How Much Is STD Testing At Planned Parenthood?

Planned Parenthood is a reputable reproductive healthcare provider in the United States. They offer various health services, and one of them is STD testing. But how much is STD testing at Planned Parenthood? The type of tests and cost will be explained in this article.

Getting tested at the Planned Parenthood clinic is convenient, and you should not be ashamed because the clinics offer services without exposing a patient’s health status to the public. In addition, they provide cheap or sometimes even free tests depending on your revenue status, so it is possible to book the test on the sliding scale fee.

Benefits of STD testing at Parenthood

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are transmittable, and many of them, if not treated, can lead to severe health problems. In some cases, victims don’t know that they have an STD; sometimes there won’t be any symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Testing at Planned Parenthood locations is also fast, confidential, and inexpensive; therefore, anyone who needs to be tested can get that done. Aside from the availability of STD testing at Planned Parenthood, the organization provides information and support regarding safe sexual behavior. They counsel patients on how to manage their health condition and also emphasize the need for safe sex.

How Much is STD Testing at Planned Parenthood?

This organization offers accessible reproductive health care to every age group. Among the key services they provide is testing for STDs; however, the fees differ. So, what factors decide the cost at Planned Parenthood?

Cost of STD Testing at Planned Parenthood

The cost for the STD tests may also differ depending on the geographic location of the clinic and age. In most Planned Parenthood clinics, the price for STD testing can be as low as $0 and as high as $200 per test. Nevertheless, there may be situations where clinics will provide reduced or no-cost care to people in certain income levels.

• Region

Planned Parenthood currently has clinics in different regions within the United States and in partnership with over 70 organizations across Africa and Latin America. As for the cost of STD testing, the cost may depend on the standard of living of a particular area, the availability of resources, etc.

For example, Planned Parenthood STD testing costs in New York or Los Angeles might be higher than the same services in rural clinics or small towns.

• Age-wise

STD testing expenses may also differ depending on the tested person’s age and insurance plan. For instance, people below the age of 18 can receive free or low-cost tests through government-funded programs, such as Title X that funds reproductive health services for those with low incomes.

• Cost Breakdown

The fees for STD testing at Planned Parenthood comprise the cost of the test and other services that may be necessary, such as a physical examination or doctor’s consultation fee. At Planned Parenthood, it costs roughly $200 for the top four STD tests, although prices may differ with the kind of test and insurance plan.

• Insurance Coverage

For those with insurance coverage, STD testing at Planned Parenthood clinics will be at a low cost. Standard fee-for-service insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare often cover the costs of STD testing as they consider it a preventive service.

People who have insurance should contact their insurer to find out whether testing for STDs at Planned Parenthood falls under the insurance cover.

However, Planned Parenthood offers a free-for-fee scale for people without insurance. Some of the Planned Parenthood centers may also conduct free or low-charge testing services from time to time.

For residents of Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, the Special Enrollment Period applies when you can use for coverage in the Marketplace during Open Enrollment, and this usually takes place between November 1st and January 15th. People who fall under the category of low income or those who have a special enrollment may use it at their convenience.

Types of STD testing offered at Planned Parenthood

Whether you need basic check-ups or more extensive evaluations, you will find them here. These are the four std standard tests they provide. Note that there are other tests. If you need to be tested for any sexually transmitted infection, Planned Parenthood is a name to trust.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most widely spread STDs, which can pass unnoticed, so everyone should get tested at least once. At Planned Parenthood, you can undergo a urine and swab test. In most cases, the results are delivered in a few days, depending on the severity of the situation and the required treatment.

HIV Testing

It is important that you know your HIV status for your sake and that of your partner(s). At Planned Parenthood, HIV rapid testing is available, and the results are available within 20 minutes at most. They also do HIV blood tests.

Syphilis Testing

Syphilis is a common STD that can cause long-term health effects if not treated. Planned Parenthood carries out tests for syphilis and also provides treatment options. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. So, if you have syphilis, you must visit a planned parenthood nearby to commence treatment.

HPV Testing

HPV is widespread and may lead to health issues like genital warts and some cancers. Genital HPV testing and oral HPV testing are both available at Planned Parenthood for men and women.

Planned Parenthood vs. other healthcare providers: A Cost Comparison

Does Planned Parenthood charge higher or lower compared to other health facilities? Yes, they do. From birth control services to STD tests to cervical cancer screening, Planned Parenthood offers such services with low fees compared to other facilities. People without health insurance seek these services due to the low charges offered.

Planned Parenthood offers sliding-scale fees based on income. What this means is that those with lower income levels can afford to seek those services. Also, Planned Parenthood serves most insurance plans, which further limits the expenses individuals will have to pay.

Other healthcare providers may not offer these services at a low cost or even charge more depending on whether the individual has insurance or not. Though there are providers that offer the same services, they are expensive, and many people cannot afford them.

However, it is not only about the money; it is also about the type of healthcare. For years now, Planned Parenthood has been known to deliver efficient and sensitive services to all clients.

Their staff members are qualified in reproductive health care, and they ensure that their patients feel comfortable. Such a level of care is one of the reasons clients choose Planned Parenthood over other healthcare providers.

Read also: Can You Get An STD From Kissing?

The Need For Regular STD Testing

A lot of people might feel that getting tested is shameful or awkward, but the reality is that getting tested plays a key role in ensuring your well-being.

First, you need to know that STDs are contagious. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that over twenty million new cases of STDs are reported in the United States only annually. What that implies is, that assuming an individual is sexually active, they are susceptible to contracting an STD.

Regular testing is the best way to know your status. STD testing should be done often because some STDs do not present early signs. This is to tell you that you could be infected with an STD without knowing. If you do not get tested, you may never know that you have this infection and pass it on to your partner or have severe health problems in the future.

Another good reason why people should get tested for STDs frequently is to avoid the stigma associated with sexual health.  However, it is sad that there is still too much humiliation related to STDs. With increased awareness and encouragement of more frequent testing, these stigmas can be erased and the talk about sexual health can be much more open.

In the United States, there are various ways in which one can get tested for STDs; this includes going to a physician’s office, a clinic, or even using a home STD testing kit. In either case, the main concern is that testing should be incorporated into your healthcare regime as a standard procedure.

Most doctors advise you to get tested annually or even more often in cases where you are involved in unprotected sexual activities or cases where you have more than one partner.

Taking charge of one’s sexual health is not just for the individual’s benefit but also for those who are close to such a person.

Your health is important; however, if cost is the issue, Planned Parenthood is there. Still don’t know how much is STD testing at Planned Parenthood, if you are in the USA, call to book an appointment today.

Don’t let the stigma or the fear stop you from getting the care you need. Planned Parenthood is here for you, and they do not judge.