Covid 19 Testing in Melbourne
Are you looking for a certified medical centre for a Covid 19 test?
If you are feeling unwell and are experiencing any of the regular symptoms, we urge that you get tested at a DHHS testing centre, and stay at home. As for asymptomatic people, Covid 19 testing is only needed for specific reasons, such as if your workplace, or a destination that you are planning to travel to requires a negative report.
South Melbourne Family Practice conducts Covid 19 testing for work and travel requirements, for asymptomatic patients. We are also able to provide certificates that can be printed and used as needed.
It’s easy to get tested
As your friendly neighbourhood family practice, we want to make it easy and quick for you to get yourself tested. All you need to do is to schedule a 15 minute appointment with one of our Practice Nurses, either through the booking option on our website, or by calling us on 03 9284 3400.
- Visit us at the scheduled time, with a mask and following the prescribed social distancing protocols. You will be subject to a temperature check and some basic screening questions before you are taken in for your test.
- Our Practice Nurse will meet you, and take a brief medical history for our records.
- You will then be directed to the lab, where our pathology collector will take your throat and nasal swab.
- Once this is done, you would be required to make the payment.
Depending on the testing volumes at the time of your test, you can expect your results to be ready within 24 – 48 hours from the time of your test. We will contact you once your results are ready, and will also send you a copy of the results and the testing certificate via email. Most organizations accept a soft copy of the report, but in case you need a physical copy of your PCR Covid test results for travel outside Melbourne, we will be more than happy to share a print.
How much will this cost?
We offer a screening for asymptomatic patients at a fee of $160 + GST. In case you need a Covid 19 testing for travel or results over the weekend, there will be an additional charge of $40 + GST, making it a total of $200 + GST.
If your travel destination requires you to have a GP Fit-To-Fly Health Certificate apart from a PCR test for outbound travel from Melbourne, then the fees would be $80 + GST.
Please note, Medicare and other rebates are not applicable for this.
Also, our regular working hours are Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.
South Melbourne Family Practice is a trusted and credible Covid 19 testing centre for asymptomatic patients, and is able to provide prompt results for workspace and travel needs. We are able to provide a soft copy and a physical copy of your certificate, should you need one.
FAQs
Is it painful to get tested for Covid 19?
The swab collection can cause some discomfort, as the sample will be taken from the throat and both nostrils. However, this will only be a momentary discomfort and will subside in a short time.
Why can asymptomatic patients not get tested at a government testing clinic?
Currently, government funded testing is only available for those experiencing respiratory symptoms, or those who have come in contact with a confirmed case of Covid 19.
You could visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-self-assessment for the latest updates regarding this.
Is the test fee covered by Medicare, or other Private Health Insurance?
No, the fees for asymptomatic Covid 19 testing are not currently covered by Medicate / Private Health Insurance, and those wishing to undertake Covid 19 testing for work or travel need to pay the private fees.
Symptomatic patients qualify for government funded screening, and can get tested at a nominated DHHS screening clinic.
This information was verified by
Dr Rijad Kucuk
