COVID FAQs

Do you provide COVID-19 rapid testing?

Yes. Our Hoag Urgent Care locations provide Covid rapid testing with a medical evaluation. The following tests are available:

  • Rapid PCR NAAT
  • Rapid Antigen
  • Lab PCR NAAT (not rapid)

A provider will determine the most appropriate test for you based on a medical evaluation.

Can I select the type of Covid test I get?

No. The type of Covid test you receive is determined by a provider and based on what is medically appropriate based on a medical evaluation. The provider can answer any questions you may have.

Additionally, due to surges, there may be times when a particular test is temporarily unavailable and you may be directed elsewhere.

Do you provide COVID-19 PCR NAAT rapid testing?

Yes. Our Hoag Urgent Care locations provide Covid rapid testing with a medical evaluation. The following tests are available:

  • Rapid PCR NAAT
  • Rapid Antigen
  • Lab PCR NAAT (not rapid)

A provider will determine the most appropriate test for you based on a medical evaluation.

Do you provide COVID-19 vaccines?

Hoag Urgent Care locations do not currently carry Covid vaccines.

Hoag does have some vaccine availability. Appointments can be scheduled at two convenient Hoag locations in Newport Beach and Irvine through hoag.org/covid-vaccine. We also offer vaccines for travelers and staff at John Wayne Airport through our Fly Well Clinic. To view all available locations and appointments near you, you may visit Vaccine Finder.

 

I have been vaccinated. Can I still get Covid?

Yes. Patients who have been vaccinated and those who have previously had covid are still able to get covid due to new mutations. Most patients who get covid but have been previously vaccinated will have less severe symptoms and better outcomes, including a significantly lower rate for the need for hospitalization, when compared to those who have not been vaccinated.

At Hoag, more than 95% of people with COVID-19 who require hospitalization are unvaccinated individuals. This is partly why we are seeing relatively young and otherwise healthy people coming in very sick: people ages 18-24 are still the most vaccine hesitant group in the country

Do I still need to get vaccinated?

We continue to encourage unvaccinated community members to get the vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones. Yes, breakthrough cases are occurring, in which vaccinated individuals are developing COVID-19. However, in those cases, the vaccine has helped reduce the severity and duration of the illness. The vaccine works.

Appointments can be scheduled at two convenient Hoag locations in Newport Beach and Irvine through hoag.org/covid-vaccine. We also offer vaccines for travelers and staff at John Wayne Airport through our Fly Well Clinic. To view all available locations and appointments near you, you may visit Vaccine Finder.

Do patients with Covid symptoms need to wait in their cars?

Yes. At this time, we are asking all patients with symptoms or known exposure to wait in their cars, to limit the spread of Covid and to protect people who are unable to be vaccinated, such as children.

If you prefer to not wait in your car, please schedule a video visit and be seen from the comfort of your home. If you need a covid test, the provider will instruct you to come at that time and you will be tested from your car, but your wait time in your car will be minimized.

Why are wait times longer than normal?

Our capacity changes throughout the day, and our staff is working tirelessly to care for all our patients as we continue to confront the pandemic. Many of our physicians and clinical staff are stepping forward and working very long hours to meet the needs of the community. We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

The urgent care looks empty, why is the wait so long?

We have implemented social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid. All patients with covid symptoms or exposure are asked to wait in their cars. Others are being seen via video from their homes. Additionally, we are making every effort to room patients as soon as possible to reduce the number of people in waiting rooms at all times. Even though we may appear to be empty, we are experiencing very high visit volumes at this time. We appreciate your patience at this time.

Please let us know  if we can do anything for you while you wait.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Acute respiratory illness
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Rash

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms, first, quarantine yourself immediately to avoid infecting others. Then, call your doctor or schedule an in-person or video visit at Hoag Urgent Care. If you are having trouble breathing, call 9-1-1.

If I have COVID-19 symptoms and come to the urgent care, do I need to take any extra precautions?

If you have scheduled an in-person visit:

  • Please wear a mask
  • When you arrive for your visit, please remain in your car and call us
  • We will provide you with further instructions

Can I be tested for COVID-19?

Yes. Your provider will evaluate you to determine if your physical condition is indicative of COVID-19 and if you should get tested.

Can I be tested for COVID-19 antibodies?

Your provider will determine if a COVID-19 antibody test is appropriate for you. Early studies indicate that the presence of antibodies is likely to determine future immunity. However, additional research is still needed at this time.

When can I be tested for the COVID-19 antibodies?

The current recommendation is to test for antibodies more than 14 days after the initial onset of symptoms. Testing too soon could result in a negative result if antibodies have not yet formed.

Can I get a COVID-19 antibody test anywhere or use an at-home kit?

We advise using caution as to where you choose to be tested. Currently there are more than 100 different antibody tests available but only four that have been approved by the FDA. At this time, there appears to be many tests widely available that are not accurate, which may cause someone to prematurely reduce their vigilance in preventing infection.

Are their medications to treat COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 can be treated and should subside within 14 days. There are no FDA approved, clinically-proven medications for COVID-19. There are options being tested on severe cases where patients are hospitalized and under constant observation.

When will the COVID-19 pandemic be over?

No one is able to answer that at this time. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and others is follow current recommendations: stay at home, if you must go out, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others, wash your hands, and do not touch your face.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a virus strain. Experts are closely monitoring the virus because little is known about this new virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people.

How is COVID-19 spread?

To become infected, people generally must be within close contact (within 6 feet) of someone who is contagious and come into contact with respiratory droplets. It is possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching an infected surface and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is currently not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

First, much like other acute respiratory infections, the best ways to protect yourself from exposure are:

  • Avoid people who have symptoms of acute respiratory infections
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
  • Stay home as soon as you feel sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and then immediately wash your hands.
  • Standard household cleansers and wipes are effective in cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Should I wear a mask?

Masks do help to stop the spread of infection if someone who is actively sick wears them. Additionally, wearing a mask may help protect healthy people as well. However, when it comes to COVID-19, masks are not 100% effective and it is unknown how effective masks are.

How do I properly wear a mask?

  1. Make sure the mask has no tears or torn straps.
  2. Secure ties properly according to instruction depending on mask style.
  3. Do not leave a mask hanging off one ear or hanging around your neck.
  4. Remove the mask if the mask gets wet or soiled.
  5. To remove the mask safely:
    • Do not touch the front of the mask, as it is contaminated after use.
    • For ear loop masks: remove the mask from the side with your head tilted forward handling only the loops.
    • For tied masks: remove by handling only the ties and untie the bottom tie first and then the top tie.
  6. Properly dispose of the mask.
  7. Wash your hands before applying and after removing a surgical mask.
  8. Do not reuse a mask; toss it after wearing it once.

Dr. Sattarzadeh shares the heightened safety precautions at Hoag Urgent Care.

Watch how to put on a mask correctly.

Dr. Eugene Yim and the Hoag Urgent Care & Sports Medicine Staff Explain How Hoag is Making Your Visits Safe.

TRUST HOAG URGENT CARE WITH YOUR HEALTH
DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Fear of catching COVID-19 has caused some patients to avoid medical care. Delays in treatment can reduce your options for care, impact recovery and, in some cases, even cause permanent damage.

DON’T WAIT, FEEL SAFE COMING TO HOAG
If you have a chronic condition or if you are feeling sick or hurt, call your doctor’s office, come to the emergency room, or schedule an in-person or video visit with one of Hoag Urgent Care’s 13 convenient locations.


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Sterilize After Every Patient

Everything is sterilized after each use from pens to exam rooms, counters, handles and more.
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Our Staff Is Ready

Our staff is highly-trained to handle the current situation. We are prepared to safely treat you.
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COVID Testing Available

COVID active virus and antibody testing are available at all Hoag Urgent Care locations.
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Short Wait Times

We are minimizing wait times. For example, save time by making a reservation.
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“No Waiting Room” Option

To maintain social distancing, choose to wait in a private exam room or in your car.
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One-Click Video Visits

Convenient video visits for those at higher-risk or those who prefer to stay home. Learn More About Virtual Care >>