If you're looking for a walk-in COVID test in San Diego, Palm Urgent Care offers COVID-19 and flu testing without an appointment. A licensed provider can review your symptoms, explain your test result and discuss next steps. Rapid results are typically available during the visit; when a send-out PCR test is needed, results usually take 24 to 48 hours.
Palm Urgent Care has locations in El Cajon and San Ysidro. El Cajon clinics are open seven days a week. The San Ysidro clinic is open Monday through Friday. Call (619) 354-4694 if you want to confirm a specific test, location hours or insurance details before you visit.
Where to Get a Walk-In COVID Test in San Diego
At Palm Urgent Care, walk-ins are welcome for COVID-19 and flu testing. No appointment or referral is needed for urgent care. Testing may be appropriate if you have respiratory symptoms, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or need documentation for work or school.
Learn more about COVID-19 and flu testing, including what to expect during a visit.
El Cajon Clinics
Palm Urgent Care has two El Cajon locations:
- Mollison: 505 N Mollison Ave, Suite 203, El Cajon, CA 92021
- Magnolia: 436 S Magnolia Ave, Suite 101, El Cajon, CA 92020
Both El Cajon clinics are open seven days a week. Current listed hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk in during open hours, or call (619) 354-4694 to check test availability.
View services at the El Cajon Mollison clinic.
San Ysidro Clinic
Palm Urgent Care's San Ysidro clinic is at 601 E San Ysidro Blvd, Suite 170, San Ysidro, CA 92173. It is open Monday through Friday. The clinic is about 200 yards from the border crossing, behind the Wells Fargo.
Residents of Mexico who have U.S. insurance can call (619) 354-4694 to verify coverage before visiting. Palm Urgent Care accepts Medi-Cal, Medicare and other major insurance plans. Coverage and patient costs depend on the plan and the reason for testing, so it's helpful to confirm your benefits.
View services at the San Ysidro clinic.
What to Expect During COVID Testing
A care team member will ask about your symptoms and health history. A clinician can then determine which test may be appropriate and whether additional evaluation is needed. COVID-19 and flu symptoms can overlap, so combined testing may be useful when a provider recommends it.
Palm Urgent Care offers rapid COVID-19 testing and rapid influenza A and B testing. Most rapid results are ready during the visit. If a send-out PCR test is needed, results usually return within 24 to 48 hours. Timing can vary, so ask the care team about the test being used and its expected turnaround.
Testing options can include:
- Antigen tests: Often provide rapid results. A negative result may not rule out infection.
- NAAT or PCR tests: Detect viral material and may be used when a more sensitive test is appropriate.
The CDC's COVID-19 testing guidance explains that a single negative rapid antigen result does not always rule out COVID-19. If you have symptoms and your antigen test is negative, follow current guidance on repeat testing or ask a clinician whether another test is appropriate.
When to Consider a COVID Test
Consider contacting a healthcare professional about testing if you have symptoms such as:
- Fever or chills
- Cough, sore throat or congestion
- Fatigue or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or other new symptoms
Testing may also be useful after an exposure or when documentation is needed for work or school. Your clinician can discuss the timing of a test, especially if you recently had COVID-19 or have a health condition that increases your risk of severe illness.
A test result is one part of care. If you test positive, a provider can review your symptoms and discuss treatment options when appropriate. If you are at higher risk for complications, contact a clinician promptly to ask whether early treatment may be suitable.
Other Walk-In Testing and Services
COVID-19 testing is one of several services available through Palm Urgent Care. Depending on the clinic, the reason for your visit and clinical evaluation, services may also include:
- Flu testing for influenza A and B
- UTI testing for urinary symptoms
- H. pylori testing for certain stomach concerns
- X-ray imaging to evaluate some injuries or symptoms
- EKG testing to assess heart rhythm when clinically appropriate
Availability may vary by location. Call (619) 354-4694 to ask about a specific service before traveling. A clinician can help determine whether a test is suitable for your symptoms.
Insurance and Cost
Palm Urgent Care accepts Medi-Cal, Medicare and major insurance plans. Coverage for COVID-19 testing can depend on your plan, symptoms, exposure history and the type of test. Contact your insurer or call the clinic to check your benefits and any expected cost.
Self-pay patients are welcome. Call ahead to ask about current pricing for the test you need. Bringing your insurance card and identification can help the team verify your information during check-in.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Urgent care can assess many non-emergency illnesses. Seek emergency care instead for severe trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, difficulty waking, or pale, gray or blue lips or skin. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Walk In for COVID Testing in San Diego
You do not need an appointment for urgent care at Palm Urgent Care. Visit an El Cajon clinic any day of the week, or visit the San Ysidro clinic Monday through Friday. If you need a particular test, want to confirm hours or have questions about Medi-Cal, Medicare or other insurance, call (619) 354-4694 before you go.
Find a Palm Urgent Care location or book a visit when convenient.