STD testing and learning how to save money with affordable STD testing is very important. Why? Because according to the US News & World Report, in 2013 there were approximately 110 million people in the United States with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This is scary as the US Census Bureau reports that, as of July 2014, the population of the United States was approximately 316 million. If these statistics are true, this would mean that approximately 1 in 3 people in the country is infected. The unfortunate part is that many of them may not know. An affordable option lets more people know your status.
An STD is a bacteria or virus that is spread from person to person during sexual activity. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV type 1, HIV type 2, genital herpes, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Some doctors include bacterial vaginosis on this list. STD testing is the only way to know whether or not a person has contracted any of these infections.
So let’s talk about STD testing. What exactly? This is when a person sends a sample of blood, urine, or fluid to a doctor or laboratory. The doctor or laboratory then examines the sample under a microscope, mixes it with another substance, or completes some other scientific process to find a result. The result will show whether a sexually transmitted bacteria or virus is present in the person’s body.
STD testing can be ordered by a doctor or a person can order it without a prescription. It can be very expensive or quite affordable depending on how a person does it.
Here’s the expensive way to test for STDs:
1. Go to a doctor, pay a visit, and ask the doctor to order a test from a lab.
2. Go to the laboratory referred by a doctor.
3. Give a urine, blood, or fluid sample.
4. Get the results from the doctor and receive a bill from the lab.
5. Pay the lab bill immediately or non-payment could be reported to the credit bureaus and lower your credit score.
Recently a friend of mine who did not have insurance took this route. She paid $ 185 for the doctor’s visit (a routine annual gynecological exam) and $ 579 for a test from the lab where her doctor ordered the STD test (LabCorp). Grand total = $ 764.
Here’s how to save money with affordable STD testing (the method I recommend):
1) Save $ 185 right away by skipping the doctor’s referral. You can be proactive by taking control of your sexual health. Request a test without a doctor and save this fee.
2) Save up to $ 230 by ordering affordable, FDA-approved STD testing online. Online orders with a credit, debit, or prepaid card generally cost between $ 14 and $ 349, depending on the test. The all-inclusive test (also called a “full panel test”) includes screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV-1, HIV-2, genital herpes, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis. There are reputable websites that allow people to request their own tests.
3) Stop at a local lab where they will take a quick urine or blood sample.
4) Receive confidential STD test results by email immediately.
5) Enjoy up to $ 415 in savings. (Savings of $ 185 for the doctor visit plus $ 230 for a full panel test equals a savings of $ 415). Also enjoy the fact that your credit score will not suffer as the lab bill is paid. Anyone who has had a medical bill that lowers their credit score will definitely appreciate it.
It’s a shame my friend spent $ 764 without talking to me first. Yes, I know maintaining good health is priceless, but it is good to know how to save money with affordable STD testing. All sexually active people should be tested so they can receive treatment if needed. All of these diseases can be treated. Many of them are curable. Leaving an STD untreated can lead to lifelong health complications or even death.