According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will be reported each year. STD infections can last a long time, and most people are unaware they are infected until advanced symptoms appear. Screening is essential for effectively preventing the spread of disease from person to person, and it is also the first step toward successful treatment.
By introducing a significant amount of anonymity, STDcheck removes some of the fear and shame from the screening process. You will not have to make a doctor’s appointment or sit in a clinic waiting room for an hour. You will not even be required to use your name if you do not wish to. And the quality of their testing is comparable to that of any major medical facility.
In this article, we going to have close look at the quality of STDcheck’s offerings and operations by this you can make an informed decision and take the necessary precautions to protect your health.
Pricing
Among comparable websites, the majority of STDcheck’s tests are priced in the low-to-mid-range. There are also no upfront hidden costs to be concerned about, such as processing or shipping fees. STDcheck also provides free re-testing of positive HV and syphilis samples.
In the event of a positive test result, you have the option of speaking with a physician, but this service is not free. Many of STDcheck’s competitors include consultation services at no extra cost. However, you must pay $95 to speak with a STDcheck doctor. This fee could come from the doctors themselves, and STDcheck could pass it on to their customers. Using STDCheck coupon codes you can save $10.
But it seems unfair to expect people who have just discovered they have an STD to pay up to 200% of the cost of the test to seek treatment. And the fee is not prominently displayed on the STDcheck website. We were unaware of it until our testers received their results.
The proper course of action would have been to calculate the average cost of yearly doctor’s fees for their customer base, redistribute that cost into the prices of their tests, and then provide consultation services for free. That way, the fortunate people who test negative could bear some of the cost rather than heaping it on those who are in a more difficult situation.
How does STDcheck function?
The STDcheck testing procedure is very simple and is as follows:
Step 1: Purchase your STD test.
Simply go to STDcheck.com and choose whether you want individual tests or test packages. You can also contact them by phone. All these tests have been approved by the FDA. Pay for the testing for your order to be completed. If you cannot afford the test right now, you can pay later. However, you must pay for the test to access the results. Many people prefer panels because they provide comprehensive results for up to ten possible infections. Readers of Innerbody Research can currently save $10 on any test.
Step 2: Choose a testing location.
You will use the STDcheck website to locate a testing center near you. Enter your zip code or let the website use GPS to find your location. The advanced matching system will provide you with a list of all nearby testing centers. There are over 4,500 testing locations across the country, with most of them open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some are open on Saturdays as well. If you have a few options, investigate their ratings because not all testing centers are created equal.
You can then enter some optional personal information such as your name, gender, date of birth, and so on, as well as your preferred payment method and how you want to receive your test results. Finally, you will be given a personal test code to write down and keep safe.
Step 3: Go to the testing center.
To get tested, go to your nearest lab at your leisure. There is no need for an appointment, and there is usually little waiting. You simply arrive, are tested, and then depart. If you have an appointment, the entire test process can be completed in as little as five minutes.
Bring your personal test code with you. Otherwise, the lab will have no idea which test results are yours. STDcheck allows you to either print or has your lab order faxed directly to the lab. We strongly advise you to print your order if possible, as the fax system failed our testers twice.
Also, keep in mind that the test centers do not accept payments; you must pay online.
Step 4: Get your results
STDcheck will usually return your test results within one or two business days. Our testers averaged a turnaround time of about 30 hours. These are some of the most rapid turnaround times available.
You have the option of receiving your results via text or email. You can also call in to get your results (an especially convenient option if you share a phone or email account with someone). You can contact the company’s Care Advisors at any time with any questions you may have about your testing results.
Although the STDcheck website provides a sample results image for reference, we discovered that it did not closely match the formatting of our testers’ results.
Step 5: If you test positive, see a doctor.
If you test positive, we strongly advise you to schedule a consultation with one of STDcheck’s doctors. Unlike other services’ consultations, STDcheck’s doctor consultation is not free. The company charges an additional $95.50 to speak with a physician. Feel free to seek treatment from a doctor you trust who is either less expensive or accepts your insurance.
Just keep in mind that a visit to your primary care physician or a specialist will almost certainly result in your STD diagnosis being recorded in your official medical record.
Step 6: Send anonymous notifications (optional).
Another unique feature of STDcheck is the ability to send 100% anonymous notifications to your partner(s) informing them of the positive result. It will inform them that they may also wish to take a test without any connection to you.
Do you need to cancel your order?
If you change your mind about testing or need to cancel for any reason, you have the following options:
If you cancel within 21 days of purchase, you will receive a refund minus a 20% cancellation fee.
If you cancel more than 21 days after ordering your test, you will be given credit to order other tests later rather than receiving a refund.
Pros
- Private, anonymous testing.
- Same-day testing is available.
- FSA and HSA payment cards are accepted.
- Readers of Innerbody receive a $10 discount on their orders.
- The tests are FDA-approved, and all testing labs are CLIA-certified.
- There are over 4,500 testing centers in the United States.
Cons
- No health insurance is compatible.
- Not all participating labs provide the same level of privacy.
- There are no options if you live too far away from a partner lab.
- There is a $95 fee to obtain a prescription from a STDcheck doctor. There is no testing for trichomoniasis or Mycoplasma genitalium.
Conclusion
STDcheck.com has been in business for a few years and has an overwhelmingly positive reputation. This company checks all the boxes. Their prices are low, they provide quick results, a simple testing procedure, and, most importantly, they provide complete privacy.
This company has become an obvious choice for many people because they also offer a consultation with one of their doctors. All their physicians are qualified and licensed. Furthermore, the FDA has approved their tests. What more could we want?
The fear of STDs can cause significant stress and anxiety. In such difficult times, STDcheck’s well-designed std testing process can save you from a conflicted situation.
FAQs
- Is STDcheck.com a legitimate website?
It is, indeed. Their tests are all FDA-approved. Furthermore, their testing facilities meet the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments criteria standards (CLIA).
- Is a doctor’s prescription or an exam required to test?
No, all you must do is order the test and go to a testing location at your leisure. For an additional $95 fee, STDcheck has partner physicians who can write you prescriptions after specific positive tests.
- Is STDcheck.com private?
Definitely. STDcheck provides users with excellent privacy and anonymity. They ensure that no information about STDs is included in your payment records, send out anonymous notifications, and use secure data storage systems.
- How long does it take to get STDcheck.com results?
Most tests will provide you with results within 1-2 days. When you order a test, you will also be given information about how long it will take to receive the results.
- Can I use my insurance company’s coverage to pay for STDcheck?
No, unfortunately. It is, however, to protect your privacy. An insurance company requires you to submit information about your medical expenses, including the types of tests you undergo. Therefore, insurance is not accepted as a payment method by STDcheck.
- What STD tests are offered by STDcheck.com?
Individual STDcheck tests are available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, oral herpes, genital herpes, Hepatitis A, B, and C, HIV antibody, HIV RNA, and syphilis. The packages available are 10 Test Panel, Chlamydia & Gonorrhea, and Herpes I & II.