Those who want to get an STD test can do so through private STD testing services, health clinics, and even their regular doctor’s office. With so many choices available to you, it can be difficult to figure out which option is best for you.
When you work with a private laboratory test provider for your STD test, you do not need a doctor’s order from your GP. This means you have the freedom to purchase a lab order online, get tested, and have your results ready online once testing is complete.
Not everyone feels comfortable approaching their PCP with concerns about their sexual health. Even fewer of us are willing to be open about the fact that we want an STD test. While getting tested for STDs is far from an embarrassing decision, working through a private testing center can provide peace of mind and privacy.
Some clinics, especially those with discounted or easily accessible services, regularly require long wait times in a lobby before ever offering STD testing. Insensitive staff can create embarrassing scenarios during consultations. In many cases, patients are left with unanswered questions after a test.
Working with a private STD testing provider eliminates all of these problems. Your test will be obtained quickly. Qualified healthcare consultants will answer your questions and respect you for being proactive and getting tested in the first place.
Will Medicare Pay for STD Testing?
The short answer is: it depends.
- Medicare Part B covers screening tests for hepatitis B, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea if you are pregnant or at high risk for an STD
- Certain STD tests are also reimbursed annually if your GP has referred you or if you are pregnant
- Original Medicare covers STD tests at 100% of the Medicare approved amount if you receive the service from some participating providers
Go to the Medicare website if you have to do a little more digging to find out if you’re covered.
The testing process
Your experience during the testing process will depend on your gender and the STDs your healthcare provider screens for. There is no single test that can screen for all STDs; every STD has its own test. Most of these tests are far from invasive, but some do include visual inspections or swabs of the genitals.
Because your testing experience will vary depending on the STD your healthcare provider is screening for, here is an overview of some of the procedures you may encounter:
- Gonorrhea
- A urine sample or a swab from the genitals may be required
- Chlamydia
- A urine sample or a swab from the genitals may be required
- HIV
- Smear from the inner mouth
- Blood Test
- Syphilis
- Sample taken from a painful area
- Blood Test
- HPV (cervical cancer)
- HPV (genital warts)
- Visual diagnosis is generally sufficient
How long does it take for the results to arrive?
This depends on who you test with, what you test for and when you test. Some tests, especially in busy centres, can take up to five to 10 days to produce results. Most STD tests that involve taking blood fall into this category. If you have only had a basic test (for an STD such as syphilis or gonorrhea), you should get the results within two to three days.
Working through a private STD testing service will often get you results faster. Many have the freedom to expedite each of their tests as an emergency order because they have no other services to focus on. As a result, STD test results from a private testing service may be available to you as early as 24 to 72 hours after your visit.