Page updated: Monday  August 10, 11:51 a.m.

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• Information on the mobile testing program
• How to get tested
• Testing Costs
• Testing Locations
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Mobile Testing Program - Coming Soon.

Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) and Whatcom Unified Command (WUC) are working to stand up a low-barrier, mobile COVID-19 testing model. A fully operational mobile testing program is expected to begin in about two weeks at locations throughout Whatcom County.

Registration for the mobile testing sites is not yet open. WCHD and WUC are field testing the new model starting August 10th. Once the field test is complete, registration will be opened for all community members. More details about testing locations, hours, and the registration process will be provided in announcements in the coming weeks. 

 If you are currently in need of testing, see how to get tested for information on how to access testing. 

Who Can Get Tested?

Anyone can get tested. However, healthcare providers are focusing on people with symptoms of COVID-19 and their contacts. Even if you have mild symptoms, please get tested.

Should I get tested?

If you have COVID-19 symptoms you should get a test. Even if your symptoms are mild, getting a test can be informative and help you know if you are currently contagious. If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case, you should get tested. 

How to Get Tested

If you have health insurance and a healthcare provider:

• Your healthcare provider will help you determine if you need to be tested. They may test you or give you a referral to another testing site.  

If you have insurance but don’t have a regular healthcare provider:

• Work with your insurance company to find a healthcare provider that accepts your insurance. 
• If you need a test right away: 

  • Contact a walk-in or urgent care clinic. Check with your insurance to see which clinics are in your network. Call the clinic ahead of time so that you don't expose other people. 

  • If you can’t get scheduled quickly, call us at 360-778-6100 between 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday for assistance with testing.

• It’s a good idea to establish an ongoing relationship with a healthcare provider, and now is a perfect time. If you require care for COVID-19 or any other health concern in the future, you’ll want a healthcare provider on your team.

If you do not have insurance or a regular healthcare provider:

• Visit our FAQs page for information about what to do if you don’t have insurance.
• If you can’t get scheduled quickly, call us at 360-778-6100 between 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday.

Testing Costs

It won’t cost you anything to get tested. 

Insurance companies are required to waive co-pays and deductibles for anyone requiring testing for COVID-19. Additional information insurance coverage and testing costs are available on our FAQs page.

If you are insured and charged for a COVID-19 testing-associated visit, this is considered a "surprise billing." You can file a complaint with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.  

If you are uninsured, tell the provider who is ordering your test. There is a federal program that will cover the cost of testing, but some providers may not have access to this program. If your provider doesn’t have access to the program, they will be able to help you find a referral that will cover the costs. 

If you can’t get scheduled for testing quickly or are not eligible for insurance, please call us at 360-778-6100 between 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday for assistance. We’ll help connect you to testing.

Testing Locations

Many healthcare providers in Whatcom County offer testing. The table below is updated weekly with information about which providers currently test for COVID-19.

Northwest Laboratory at 3548 Meridian Street, Suite 101 in Bellingham offers drive-through testing for patients who have referrals from their healthcare provider 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.

A guide to the testing locations is offered in the table below, or in this easy-to-print PDF.