Understanding Confidentiality: Std Testing And Insurance Claims

If you're concerned about confidentiality when getting an STD test, it's important to know that there is no way to know whether or not your STD test results will show up on an insurance bill. It depends on the type of insurance you have and what your doctor decides to do with the information. Insurance companies often require healthcare providers to submit claims for all tests, treatments, and procedures, so if you ask your doctor to bill the insurance company directly, they may be able to see this information in their records. This information is usually sent in a document called an Explanation of Benefits (EOB), which includes details of the visit, such as tests, diagnoses, and treatment. If you are concerned about this information being sent to the policyholder, you can contact your insurance provider and ask for the EOB to be sent to an alternate address or email address. Additionally, some states have enacted laws to offer more confidentiality for sensitive medical matters, such as California's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act.

Confidentiality of STD test results

Confidentiality is a key concern for many people considering getting tested for STDs. In the US, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) protects patients' privacy with respect to their medical records and medical history. However, due to HIPAA, insurers are also allowed to disclose health information without a patient's permission in order to receive payment. This means that whenever you visit a healthcare provider and use insurance for payment, the insurer will send an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the policyholder, which may include details of the visit, including tests, diagnoses, and treatment.

If you are concerned about your STD test results showing up on an insurance bill, you have several options:

• Contact your insurance provider and ask for the EOB to be sent to an alternate address or email address. Some states have enacted laws to offer more confidentiality for "sensitive" medical matters, so check if this applies to your state.
• Pay for the test yourself, using a sliding scale based on your family size and yearly income.
• Use a service like STDCheck.com, which does not accept insurance and guarantees 100% privacy and confidentiality.
• Use an at-home STD test kit, such as myLAB Box, which does not accept insurance to protect customers' personal data.

In most cases, your STD test results will only be shared with your healthcare provider and your insurance company. However, if you test positive for certain STDs, such as HIV, your name and test results may be reported to the state or local health department to help public health officials estimate infection rates. Your name and other personal information will be removed before the information is shared with the CDC.

STD test costs without insurance

The cost of an STD test without insurance varies depending on the type of test, the location, and the patient's income.

For example, a basic lab test for chlamydia or gonorrhea (the two most common STDs) costs around $50-$100 at a doctor's office or hospital. However, many clinics offer these tests for free through publicly funded programs like Medicaid or Planned Parenthood Health Centers. An HIV test at a private clinic costs around $75, but this price can double if additional testing is required.

At-home STD test kits are also available for purchase, with prices ranging from $35 to $175 per test. These kits typically include instructions for collection and test registration, as well as containers and swabs for collecting and sending samples to a lab. Results are usually available within a few days through a secure online patient portal.

Some urgent care clinics offer STD testing with clear pricing and detailed invoices. For example, AFC Urgent Care Cherry Creek in Denver charges $349 for next-day STD test results and $449 for same-day results.

It is important to note that the cost of STD testing without insurance can range from $25 to more than $730, and free or low-cost testing options are often available through local clinics, public health departments, or university health services.

STD test costs with insurance

The cost of STD testing with insurance depends on the insurance company and the insurance plan. Some insurance companies will cover STD testing at a doctor's office or clinic, but specifics vary. For example, United Health Group covers gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV testing for women, while Aetna covers yearly STD testing without specifying the infections covered.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), some preventive STD screening is free, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV screening for women, and syphilis and HIV screening for men. However, if you are experiencing symptoms, the test is considered diagnostic and will likely not be fully covered by insurance.

It is important to note that any test taken using insurance can become part of your medical record and may be used by insurance companies to raise your premium in the future. Additionally, insurance providers often send an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the primary account holder, which may include information about the tests received.

If you are concerned about the cost of STD testing or keeping your information confidential, there are other options available. Many local clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, offer STD testing on a sliding scale based on income, and some tests may be free. At-home STD testing kits are also available for purchase, typically costing between $35 and $175 per test.

At-home STD tests

Where to get at-home STD tests

Depending on where you live, you can buy at-home STD test kits online, at your local pharmacy, or through organisations such as Planned Parenthood. Prices for at-home STD tests can range from as little as $10 to as much as $250.

Types of at-home STD tests

There are different types of at-home STD tests available. Some kits only test for one STD, such as HIV/AIDS, while others can screen for multiple STDs or for infections in different areas of the body.

How to test yourself

Benefits of at-home STD tests

Drawbacks of at-home STD tests

One potential drawback of at-home STD tests is the accuracy of the results. The reliability of the test depends on the collection process, and there may be concerns about whether people are collecting adequate samples at home. There may also be less scrutiny of the analysis process compared to tests conducted in a hospital or clinic. Additionally, at-home testing may not provide the same level of post-diagnosis care as in-person visits, and some people may not correctly interpret their test results.

When to get tested for STDs

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual testing for sexually active men and women, particularly those with multiple partners or new partners. It is important to get tested regularly, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, as many STDs can be asymptomatic.

What to do if you test positive

If you test positive for an STD, it is important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the result and discuss treatment options. It is also crucial to inform your sexual partners of your test results so that they can also seek testing and treatment if necessary.

Free STD tests

If you are worried about the cost of getting an STD test, there are several options for accessing free STD testing services.

Local health clinics

Local health clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, often provide free or low-cost STD testing. These clinics usually receive funding from government grants, donations, and fundraisers, so they can offer testing at no cost or a reduced rate.

Publicly funded programs

Publicly funded programs like Medicaid or Planned Parenthood Health Centers often offer free STD tests.

Sliding scale fees

Some clinics offer a sliding scale fee for STD testing based on your family size and yearly income. You will not be asked for proof of family size or income, and no payments will be collected at the clinic.

College and university health centres

Most colleges and universities provide free or lower-cost STD testing to their students.

Local nonprofit organisations

Local nonprofit organisations sometimes run health clinics that provide free STD testing.

Mobile clinics

Mobile clinics are vans that travel through rural and urban areas, offering high-quality healthcare at a lower cost. STD testing and treatment is one of the many services they typically provide.

Local health departments

Most city and county health departments can offer free or lower-cost STD testing thanks to federal and state funding.

LGBTQIA+ centres

Local LGBTQIA+ centres may offer STD testing for the LGBTQIA+ community or have a directory of LGBTQIA+-friendly providers who offer STD testing.

At-home tests

At-home STD tests are generally more expensive than in-person testing, but they are a good option for folks who don't have access to an in-person facility or prefer the privacy of testing at home.

Online STI clinic finders

Online STI clinic finders can help you find a lower-cost or free testing location near you. Examples include:

• National Association of County and City Health Officials
• GetTested: National HIV, STD, and Hepatitis Testing
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
• Office of Population Affairs Family Planning Clinic Finder
• CDC's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health

Frequently asked questions