Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Testing

Online scheduling is available for patients with and without symptoms. Please make separate appointments for all individuals who need testing. A prescription is required only for patients who live outside New Jersey or are less than 1 year old.

Appointments are required for individuals who want to be tested at certain locations.  
See which COVID-19 testing locations require appointments >

No, the COVID-19 testing location behind Newton Medical Center is closed. 

The COVID diagnostic test offered at most of our locations is called Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR. This type of test detects the DNA of the virus that causes COVID-19 and is considered highly accurate. The test utilizes a mid-turbinate nasal swab, which is inserted less than one inch into the nostril.

Antigen (rapid) tests are also available without an appointment at our 111 Madison Avenue location in Morristown.

Learn more about the types of COVID-19 tests >

Use MyChart to update your personal information, verify and/or update insurance coverage, upload a copy of your insurance card, update allergies and medications and complete the consent form. Click on the eCheck-In button by this upcoming appointment in MyChart. 

This will save time when you arrive and speak with our registration team.

• Your driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID
• Your insurance card (if applicable)
• Your prescription (if applicable)
• A mask (if you will be tested in your vehicle, bring masks for everyone over age 2)
• A copy of your appointment confirmation (print or electronic) 

If a child will be tested, please bring a government-issued photo ID, student ID or birth certificate for the child if available. The parent or guardian must also bring their driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID.

Please arrive on time (no more than 15 minutes before or after your appointment time). If you will be tested in your vehicle, everyone in your vehicle over age 2 should wear a mask. Please also keep windows rolled up until directed to open.

111 Madison Avenue, Morristown: Enter through our building’s main entrance and follow signs to the lab in suite 101 on the first floor. Please do not bring anyone with you unless assistance is needed.

Chilton Medical Center: Please pull into the emergency department area and follow signs for COVID testing. Once parked in a designated space, please call the posted registration phone number from your vehicle.

Hackettstown Medical Center Medical Office Building: Please enter the hospital campus via the Medical Office Building 1 Entrance on Willow Grove Street across from the emergency department. Then, call the posted registration phone number from your vehicle.

Morristown Medical Center: Please use the Madison Avenue entrance to the Morristown Medical Center campus and follow signs to the West End Testing Center in the Gagnon Surface Lot near Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute. When you arrive, press the buzzer on the parking lot gate and tell them you have an appointment. Once parked, call the posted registration phone number from your vehicle.

Overlook Medical Center: Go to the intersection of Morris Avenue and Mountain Avenue and enter Lot B from Mountain Avenue. Park in a designated parking space and call the posted registration phone number. Our registration team will assist you by phone as you wait in your vehicle and provide further instructions. 

Sparta Health & Wellness: Please use the entrance on Sparta Avenue, follow signage for COVID 19 testing and park in a designated space. Then, call the posted registration phone number from your vehicle.

A parent or guardian must accompany their child to the testing location.

If the testing center closes due to severe weather, those with appointments will be notified and appointments will be rescheduled.

There are two ways to cancel your appointment.

• Use MyChart to cancel the appointment. Click “Visits” in the menu. Then, select your testing appointment under the “Future Visits” section. Cancel on the “Appointment Details Screen.”
• If you entered a cell phone number during registration, you will receive a text message about two hours before the appointment with the option to reply and cancel. 

Anyone ages 12 and older can access results in their own MyChart account. Results for children ages 11 and younger can be accessed through a parent’s MyChart account. Our team will connect your accounts upon registration. Learn more about proxy access >

Activate your MyChart account >

Learn more about MyChart >

Test results are returned to patients within 24 to 72 hours. Typical turnaround for Atlantic Health System testing sites is 24 hours.

• Stay home and isolate, except to get medical care
• Get rest and stay well hydrated
• Monitor your symptoms and treat with over-the-counter medications
• Call your doctor for guidance if your mild to moderate symptoms worsen (fever, cough, shortness of breath).
• Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you are experiencing severe symptoms (difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake up, bluish lips or face)
• Learn more from the CDC >

MyChart offers patients personalized and secure access to portions of their medical records. It provides convenient, 24-hour access to securely use the internet to help manage and receive information about a variety of health needs. 

MyChart is available to patients who have been treated within Atlantic Health System and their caregivers. 

Frequently Asked Questions >