Seems some on this board recommend this:

http://www.stdtestexpress.com/std-test-panel/

I read std testing can be cheaper, but is it a "pay for what you get"? I am not concerned about privacy so can go anywhere. But will they test for the eight common std's like this one?

I also have good health insurance with my company. I doubt they would cover this, but who knows, should I find out?

-- Modified on 2/2/2011 12:58:38 PM

Local health care centers usually have free or cheap options, Planned Parenthood makes it very affordable...in NYC, they have several free testing clinics run by nyc.gov that are anonymous....Plus you can pick up some free condoms during your visit. $250 ain't a bargain, there are plenty of compassionate organizations that make it affordable to people on any budget, including NONE.

Ashleigh is right about your local govt offering low cost testing.  The only issue is if they test for what you are concerned about.  If you have symptoms you want to make sure you see a nurse there and describe the symptoms.  My county health department doesn't do 8, but can't recall what they do.

Again, if you have symptoms I suspect your health plan will cover the doctor visit and maybe testing/treatment.  Whther you want to go that route depends on privacy issues for you.  Married? Probably a bad idea.  Does your company process their own claims?  Again, not a good idea.  If you've got Blue Cross or similar and are unattached then less of a big deal.

But county health is usually dirt cheap ... like $20.

From your regular doctor's office standpoint, yes, it's cheaper. I have health insurance, and every other month, along w/my results, I also get an itemized bill, even though my insurance pays most of it, and w/out insurance, it would run me around $450 for a full panel. But you said you had good health insurance and I've never heard of a doctor charging extra for STD screening.. it's the same as going in to checked for a bad cold or flu, just costs more because results have to be sent to lab.. but your insurance should cover it.

I went to my Nurse Practitioner not even a doctor uninsured $110 office visit lab service bill $598.68, puts things in perspective. I thought it was a mistake when she said drop your pants and I bent over in front of her. She said no I need to see the front, but I think I had it the wright way at first. Next time I will just were a germ mask and go to the free clinic it is closer...

Hello everyone,

Although that is an excellent panel, there are again better options.

Planned Parenthood and all of the local state and county free clinics offer low cost testing.

I get tested at a minimum of once per month, spend around 30 dollars.

It is very important to be tested, probably the best thing you can do for yourself, get out there and find the local solutions and put it on your calendar monthly and protect yourself.  

Best wishes everyone..

Ella

I do not qualify for the low income pricing. So is the regular pricing in the same ballpark as $250?

If your Doctor orders the lab tests, then they are usually covered by insurance. If you want them done monthly, then the insurance company may start asking questions.

Some of the clinics will do visual exams to test for things like herpes. If your doctor orders the exams, then you get the blood test version. Also, there are different versions of blood test for diseases like HIV. The more sensitive tests (earlier detection) cost more. Again, if it is the first time the doctor orders it, then the Insurance Company is not likely to question it. If you want the expensive version every month, then they might start having a cow.

The AIM Comprehensive Panel (porn industry) includes:

HIV-1 DNA by PCR
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea by PCR
Syphilis RPR
Herpes TYPE 1 and 2 IGG, IGM
Hepatitis A,B & C

Total cost is $460. It is on the expensive side, but you get the expensive versions of the tests (which is what your pornstar partern will want to know). You also get included in their database in case you ever want to be in porn.
 

You can get the same panel as the AIM (minus Herpes IgM, which most Herpes experts consider useless anyway) for $399 from tstd.org. They are very professional and the testing is anonymous if that's important for you -- they don't even ask for your name.

For $250, you can get the same panel above but with HIV Antibody test (which has a window of ~6 weeks) instead of HIV PCR (which has a window of ~7 days).

Just a followup, I got tested with http://www.stdtestexpress.com/ . Everything was quick and couldn't be simpler. If you want to PM me with your hobby email, I can send you a coupon from their website anonymously for 20% off, so $199.