Even while the omicron surge of COVID-19 cases seems to be on a welcome downhill trajectory, Los Angeles is still registering thousands of infections each day. Whether out of an abundance of caution, in anticipation of an in-person gathering, or for travel purposes, this has meant a sustained demand for testing. The Courier identified a sample of testing facilities around the city that offer various testing services for a range of costs.
Two forms of testing exist to determine whether someone has an active COVID-19 infection, antigen tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Antigen tests can be administered at home with results in as little as 15 minutes. However, antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests. They work best when someone is already symptomatic.
High demand has made them scarce, though the federal government has promised to deliver 500,000 free antigen tests across the country. You can request four free at-home tests at www.covidtests.gov.
Polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory procedure that amplifies genetic signals in a sample to determine whether someone has COVID-19. The tests are better at catching asymptomatic cases or confirming positive results from an antigen test.
What you get in accuracy, you typically lose in time and convenience. PCR tests usually take a few hours to a few days to complete, depending on the lab and the demand, but boutique healthcare providers in Beverly Hills can provide results in less than one hour for a charge of up to $350.
Here is a sample of testing providers in and near Beverly Hills offering options to suit most needs.
Cedars Urgent Care
Cedars-Sinai Urgent Care, located at 8767 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, offers testing to those displaying symptoms of COVID-19. No appointment is needed. Testing is free and results come back within 72 hours. They do not offer antigen tests. Urgent Care is open 12 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
911 COVID Testing
Located at 9900 N. Santa Monica Blvd. across from the Beverly Hilton, 911 COVID Testing offers a variety of services, including free PCR tests with results in 24-48 hours. Appointments can be made at www.911CovidTesting.com. They also offer same day PCR tests for $155 and 1-hour PCR tests for $249. 911 COVID Testing has antigen tests for $95 and COVID-flu antigen tests for $149. Site hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. House calls are available for an additional $349 between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and $499 between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Dilshad Concierge Medicine
Dilshad Concierge Medicine, located at 435 North Bedford Drive, offers drive-through testing and in-clinic testing. A PCR test with results in less than 24 hours costs $175, results in 2 hours costs $219, and results in 30 minutes costs $319. An antibody test with results in 10 minutes costs $125. They accept walk-ins, or appointments can be requested at 310-307-7865. They request that walk-ins call in advance. They are open 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Beverly Hills Concierge Health
Beverly Hills Concierge Health, located at 8900 Wilshire Blvd., welcomes walk-ins and takes appointments both online and over the phone at 310-294-8343. PCR test results in 1-4 hours runs $225; test results in under an hour cost $350. They charge $125 for an antigen test. They are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays.
Covid Test LA
Covid Test LA, located in Mid-Wilshire at 5901 West Olympic Blvd., offers drive-thru same day PCR testing by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled at www.covidtestla.com. Covid Test LA says that results will be sent out by midnight in most cases, but they may be able to accommodate a faster turnaround. PCR testing costs $79 with insurance and $185 without and they accept most PPOs. Services are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but are closed between noon and 1 p.m.
COVID Testing MD
Covid Testing MD, situated at 113 North San Vicente Blvd., accepts both walk-in and scheduled appointments. Appointments can be made at www.covidtestingmd.com or by calling 310-752-9938. Antigen tests cost $100, PCR tests return results in 24-72 hours and cost $75 with insurance or $150 without. Expedited PCR results in 12-30 hours can be purchased for $300. COVID Testing MD also offers bundled COVID-flu antigen tests for $175. They are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
LA Compounding Pharmacy
LA Compounding Pharmacy, located near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 8600 W. 3rd Street, Suite #1, offers PCR and antigen tests, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine itself. Appointments can be made at www.lacompounding.com. PCR tests cost $95 with insurance and $195 without and return results within 12-24 hours. Antigen tests cost $125. Vaccinations are always free, with or out without insurance. LA Compounding Pharmacy is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Beverly Hills Health
Beverly Hills Health is located at 9200 West Pico Boulevard and accepts appointments and walk-ins. Appointments can be made at www.beverlyhills-health.com. Antigen tests cost $125 and PCR tests cost $150, with results in 24-48 hours. They are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Linden Diagnostics
Linden Diagnostics, located in the Business Triangle at 462 North Linden Drive, Suite 100, offers antigen tests by appointment only. Tests cost $150 and appointments can be made by calling or texting 310- 574-2399. They are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
My Concierge MD
My Concierge MD is located at 9301 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 405, and offers drive-thru antigen tests and same day PCR tests on an appointment basis. Appointments can be made at www.myconciergemd.com/online-scheduling-checkout. PCR services cost $225 and antigen tests cost $125. House calls are available within a 15-mile radius for an additional $450. They are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday.
