COVID Testing Clinic
Testing is offered on a limited basis by appointment only.
What to Do if You Have Symptoms
1. If you are experiencing any of the following
severe symptoms, please report to the nearest Emergency Room* or dial 911:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
*Emergency Rooms are intended for
true medical emergencies. Please do not report to the Emergency Room for mild to moderate respiratory symptoms or routine COVID testing (such as for mild symptoms, positive contacts or travel).
2. If you are experiencing
mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, the following is recommended:
- Perform an at-home test (self-test)
- Stay at home
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Manage mild symptoms with over-the-counter medication
If symptoms do not improve or require professional medical evaluation, please contact your Primary Care Manager (PCM) or the Nurse Advice Line (NAL): 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.
3. If you test positive for COVID-19 using an at-home test, you are positive for COVID-19 and do not require a PCR test. Please do not call the testing clinic. Contact your Primary Care Manager (PCM) for further instructions.
At-Home Test Kits
Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River has free at-home COVID test kits available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Each ID card holder is eligible to receive two tests. Tests can be picked up at Medical Home Port or the Military Readiness Clinic Monday-Friday from 07:30 a.m.-4 p.m. After hours (from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday), they are available through the Command Duty Officer located at the Quarterdeck.
All U.S. households are also eligible to receive four free at-home tests from the federal government. Order yours at https://www.covidtests.gov.
If you test positive for COVID-19 using a home test, be sure to contact us (or your healthcare provider) to report your results so that your healthcare record can be updated and so that you can receive self-care and treatment options. You can submit your results by:
- TRICARE Online securing messaging
- Phone call to your healthcare team
- Military hospital or clinic appointment line (855-227-6331)
- Virtual appointment
How to Make an Appointment
PCR testing is by appointment only and is available only to those who require a negative test for official travel or before having surgery or a medical procedure that requires hospitalization. Tests are conducted Monday-Friday from 8-10 am. To schedule a PCR test, call 301-995-4309. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail with your information:
- Full name
- Callback number
- DoD ID number
A staff member will return your call at their earliest availability.
Once you have an appointment, you will be given a date and time to come into the clinic to be escorted to a patient room for testing. Please wear a mask covering your mouth and nose. Drive-thru testing is no longer offered at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River.
Testing is also available through the
St. Mary's County Health Department.
Eligibility
Active Duty, Dependents and Retirees are eligible for testing under the following circumstances:
- For official travel
- Before having surgery or a medical procedure that requires hospitalization
Due to the high volume of requests, Active Duty receive priority. Patients must be assigned in TRICARE to Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River and have a Primary Care Manager here.
For Active Duty, exceptions and accommodations can be made if needed for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or other official travel. Contractors can be tested at the clinic if they are on official Navy travel.
PCR Test Results
Patients who receive a PCR test at the clinic are highly encouraged to use
TRICARE Online to receive their COVID test results. If you are in need of follow-up care, please send a message to the clinic through TRICARE Online Secure Messaging.
Patients will be called only if they test positive.