Does Urgent Care Do STD Testing? STD Testing in Augusta Urgent Cares

An STD test can diagnose a sexually transmitted disease before symptoms appear. If you do have an STD, it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid serious side effects and complications from STDs and prevent the spread to your partners.

It may feel embarrassing to talk about, but the reality is that STDs are very common. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 1 in 5 individuals in the U.S. have an STD – which equals out to nearly 68 million infections.

The CDC recommends the following STD tests:
- All sexually active individuals between ages 13 and 64 should be tested at least once for HIV
- All sexually active women younger than 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia once a year
- Sexually active women over age 25 with new or multiple sex partners should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia once a year
- All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B
- All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Sexually active gay and bisexual men with multiple or anonymous partners should be tested every 3-6 months for STDs
- Anyone who has unprotected sex or shares needles for injectable drugs should get tested for HIV at least once a year

If an STD is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility, heart disease, pregnancy complications and even cancer.  

Typically, urgent care facilities do not require an appointment for STD testing, so tests can be done on a walk-in basis. Most urgent care centers are equipped to perform rapid or same-day testing for a variety of sexually transmitted infections. It's important to note that some STDs may have an incubation period before being detectable through testing.

For instance, HIV tests may not be accurate until at least 3-6 weeks after exposure. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional at the urgent care facility to determine the appropriate time for testing based on your specific concerns or potential exposure. The time it takes to receive the results will depend on the urgent care center and the specific tests being conducted. 

No, a referral from a primary care doctor is not usually required to get an STD test at urgent care centers, as they cater to walk-in patients and various health problems. However, it's always a good idea to consult with your primary care doctor to discuss your concerns and determine the most suitable testing options for you.

The cost of STD testing at urgent care facilities can vary depending on the location, the tests required, and the individual's insurance coverage. While some clinics offer affordable pricing, others might be more expensive, especially in comparison to public health clinics or private testing centers. It's crucial to inquire about the costs before undergoing testing.

Urgent care facilities are required to adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates medical providers to maintain patient confidentiality and ensure privacy when handling personal information. They are run by healthcare professionals who tend to take patient privacy very seriously. Perfect Health also offers a drive-through clinic, where patients can check in at a window and walk directly into their assigned room for a waiting room-free experience. This helps improve patient privacy.