UPDATE: Where can I get a COVID-19 PCR test in Chicago?

‍NOTE: This post was originally published on March 29th, 2021, and last updated on September 3rd, 2021.

IHR Patients undergoing surgical procedures are required to get a PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the procedure date.

This post contains a list of places where you can get tested in Chicago and receive a fast turnaround. It is our hope that this list can help patients in securing the required COVID testing prior to surgery.

This list is not exhaustive  – there are more locations that open as COVID testing becomes more accessible. Please feel free to share other locations with us as you find them.

*Disclaimer: The information on this list was provided to us by these facilities from their website or from their clinic directly. We do not personally guarantee any of the turnaround times for any facilities’ COVID testing.  

Guidelines for COVID-19 Testing Prior to Surgery

All patients have the liberty to choose their testing facility. Please note there are only three criteria: 

1. Test must be collected within 72 hours of procedure date 
2. Must be a molecular based test (RT-PCR, NAAT, or LAMP). Most common is RT-PCR test. As a reminder: RAPID PCR is accepted, RAPID Antigen is NOT ACCEPTED without prior approval by Dr. Kiokemeister, the Medical Director. 
3. You must forward results to IHR by emailing covid@infertilityihr.com or you can also fax the results directly to (312) 288-6421 at least 24 hours before your procedure date.  If you are unable to forward your results, you must bring a hard copy on your surgery date, otherwise, you cannot be admitted, and your procedure will be canceled.

Rapid PCR Tests  

PHYSICIANS IMMEDIATE CARE

Multiple locations 

Website: https://physiciansimmediatecare.com/covid-19-molecular-testing-2/

Test type: Rapid RT-PCR testing. Results available in about 30 min. Patient gets a hard copy of results. 

Notes: Appt required. More appts are released every day at midnight. Go to website and click on ‘Reserve Your Time’. They take insurance. 

AFFORDABLE LABS

Location: 850 N. Milwaukee Ave #208 Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Phone: (847) 367-8636

Website: http://affordablelabsinc.com/covid-19-testing/ 

Test type: Rapid RT-PCR test. Results available in about 30 min. Patient gets a hard copy of the results. 

Notes: Appt can be scheduled only by calling (847) 367-8636. Open 7:30AM - 5PM 

MIDWEST EXPRESS CLINIC

Multiple locations 

Website: https://midwestexpressclinic.com/coronavirus/ 

Test type: Rapid Molecular Test/Rapid PCR

Notes: Results within 30 min. Register online for appts by clicking on Check-in Online under each location https://midwestexpressclinic.com/locations/

Cost may vary depending on insurance coverage. Self pay for Rapid PCR test is $120

COVID OF CHICAGO

Location: 1240 N Halsted Avenue Chicago, IL 60642, Entrance on Scott Street.

Website: https://covidofchicago.com

Test type: Rapid RT-PCR test. Results available in PDF form sent to patient.

Notes: Cost is $375. COVID of Chicago is self-pay only.

Standard PCR Tests

MIDWEST EXPRESS CLINIC

Multiple locations.

Website: https://midwestexpressclinic.com/coronavirus/

Test type: Standard COVID-19 RT-PCR test

Notes: Results within 24-48 hours. Register online for appts by clicking on Check-in Online under each location https://midwestexpressclinic.com/locations/

Cost may vary depending on insurance coverage. Self pay for RT-PCR test is $175.

CVS

Multiple locations.

Website: CVS Minute Clinics

Test type patient needs select: Lab Testing (drive-thru). 1-2 day turnaround time

Notes: Appts must be made online after filling out a questionnaire. PLEASE select YES for the question

“have you been prioritized for testing by a medical professional?” – since the test is a preop requirement

LAB ELITE

Location: 5824 North Northwest Highway, Chicago, Illinois 60631

Phone: (312) 767-9399 

Website: https://labelite.com/about/ola/services/covid-19-test 

Test type the patient needs to request: RT-PCR test. Turnaround time per lab: within 48 hours. Option $155 for expedited results, done in one day 

Notes: Appt or walk-in available. Patient should request an appt to be sure they have a time slot. Open 7AM - 7PM. No insurance needed per website. The test is free, unless patient chooses to expedite. 

AFFORDABLE LABS

Location: 850 N. Milwaukee Ave #208 Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Phone: (847) 367-8636 

Website: http://affordablelabsinc.com/covid-19-testing/ 

Test type the patient needs to request: Standard RT-PCR test. Results available in 1-3 days. Patient gets an emailed copy of their results 

Notes: Appt can be scheduled only by calling (847) 367-8636. Open 7:30AM - 5PM 

LOOP MEDICAL CENTER

Location 1: South Loop 1921 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Location 2: Streeterville 432 E Grand Ave, Suite C, Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 414-1088 

Website: https://loopmedicalcenter.com/

Test type the patient needs to request: RT-PCR test. Results available 24-48 hours through a patient portal 

Notes: Test is FREE with insurance or without insurance through the CARES act. Appt must be scheduled online 

AAYU CLINICS Lakeview Immediate Care

Location: 1645 W School St #A, Chicago, IL 60657

Phone: (773) 227-3669 

Website: https://www.aayuclinics.com/covid-19 

Test type the patient needs to request: RT-PCR test. Nasal swab or cheek swab. Results available digitally to patient in 24-48 hours 

Notes: Test is FREE with insurance or without insurance through the CARES act. This is a drive through. Appt must be made online https://app.nexhealth.com/appt/aayuclinics Open 8AM - 5PM 

INNOVATIVE EXPRESS

Two Locations: Chicago & Downers Grove

Website: https://innovativecorona.com/appointments/ 

Test type the patient needs to request: Standard RT-PCR test. Website quoted turnaround 2-4 days. We have seen on average 3 days. Insurance accepted. 

Test type other option: Rapid RT-PCR. Results available same day. This costs $375 out of pocket (no insurance accepted) https://innovativecorona.com/same-day-pcr/ Notes: Appt required. Go to website to reserve a time 

FAMILY FIRST MEDICAL GROUP

Two locations: Southside - Evergreen Park & Mokena

Website: https://ffmg.simplybook.me/v2/ 

Test type the patient needs to request: RT-PCR test. Turnaround time within 72 hours per website. 

Notes: Patients or office staff assisting patients can call a hotline at 708-398-1532 to state the test is for pre-op and their scheduling will be expedited. Patients will first be asked to participate in a brief telehealth visit before going to test location. 

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