Covid-19 Testing

THE CORONAVIRUS IN HAWAII

As of noon on January 25, 2021, Hawaii has 25,275 total cases of COVID-19. The virus has hospitalized 1,664 people, and sadly, the state reports 342 deaths. However, hope is on the horizon in the form of vaccines against the coronavirus. An estimated 109,808 doses have been administered. Vaccine distribution continues in phases as more vials of the drug become available.

GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE

You may have questions about whether the COVID-19 vaccine is safe. Here are some facts to consider when you’re deciding whether to take the vaccine:

  • It’s been tested on tens of thousands of people from different demographics to make sure it’s safe.

  • It’s the result of global collaboration. Researchers started with what they already knew about the family of viruses of which COVID-19 is a part. The database includes 50 years of experience from research carried out all over the world. Scientists worked together and compiled their knowledge to shorten the time it takes to bring a vaccine to the market.

  • It uses mRNA technology. mRNA was discovered decades ago, so this portion of the vaccine’s development was not new. This use helped save a great deal of time.

  • It can’t give you the virus. The COVID-19 vaccine used in the United States does not use a live form of the coronavirus, so it can’t make you sick. Some recipients do experience some mild soreness at the injection site, which is the case with most vaccines.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS IN HAWAII

In the meantime, here are some things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you do get sick:

  • If you are sick with mild symptoms, stay home and self-quarantine. Don’t go to work or school, don’t have visitors over to your home, and avoid public transportation if you must go out.

  • In your home, stay away from others as much as possible. Try to use a separate bathroom from the rest of your household.

  • If you have medical conditions that put you at high risk of complications, call your doctor to find out what you should do. Should you need to go to a doctor or hospital, call ahead and tell the staff that you are coming in and have or potentially have COVID-19. Follow the facility’s instructions carefully to avoid making anyone else sick.

If you aren’t sick and you haven’t been instructed to quarantine, you can still take steps to help control the spread of the coronavirus by correctly wearing a mask:

  • Anyone over the age of two should wear a mask everywhere they go and choose a mask with multiple layers. Wearing two masks is a good idea as well.

  • Your mask should cover your nose and mouth and sit securely under your chin. Pulling it down under your nose allows the virus to spread.

  • Mask mandates vary by community; follow the rules wherever you are. If you aren’t sure of the policy, wear the mask.

HERE ARE A FEW OTHER TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU SAFE AND HEALTHY.

  • Social distancing is another way to help limit the spread of the virus. Stay at least six feet from other people, especially if your age or health status makes you more vulnerable to severe illness.

  • Wash your hands often. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds each time. This action is especially important after you eat, use the bathroom, sneeze, cough, or blow your nose.

  • If you don’t have access to soap and water, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an acceptable substitute.

  • Clean the things you touch most often, such as surfaces, doorknobs, and handles, with an EPA-registered disinfectant. Follow the label directions.

  • Keep your hands away from your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Use a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and dispose of it appropriately. If you don’t have one, turn your face into the bend in your arm.

  • Get your flu shot from a trusted testing partner. The symptoms of COVID-19 and the symptoms of the flu are similar. The fewer people who get the flu, the fewer people who have to get tested to determine a diagnosis.

HOW CAN DOCTORS OF WAIKIKI HELP?

Doctors of Waikiki is now offering in-clinic FDA/EUA approved tests for COVID-19 Testing from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm (Daily). *Required to provide ID and proof of insurance. Testing, testing, testing, and public support is important on our road to recovery for the State of Hawaii.

We plan to share the information we collect during this ground-breaking testing with the Department of Health so they can see how they can get segments of the population back to work ASAP. Hawaii is one of the hardest-hit states economically in America as a result of this pandemic due to our heavily dependent travel industry and the state’s tourism industry is taking a massive hit due to the travel restrictions.

We ask for your patience and your support.

WHAT TESTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DOCTORS OF WAIKIKI?

The COVID-19 test in Hawaii is widely available through a trusted testing partner. At Doctors of Waikiki, we offer tests with an approved Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Results may be available in as little as 20 minutes. If you aren’t able to travel for COVID testing in Honolulu, the state has made provision for COVID testing in Oahu as well.

ALL FDA / EUA APPROVED TESTS

  • GeneXpert RT-PCR machine (RT-PCR Results within an Hour)

  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) Covid-19 Test

  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (RT-PCR) (Results in 45 minutes)

  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (LAMP) (With Results in 20 minutes)

  • Next Generation Sequence, Quantitative Antigen Test (CLEIA) (With Same Day Results)

  • Venous Serology Antibody Covid-19 Test

  • Whole Blood Antibody Covid-19 Test

    *Disclaimer: The type of test you will receive is at the discretion of the health provider based on your symptoms and exposure history.

TRUSTED PARTNERS

We are in partnership with Clinical Labs Hawaii and Diagnostic Labs Hawaii to provide inter-island travel Covid-19 results 48-72 hours prior to inter-island travel. Both labs are on the state’s Trusted Partners list.

HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR TESTING?

SCHEDULE FOR TESTING

-Daily Testing from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT ONLINE

-Walk-in tests are available or you may schedule an appointment.

-For testing is by appointment please schedule online.

-We offer same-day appointments and multiple appointment slots so scheduling groups and families are easy.

INSURANCE VERIFICATION

Your insurance will also be verified before your appointment. Testing for COVID-19 and the services being rendered will be billed to your insurance company.

PARTICIPATING INSURANCE & VERIFICATION

Please visit our insurance page on our website for a complete listing of our participating health insurance plans. HMO plans require an authorization or referral in order to be treated by our healthcare providers. You must obtain an authorization or referral approval form from your health insurance prior to scheduling your appointment. Doctors of Waikiki is not participating with all Quest and Medicaid Plans.

The patient is responsible for knowing their health insurance policy. Please contact your health insurance directly to obtain more information on your health insurance benefits.

A healthcare provider will conduct the testing. Testing will be rapid antibody with or without nasal PCR swab as determined by the medical provider.

COVID-19 TESTING FOR TRAVEL AND/OR OUT OF POCKET COST

Although your insurance may cover Covid-19 Testing if you are symptomatic or have known exposure to the virus, insurance does not cover Covid-19 Testing for Travel. The full cost of the test is the patient’s responsibility. The out-of-pocket cost for the PCR Tests are $300 + tax, Antigen Tests are $169.99 + tax and the Antibody Tests are $160 + tax.

JAPANESE RETURNING TO JAPAN

For Japanese nationals traveling back to Japan (Trusted Partners of Japan) and other International Travels, we are Certified as a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass. A hard copy of the certificate or digital certificate via IATA application is provided the same day.

IN-CLINIC TESTING (PARKING)
-We validate for the 1st hour in the Sheraton Princess Ka’iulani Hotel lot.
-There is also street parking along the Ala Wai

PLEASE BRING THESE TO YOUR APPOINTMENT:
-Insurance Card * REQUIRED *
-Driver’s License or ID * REQUIRED *
-Face Mask * REQUIRED *

WHAT IS THE TTTP PLAN?

TTTP stands for Testing, Treating, Tracking/Tracing, and Public Support. Each of these elements has a critical part to play in helping the state of Hawaii recover from COVID-19.

THANK YOU
Thank you for your cooperation and helping us defeat COVID-19 with our

TTTP PLAN:

TESTING – mass testing of the entire state to discover who has COVID-19 now or has had it and recovered.

TREATING – People that test positive and don’t require hospitalization should separate themselves from other people and pets in their home. They should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible, and away from other people and pets in the home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

TRACKING / TRACING – health workers need to be able to trace the recent close contacts of everyone who tests positive and have them go into isolation or quarantine until it’s determined they’re not infected.

PUBLIC SUPPORT – The only way we defeat COVID-19 is by working together. For instance, we should all follow the CDC’s new recommendation of wearing non-medical grade masks whenever we leave home to help slow the spread and we should also be adhering to Hawaii’s Stay-at-Home Work-at-Home order. If we work together we can beat this.