Page updated: Tuesday June 3, 2020 at 2:54 pm 

Who Can Get Tested?

Anyone can get tested. However, healthcare providers are focusing on people with symptoms of COVID-19 and their contacts. Testing availability is expanding in our area and it is an essential element of reducing the spread of COVID-19. 

While anyone can ask a provider to be tested for COVID-19, testing is done at the provider’s discretion.  To be tested, you must first contact your healthcare provider. If you do not have a regular healthcare provider, work with your insurance company to find one that accepts your insurance. If you can’t get scheduled quickly, please call the Health Department at 360-778-6100 between 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday for assistance with testing.

If you don’t have health insurance, enroll online today. In the rare case you’re not eligible, or if you experience delays, please call the Health Department at 360-778-6100 between 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday for assistance with testing. Information about insurance coverage and costs can also be found on our FAQs page.  

Should I get tested?

If you think you have COVID-19, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider for medical advice and to determine whether or not they recommend testing.

• Not all healthcare providers are able to test for COVID-19. If your healthcare provider says you should be tested for COVID-19 but they are not able to provide the test, they will issue a referral for a testing site or they can call the health department for assistance. We will work with them to arrange for your test.
• If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, it’s best to treat it like it could be COVID-19. Protect others by staying home. If you must be around other people, you should wear a mask. Starting on May 22, everyone in Whatcom County is directed to wear a face covering in most public settings, when you may be within six feet of someone who does not live with you. Read more about the face covering health directive.

Testing Locations

To be tested for COVID-19, first contact your healthcare provider. Testing locations are only accepting patients who have been referred by a health care provider. Do not contact testing sites without first contacting your healthcare provider and getting a referral.  

Testing in Whatcom County is currently being performed at several locations. Northwest Laboratory at 3548 Meridian Street, Suite 101 in Bellingham is the site with the greatest capacity. They offer drive-through testing for patients who have referrals and have made appointments. If you have a physician’s referral, call 360-527-4592 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website for more information.

The following clinics provide testing assistance and referrals:

• Family Care Network has many clinics through out Whatcom County including two urgent care clinics open 7 days a week to both established Family Care Network patients and non-patients. They offer on-demand telemedicine visits for any community member including COVID-19 screening and testing orders for the Northwest Laboratory drive-up site.  For more information on their COVID-19 services visit their website.
• Care Medical Group urgent care is offering TeleVisits and COVID-19 testing.  For more information call their office at 360-734-4300 or visit their website.
• Lummi Tribal Health Center is offering COVID-19 testing.  For more information call 360-384-0464.
• Nooksack Tribal Clinic is offering COVID-19 testing.  For more information call 360-966-2106 or visit their website. 
• Western Washington’s Student Health Center offers virtual care for their patients.  For more information call 360-650-3400 or visit their website. 

If you do not have health insurance or a healthcare provider, or are having difficulty accessing testing in Whatcom County, contact the Whatcom County Health Department by calling 360-778-6100.

If you are a healthcare provider or provide laboratory services and would like your organization added to this website, please contact the Whatcom County Health Department.

Testing capacity in Whatcom County is expanding and this page will be updated periodically.