testing for COVID-19 is offered at Paco Sanchez Park from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must bring a photo I.D. to get tested and register online prior.
Ruby Hill Park
Where: 1200 W. Florida Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 3-4 business days
The Lowdown: Drive-through testing is available at Ruby Park Hill from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To get tested, you must bring a photo I.D. and register online. If test results take longer than five business days, you can reach out to RCT@denvergov.org.
Water World
Where: 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights
Cost: Free
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 2-4 business days
The Lowdown: Located just north of Denver, Water World hosts one of the largest drive-up testing spots in metro Denver. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas.
City of Denver’s At-Home Testing
Where: At home
Cost: Free
How To Register: To schedule a visit, call 3-1-1
Results Return: 2-4 business days
The Lowdown: Formerly, Denver offered this option through its “Wellness Winnie” RV, but has since retired the vehicle for other services. Now you can call 3-1-1 to schedule an at-home appointment for those who don’t have access to transportation or can’t travel.
Private Testing
Advanced Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine
Where: Central Park, 3890 Quebec St., Denver
Cost: $95 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 3–7 days
The Lowdown: Individuals can get a curbside Diagnostic/PCR test or a rapid COVID-19 test at Advanced Urgent Care. The rapid test results are available on the same day. The cost of the test is covered by most major insurances. To get tested, a virtual visit must be scheduled. During the visit, the provider will then schedule the curbside test, which is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
AFC Urgent Care
Where: Visit the official website for all locations, click here
Cost: $95 – $159 without insurance
How To Register: Register online, click here
Results Return: 3–5 days; same day for rapid testing
The Lowdown: AFC offers three types of tests: COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test, COVID-19 Antibody Testing and COVID-19 Standard Swab Test. To get tested, an appointment is required. Make your appointment online and select “COVID-19/Drive-Up Medical Care.”
AfterOurs Urgent Care
Where: 6895 E. Hampden Ave., Denver; 4500 W. 38th Ave, Ste 220, Denver
Cost: $150 – $230 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 24-48 hours
The Lowdown: AfterOurs conducts both Serology (Antibody) testing and Viral (Diagnostic/PCR) testing. Appointments are not required but individuals must register online. All patients may be tested and no referral is required. For more information on COVID-19 testing at AfterOurs, click here.
CareNow Urgent Care
Where: Visit the official website for all locations, click here
Cost: $250 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 3 – 5 days; same day for rapid testing
The Lowdown: CareNow offers the standard PCR test for COVID-19 testing and the rapid test. Results for the rapid test may be ready as quickly as in 15 minutes. Major insurances can cover the cost for the test. For self-pay patients, the FFCRA amended by the CARES Act can cover the cost of the test. CareNow will not collect for the exam bill or lab service fee at the time of service.
Covid Drive Up Community Testing
Where: 2150 S. Monaco Pkwy., Denver
Cost: $180 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 1 – 3 days
The Lowdown: Appointments are recommended but drive-ups without appointments can also get tested. The drive-thru service offers the standard PCR COVID-19 nasal swab and the COVID-19 Antibody test. For insured patients, the cost of the test will be billed to their respective insurances.
Dispatch Health
Where: Dispatchers come to your location
Cost: $275
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 2 – 4 days; same day for rapid testing
The Lowdown: If you’d rather take the test at home, Dispatch Health is an on-demand, mobile care provider with COVID testing capabilities. They offer the PCR test, rapid test and the lateral flor antigen test. They will test symptomatic or asymptomatic patients and they are available seven days a week.
Inner City Health Center
Where: Harrington Elementary School Parking Lot, 2401 E. 27th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
How To Register: Registration not required
Results Return: 4 – 5 days
The Lowdown: Every Saturday, Inner City Health will be offering drive-thru COVID 19 testing and flu vaccinations. Testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
King Soopers
Where: Visit the official website for all locations, click here
Cost: $144 – 193 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 24– 48 hours
The Lowdown: Kroger’s Health now offers drive-thru COVID-19 testing at various King Soopers’ locations. Only symptomatic patients may get tested. To get tested, first complete the screening and registration process online. Afterward, you can schedule an appointment and choose the testing location. Patients must make sure to activate patient portal access in order to receive the lab results as quickly as possible.
National Jewish Health
Where: 1400 Jackson St., Denver
Cost: $89 – 98 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 24– 48 hours
The Lowdown: National Jewish Health offers the drive-thru PCR Test. Additionally, patients can get the IgG Antibody Serology Test to see if they have previously contracted the virus. Payments must be made in advance and will not be billed to insurance.
Editor’s note: a former version of this article stated that National Jewish Health allowed patients to self administer their test. That is incorrect. We have updated the information accordingly.
Nurture Marketplace
Where: 2949 Federal Blvd., Denver
Cost: $149
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 1– 2 hours
The Lowdown: Nurture Marketplace has teamed up with Denver Covid Rapid Test to provide drive-up COVID testing at the parking lot. Appointments can be made booked online and the payment for the test must be done in advance. When arriving at the site, make sure to always wear your mask and bring your photo I.D. The COVID rapid test should take about 15 minutes to complete and results can be available in one or two hours.
Rocky Mountain Urgent Care
Where: Visit the official website for all locations, click here
Cost: $150 +
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 48– 72 hours, rapid test available in an hour
The Lowdown: Rocky Mountain Urgent Care clinics offer drive-thru PCR test, rapid test and antibody test. Patients can be symptomatic or asymptomatic to get tested. However, for the antibody test, which requires drawing blood, patients must be asymptomatic. Once you have booked an appointment, a provider will call to schedule the test and explain the process of performing the test.
STRIDE Community Health Center
Where: Visit the official website for all locations, click here
Cost: Free
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 7– 10 business days
The Lowdown: Patients experiencing symptoms, as well as asymptomatic patients, can get tested. The drive-thru testing works on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of this, it is recommended to arrive as early at 6 a.m. as testing ends when supplies have been depleted.
Tepeyac Clinic
Where: Globeville Community Church, 5039 Lincoln St., Denver
Cost: Free
How To Register: Call to register, 303-458-5302
Results Return: 3-4 business days
The Lowdown: The Tepeyac Clinic offers COVID-19 testing every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Individuals must schedule an appointment before heading to the clinic. The clinic will prioritize testing for individuals who are experiencing symptoms, are at high risk or require a test for work, school or medical reasons.
UC Health
Where: Visit the official website for all locations, click here
Cost: $85 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: Varies due to high demand
The Lowdown: At this time, UC Health will only provide COVID-19 testing for people referred by their provider or symptomatic patients. You can get the standard PCR swab test, which detects the presence of the virus, or the antibody blood test, which detects the presence of the antibodies. Once the test is complete, patients can find their test results in their My Health Connection account.
Walgreens
Where: Visit the official website for all locations, click here
Cost: $129 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 24 hours for rapid test
The Lowdown: Walgreens Pharmacy is offering contactless COVID-19 testing for patients age three and up. The tests available are the PCR COVID-19 test, the Rapid Diagnostic Test and the Rapid Antigen Test. To get tested, patients must complete a survey and register online. On-site, they must provide an e-mail confirmation, valid photo I.D. and insurance card.
The Women’s Health Group
Where: 9195 Grant St., Thornton
Cost: $180 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 1 – 3 days
The Lowdown: Test Directly offers drive-thru testing at the Women’s Health Group parking lot in Thornton. After registering online and scheduling an appointment, patients can get either the standard PCR COVID-19 nasal swab or the COVID-19 Antibody test.
Zip Clinic Urgent Care
Where: 1 Broadway, Bldg A Ste 100, Denver
Cost: $119 without insurance
How To Register: Register online here
Results Return: 24 hours for rapid test
The Lowdown: Zip Clinic offers drive-up testing without the need for a referral. Additionally, testing is provided for anyone, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. In order to get tested, check-in online in advance to reserve your spot and fill out the required paperwork.
Editor’s note: a former version of this article stated that a COVID-19 test at Rocky Mountain Urgent Care was free but costs start at $150. The article has been updated accordingly.
Rocky Mountain Urgent Care is NOT free. Was quoted $260 total for either test.
Founders Family Medicine and Urgent Care offers affordable COVID testing, drop them at Castle Rock.