STD testing near me.

Is it Possible to Get Free STD Testing?

More often than not, the health departments provide confidential clinics that offer free STD testing particularly HIV but will also offer tests on other sexually transmitted diseases. Some confidential clinics even offer tests for viral hepatitis. The good news is there are wide options of clinics that you can go for. You can even easily find the addresses, contact numbers and clinic hours online.

While it’s important for your health and alleviates the anxiety that comes with not knowing, the process of being tested for sexually transmitted diseases can be overwhelming.

One aspect that makes people nervous is the cost. How much is the bill going to be? Thankfully, you can get a yearly STI exam done that costs you very little and, in some cases, nothing at all! The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests that people get tested every year, but the truth is, any time you have a new sex partner, you should be tested.

Where can you go to get tested without paying a lot of money?

Planned Parenthood

If you lack health insurance, a local Planned Parenthood can help with STI checks for little to nothing out of pocket. The amount you pay is based on income and household size.

Title X Clinic

You can also find a local Title X clinic, which uses government money to provide affordable reproductive healthcare to destitute individuals. These clinics work with local, state, national and federal entities to offer a broad range of reproductive care providers. While it’s usually used as a method to get low-cost birth control, several providers do offer preventative testing.

In-Network Doctor’s Office

For people with insurance, the ACA (also known as Obamacare) requires that every insurance plan offers yearly STI testing and preventative care. This goes for Medicare and private insurance. Screenings included in the coverage are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, HIV and HIV prevention counseling.

When getting tested through your health insurance, you must ensure the doctor submits the claim as preventative testing, as that’s what the ACA coverage is for and what you pay is based on the designation. If you suspect an issue, your doctor may designate as something else, but if you’re at your yearly checkup, the tests should be covered.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

There is a multitude of AHF wellness centers across the U.S. that provide free screenings. Together with Out of the Closet, a thrift store chain, a counselor will test you for STIs. If you shop at the store, a donation of $0.96 is donated to the AHF HIV/AIDS program.

Student’s College

Quite a few colleges and universities provide STI and HIV testing to its students in the campus health center. This is significant since there are 20 million new STI cases every year, with half of the new infections occurring in individuals between 15 and 24 years old.

Many colleges and universities request students to have health insurance while others request a small fee for every visit. It may be best to visit a local clinic where you pay next to nothing for your tests.

LGBTQ+ Clinics

LGBTQ+ Clinics provide services for the lower-income LGBTQ+ community members. You may need to do a search for these clinics to find one in your area or one close to you.

There are a few things you need to know about STD clinics including:

• Minors don't have to get parental consent before they can submit themselves to examination and treatment from STD clinics. The diagnostic tests are free and anyone can take advantage of them.
• HIV support and counseling as well as the rapid HIV testing are provided in these clinics.
• Whether you want to give out your real identity or provide a false identity, it is solely under your discretion and decision.
• Results for the examination that you have undergone are placed in writing or documentation so that future medical care is more convenient and easy.
• Confidentiality in all the information you give out including the results of the tests is upheld at all times. If you underwent examination and testing in an anonymous status, the results are not linked to your name.
• What do you need to do before you visit confidential clinics for your testing? Do not fast and make sure you have eaten before you report for your appointment or test. Fasting is not necessary for STD testing.
• Fill out your health form completely and adequately including your reasons of visiting one.
• If you chose to hold back your real identity, make sure that you provide genuine information about your medical history so that you will have accurate examination results. Only authorized people are allowed to read your chart therefore your records are safe.
• You will not be called by the name you are supplied. Instead, you will be called according to the number that was provided on the form that you filled up.
• Only clinicians will deal with you personally during STD testing and assessment. The specimens collected during the assessment may be sent out to be tested to well-equipped laboratory but you will remain in the clinic until further notice.