Brown & Toland Physicians is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and our commitment to the health and safety of our community is paramount. Our providers are on the front lines of the pandemic — testing and caring for patients and sharing knowledge to help inform our patients and each other.

COVID-19 Care

Check your symptoms
Think you may have coronavirus? Read through some common symptoms of COVID-19 before speaking with your doctor or heading to a testing facility.

Getting Vaccinated
Do you need the coronavirus vaccination? Visit our vaccination information page.

Consult with your doctor
Many of our physicians can provide care virtually. Contact your doctor for next steps.

Getting Tested
Discover how and where to get tested – and when it’s most appropriate.

Agency and Statewide COVID-19 Information

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Updates for schools, businesses, travel and more.

California COVID-19 Information
State and local public health information.

Testing Update for San Francisco Members
Updates on priorities for COVID-19 testing in San Francisco.

COVID-19 FAQs

We’ve compiled a list of helpful questions and answers to help slow the spread of the virus and provide insights to keep you informed and safe. Updates will be shared as information becomes available.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
Clinic and mobile testing sites are available in San Francisco and the East Bay.

  • Carbon Health has both clinic and mobile testing available across the Bay Area. Appointments are required, and a full listing of locations is available online: carbonhealth.com/coronavirus
  • CityHealth has testing options in centers in San Francisco and San Leandro. Appointments are required and must be made online. Visit bayareacovid19testing.com for details.
  • GoHealth/Dignity are assessing patients through virtual visits scheduled online and, if needed, scheduling appointments at one of their centers open for testing: www.gohealthuc.com/bayarea

Should I get tested for COVID-19?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your health care provider or go to one of the testing centers. The CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments and health care providers. Check “Agency and Statewide COVID-19 Information” for guidance.

How much do COVID-19 tests cost?
Federal law now requires private insurers, Medicare and Medicaid to cover COVID-19 tests without any cost to the patient and provides funding to support free testing for some people without health insurance, though it does not guarantee access to no-cost tests for the uninsured. For private pay patients, please contact your health care provider for cost to administer a COVID-19 test.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet, or 2 arm lengths). It spreads through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed to health workers now and will reach the rest of the population by spring 2021. Information about vaccine availability and the vaccination schedule will be continuously updated here as it becomes available.

Do I have to wear a mask to visit my doctor?
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you have to go out in public, including your doctor’s office, and stay at least six feet away from others while inside and in lines. If you think you have COVID-19, notify the doctor or health care provider before your visit and follow their instructions.

Why do I need to wear a mask?
COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets travel into the air when you cough, sneeze, talk, shout, or sing. These droplets can then land in the mouths or noses of people who are near you, or they may breathe these droplets in. Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others. Studies show that masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.

Who should not wear a mask?

  • Children younger than 2 years old
  • Anyone who has trouble breathing
  • Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
  • Wearing masks may be difficult for some people with sensory, cognitive or behavioral issues. If they are unable to wear a mask properly or cannot tolerate a mask, they should not wear one, and adaptations and alternatives should be considered

What do I do after getting a COVID-19 test?
Test results for COVID-19 usually take 3-7 days to come in, if not sooner. Until you hear back from your provider, however, you should continue to practice the good hygiene and social distancing practices and follow other guidelines recommended by the CDC.

Who is at higher risk of serious COVID-19 symptoms?
The risk of developing dangerous symptoms of COVID-19 may be increased in people who are older and also in people of any age who have other serious health problems — such as heart or lung conditions, weakened immune systems, severe obesity or diabetes.