So many parts of daily life have moved into the virtual space, and health care is no exception. Although telehealth wasn’t a new concept prior to COVID-19, many more health services are available virtually to keep patients safe while also meeting their health care needs during the pandemic. At Planned Parenthood, one of those available services is STI testing! Patients can now get tested for STIs at home, and here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Book a Virtual Appointment with Planned Parenthood
Make a virtual or telehealth appointment with Planned Parenthood. You don’t have to come to the health center at any point to receive care. Prior to the appointment, you will receive instructions for your virtual appointment. During your virtual visit, you'll chat with a clinician over a secure video conference and they'll place an order for your at-home STI testing kit.
You do not need to have insurance to do STI testing from home. It costs $40 for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and $50 for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. There is an additional $60 visit fee. If you have insurance, we can process the STI testing and office visit through your insurance. Please contact your insurance company if unsure about whether or not your insurance will cover home STI testing.
Step 2: Receive and Complete Your STI Testing Kit
Your STI testing kit will arrive by mail. Follow the testing instructions and send your kit to the lab in the pre-labeled box (shipping is already paid for).
No trip to the health center is required! You can complete your sample at a time that works best for you from the privacy of your own home. Patients must live in either Missouri or Illinois to receive an at-home testing kit.
Step 3: Get Your STI Testing Results
The lab will process your sample once they receive your shipment. Your results will be available in Planned Parenthood’s Patient Portal within two weeks of receiving your sample. Please allow 7-10 days for the lab to process the sample and provide the results to Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood will only contact you if you require any treatment or follow-up. Test results are just as accurate and reliable as in-person testing. If you have any questions about your results, please give us a call at 314-531-7526.
Get yourself tested, treated and talking. STI testing is the easiest it’s ever been! Give us a call at 314-531-7526 to set up your virtual appointment, or book it online.
LaQuetta Cooper is the Director of Health Center Operations at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri
Tags: STD testing, STIs, STItesting
