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Understanding the new normal by leveraging testing and data against COVID-19.

With one of the most advanced clinical testing laboratories of oncology and depression patients in the country, and the ability to process close to 2 million samples each year, Tempus is uniquely situated to extend testing capabilities to infectious diseases, starting with COVID-19. Leveraging our existing testing capabilities, we’ve launched a suite of diagnostic tests for COVID-19 with multiple modalities for sample collection. PCR testing is one of the testing options authorized by the FDA to detect and track the spread of COVID-19.

As we return to “normal,” we need a system to determine who has COVID-19, while simultaneously gathering relevant data about the underlying genetics of these diseases. Tempus is committed to supporting the care of COVID-19 patients through testing and collecting the appropriate data to understand the disease at a greater level.

OUR PROCESS

How it works

Tempus is committed to providing easy access to our tests and services.

Step 1

You can request a Tempus COVID-19 test through your healthcare provider.

Step 2

You will either have your sample taken by your provider, or you will be sent a Tempus kit for at-home sample collection if eligible.

Step 3

The sample is sent to our lab, and your sample will typically be processed within 12-24 hours of receipt.

Step 4

Your healthcare provider will disclose your test result to you. They will work with you to determine the best next steps based on your result. Some patients will also have the option to view their results through the Tempus COVID-19 mobile app. See mobile app FAQ.

*While we try to process all tests as quickly as possible, periods of high demand can lead to delayed turnaround times. In addition, there are always some tests that take longer than others for reasons outside of our control, for example due to shipping delays, sample quality issues, or otherwise inconclusive results. We cannot guarantee a specific turnaround time for travel or other purposes.

BILLING DETAILS

We’re here to help.

If you provide accurate insurance information or proof that you are uninsured to your ordering provider, you will not be billed for our testing services. If you prefer to not use your insurance and opt for a direct bill instead, Tempus will invoice you directly.

RESOURCES

Patient resources

Please find relevant resources for your use here.

Don’t see what you’re looking for?

Check out our FAQS below or reach out to us at covidsupport@tempus.com.

QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT TEMPUS TESTING

Who is Tempus?

Tempus is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Our mission is for each patient to benefit from the treatment of others who came before by providing the healthcare industry tools that learn as we gather more data. 

We enable physicians to make real-time, data-driven decisions to deliver personalized care and targeted therapies for patients through our analytical machine learning platform that uses the power of artificial intelligence in healthcare. We also work with partners to facilitate discovery, development, and delivery of optimized therapeutic options for patients through distinctive solution sets. 

What kind of COVID-19 test does Tempus provide?

Tempus provides a PCR test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (the viral agent that causes COVID-19). 

Tempus’ COVID-19 tests are either validated in accordance with FDA policies or have received an EUA authorization from FDA.

The EUA authorized, Tempus iC SARS-CoV-2 test:

  • has not been FDA cleared or approved;
  • has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by the authorized laboratories;
  • has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and
  • is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

The SalivaDirect™ EUA authorized test: 

  • has not been FDA cleared or approved;
  • has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by the authorized laboratories;
  • has been authorized only for the collection and maintenance of saliva specimens as an aid in the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and
  • is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of medical devices under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

Can I order a test myself?

At this time, Tempus performs COVID-19 testing only when ordered by a healthcare provider. We are currently unable to provide tests directly to patients. If you are looking to get tested, reach out to your physician for the best options for you. 

Will I be charged to be tested through Tempus?

If you give your ordering clinician accurate insurance information or proof that you are uninsured, you will not be billed. If you prefer to not use your insurance and opt for a direct bill instead, Tempus will invoice you directly. The cash price for the test is $120.

Result Delivery

When will I receive my test results?

We deliver most results to your health care provider within 24 hours of sample receipt to the lab. However, sometimes a delay can occur and we apologize for the inconvenience.

While we try to process all tests as quickly as possible, periods of high demand can lead to delayed turnaround times. In addition, there are always some tests that take longer than others for reasons outside of our control, for example, due to shipping delays, sample quality issues, or otherwise inconclusive results.

How will I receive my test results?

Your healthcare provider will disclose your test result to you. They will work with you to determine the best next steps based on your result. Please contact your ordering health care provider with any questions or concerns about your results.

Patients have the option to download the Tempus COVID-19 mobile app. See mobile app FAQ.

Please note: If you did not receive an email or SMS message inviting you to the app, it is likely the institution through which you were tested does not offer access to your results through the app. Your ordering provider should contact you with your results.

What do my test results mean?

For more information or guidance about your test result, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

For additional information about known and potential risks and benefits of tests that have been issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA, please visit this FDA fact sheet: Patient Fact Sheet (Tempus) / Patient Fact Sheet (SalivaDirect™)

I need a PDF copy of my test result (for an upcoming flight, job return, etc.).

If you’re an app user, you can now download a copy of the test result directly from the app on the result page. This result PDF will have relevant lab information located in the footer of the report. If you do not have app access, you can contact your ordering healthcare provider for the PDF copy of your test result.

I have been told to use the Tempus COVID-19 mobile app by my ordering provider.

How will I receive my test results?

You should have received an email inviting you to download the app, with instructions on how to create your account.  

You will also receive an email and push notification when your result is ready to view. 

Please note that you can always contact your healthcare provider for your test results. If you decide to download the mobile app, your provider will contact you to discuss the best next steps based on your result.

What do I do with my results?

Check out the FDA and CDC resources linked in your app. Speak to your ordering provider or your PCP to discuss the best next steps for you.

How do I create an account?

Creating an account in the app takes 3 steps:

1) Invitation: You will receive an Order Confirmation email or SMS (text) message with an invitation and instructions on how to download the app

2) Download: You need to download the Tempus COVID-19 app from your app store (Apple App Store or Google Play)

3) Account creation: AFTER downloading the app, please go back to the Order Confirmation email (using your phone, not your PC) and click the link again. You will be prompted to set up your account and password at this step of the process

I did not receive my invitation email or text message for the app.

Check your spam folder for a message sent from Tempus. 

App use is limited to certain institutions. You may have been tested through an institution that is not offering the app. For more information, please reach out to your testing physician.

My activation link doesn’t work - it keeps looping back to the “download app” page...or I’ve downloaded the app but it doesn’t allow me to create a username and password.

Please confirm that you have the most up-to-date iOS or Android version of the app. Uninstall and reinstall the application, then try the Activate link included in the most recent email from Tempus again. 

If the link still does not work, please contact us at covidinfo@tempus.com with the steps you’ve taken, any error messages, and we will attempt further troubleshooting. Please note that you can always contact your healthcare provider for your test results.

I received a text message inviting me to download the app.

Follow the instructions in your text message to take you to the Activation screen in the app. Enter your verification code, other info, and the email through which you would like to set up an account.

I cannot verify my identity in the app.

It is likely that your secondary identifier was entered incorrectly by your ordering physician, and unfortunately you will not be able to access your results via the app until this issue is resolved. You or your physician may contact us at covidinfo@tempus.com. Please note that you can always contact your healthcare provider for your test results.

I forgot my username.

Your username is the email you provided to your ordering physician when you had your sample collected. If you activated your account through a text message, this is the one you provided at activation.

I forgot my password.

Request a new password via the forgot password link on the login screen.

My account is locked.

You can unlock your account by resetting your password in the app. Follow the instructions shown in the app by clicking “Forgot your password?”

Please note that you can always contact your healthcare provider for your test results.

The app says that I cannot download it due to my age.

This app is only for use by patients who are 18 years or older. If you are under the age of 18, please reach out to your ordering physician for results.

I have another issue with my app or have feedback.

Please contact us at covidinfo@tempus.com

Note: Please contact your ordering health care provider with any questions or concerns about your results.

My healthcare provider ordered an at-home sample collection kit for me.

I never received my kit.

If more than 3 business days have passed since your provider ordered a COVID-19 test for you,  please contact us at covidsupport@tempus.com.

I am having trouble submitting my Kit Activation form.

After you receive your kit, you can register using the link included in your kit. You will need to enter the order confirmation number sent to you in the activation email. Please make sure you are using the confirmation number specific to you. If you cannot find your confirmation number, please reach out to your provider, who has a copy of the confirmation number, or to Tempus at covidsupport@tempus.com. You will also be prompted to enter the unique barcode that is listed on the tube included in your kit.

If you are having trouble submitting the form, or forget to activate your kit, please contact us at covidsupport@tempus.com

I have a question about how to collect my sample.

We’ll send you everything you need to collect your sample at home, including step-by-step instructions. Sample collection is quick, easy, and painless.

What happens if I make a mistake during sample collection?

If you are not able to collect an adequate sample, or you do not ship your sample the same day as collection, our lab may not be able to perform your test. Please read all instructions before beginning the sample collection process. 

My kit arrived damaged or missing components.

Please read all instructions before beginning the sample collection process. If components are missing, please contact us at covidsupport@tempus.com

How long is my sample stable in the mail?

The sample kit is designed to remain stable during overnight shipping. It’s important to bring your sample to a FedEx drop box on the same day you collect it before the last pickup for Express shipping. View drop box locations and pickup schedules here.

Please note: While some other retailers may accept FedEx packages, please confirm they accept the UN 3373 Clinical Pak before dropping off your sample.

I no longer need to use my kit.

Please do not share this kit with anyone other than the patient for whom it was ordered. You may dispose of the kit if you wish. Speak with your healthcare provider about next steps if you are symptomatic or have other health concerns.

Data collection

I received an email saying that I consented to share data with Tempus in the mobile app. What does that mean?

Please refer to the side menu in your app to find the full copy of your signed HIPAA Authorization form. 

Any questions about our data practices?

Please refer to our Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices.

More questions?

I have a different question.

For any health or symptom related questions, please refer to your healthcare provider. For any questions about Tempus, you can reach us at covidsupport@tempus.com

Questions about Tempus or submitting a sample: covidsupport@tempus.com or 800.739.4137

Questions about our billing process: billing@tempus.com

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