How is it? a lot of waiting?
Anything else noteworthy?
Any feedback is appreciated.
you get what you pay for. Are you sure you want to trust your sexual health to a free clinic. Unless you're homeless, I wouldn't take the risk.
I would say the risk isn't great.
government bureaucrats rather than doctorss. THAT certainly makes me feel safer.
I haven't used the ones offered by LA County, but I have checked out ones offered by different organizations/non-profits (like AHF Wellness Centers, link below) and the service I received was on par with professional medical services I receive at my (paid) primary care MD, among others. Lines can get really long (1-2 hour), so it's advised you go right when they open. Testing is all free + anonymous and most places will test for the basic STDs (the AHF Wellness Centers test for Chlamydia/Gonorrhea via urine test + rectal swab, Gonorrhea throat test, blood test that looks for Syphilis + HIV (confirmatory Western blot), a rapid HIV test that is the screening ELISA).
Even TREATMENT is free at many of these centers (like AHF) if you end up testing positive. AHF in particular treats HSV and HPV outbreaks, though they don't actually test for those viruses.
No reason not to check it out, IMO. I have to respectfully disagree with CDL regarding his take on free clinics (though he's super helpful and I value his opinion). I think they are perfectly fine -> not much medical training is required for technicians to collect your pee in a cup, swab your throat + they have trained, certified individuals drawing your blood, it's not like they just take that junkie off the street to do it, haha. The ONLY time I'd consider someone needing MORE than a free clinic is if you were to test positive for something like HIV, where you'd need to get plugged into primary care/get an HIV specialist physician/etc. Even most other STDs like CT/NG, syphilis are rapidly cured with some simple antibiotics and you don't necessarily need your own PCP.
That being said, I think everyone should normally have their own PCP and get routine physicals/check-ups.
Really helpful. How do they send you the test results?
I found a branch 15 miles from my house that does all std testing by appointment only, so I might not have to wait 1-2 hours.
Here's what I think... These STD tests run $100-200 in private practice. And doing it once a month can add up in cost.
Getting testing done free leaves me extra cash to tip the girls. Thanks LA for subsidizing my hobby
Even TREATMENT is free at many of these centers (like AHF) if you end up testing positive. AHF in particular treats HSV and HPV outbreaks, though they don't actually test for those viruses.
No reason not to check it out, IMO. I have to respectfully disagree with CDL regarding his take on free clinics (though he's super helpful and I value his opinion). I think they are perfectly fine -> not much medical training is required for technicians to collect your pee in a cup, swab your throat + they have trained, certified individuals drawing your blood, it's not like they just take that junkie off the street to do it, haha. The ONLY time I'd consider someone needing MORE than a free clinic is if you were to test positive for something like HIV, where you'd need to get plugged into primary care/get an HIV specialist physician/etc. Even most other STDs like CT/NG, syphilis are rapidly cured with some simple antibiotics and you don't necessarily need your own PCP.
That being said, I think everyone should normally have their own PCP and get routine physicals/check-ups.
Test results can be relayed via several ways. Some ask for a phone # you specify and either text, call, leave a voicemail (all up to you how you want it). AHF centers have you sent up an online account with Healthvana right at the site where you just access them online when they are ready in a few days -> you can print them out at your leisure if you'd like. AHF centers only contact you via phone if you have positive results, so no news is good news.
Often places that do rapid HIV testing will give you a little results card right then and there as the test takes only a few minutes to complete + get results.
Agreed, routine testing can add up in terms of costs, though it is well worth to protect the ladies, you, and other johns. Why not do it for free to spend more on the lovely ladies? Also, I can understand why some people may not want to see their normal PCP for STD testing (maybe they're married and the PCP also takes care of their spouse and while there is HIPAA and all that, they don't want to use that avenue unless necessary, etc).
I found a branch 15 miles from my house that does all std testing by appointment only, so I might not have to wait 1-2 hours.
Here's what I think... These STD tests run $100-200 in private practice. And doing it once a month can add up in cost.
Getting testing done free leaves me extra cash to tip the girls. Thanks LA for subsidizing my hobby
that's a great idea
Surprised you think a free STD clinic is a great place to meet women. LMAO