Preferred Location: 1345 13th Street, Suite R Columbus,GA 31901 Columbus Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1345 13th Street, Suite R Columbus,GA 31901 Columbus Change Location
Named one of the top 5 cities for STDS, it is obvious that Columbus has a problem.ย
Recent years have seen a major uptick in STD rates with over 2 million cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis being reported in 2016, according to the Centers for Diseases Prevention and Control.
Most commonly reported STDs are syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. In the state there are approximately 61,500 people affected by chlamydia, 20,100 people affected by gonorrhea, and 1,200 people affected by syphilis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term health effects. And antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is on the rise. So prevention is definitely preferable to treatment whenever possible.
Thereโs a Georgia Department of Public Health on Comer Avenue and a Chattahoochee Valley Better Way Foundation Incorporated on Rosemont Drive. Locations like the Southwest Georgia Health Care Incorporated and the New Horizons Community Service Board scattered throughout the city offer testing. Sometimes it is even free STD testing though this often only applies to HIV screenings.ย
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2ย provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.ย
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.ย
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.ย
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.ย
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
New Horizons Community Service Board is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (West Central Health District) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (Russell County Health Department) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (West Central Health District) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (West Central Health District)is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
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Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Community Based Organization. Also available for testing at Community Health Fairs, Civic Events, etc., call 706-596-5517 to schedule
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Please call for HIV testing hours
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. STD Clinic provided for Muscogee County Residents. Will accept Alabama and Ft. Benning residents (100% pay required). HIV Testing is available without an appointment. Hours are 8:30am-4pm, Mon.-Fri. For questions, please call 706-321-6413
Description: Need to enroll as a patient in order to access services.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed 12pm-12:30pm for lunch
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed at 12noon-1pm for lunch
Top STD Testing Locations in Columbus, GA
Primary Item (H2)Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
New Horizons Community Service Board works mainly with HIV testing and patients that are positive. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
4411 Rosemont Dr, Columbus, GA 31904, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Georgia Department of Public Health (West Central Health District) might perform other services but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
2100 Comer Ave, Columbus, GA 31904, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Alabama Department of Public Health (Russell County Health Department) might only test for a few STDs, but they have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
1850 Crawford Rd, Phenix City, AL 36867, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Georgia Department of Public Health (West Central Health District) can handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
213 McNaughton St, Cusseta, GA 31805, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Georgia Department of Public Health (West Central Health District) can diagnose STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
210 Forest Hill Dr, Hamilton, GA 31811, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
298 GA-520, Cusseta, GA 31805, USA
You might not always see a clinic or testing facility, but theyโre there. There just might not be as many as you would expect, given the STD rates.
So, where can you go when your options arenโt numerous and you want to avoid the greater metro area?
The Columbus and Georgia Department of Community Health, on Cormer Ave, offers education and provides conventional STI testing. The hours change daily, which is confusing, and the fees arenโt easy to figure out either. However, they do encourage you to inquire about free Syphilis testing.
What has become the place where everyone goes are the Columbus GA Free & Income Based Clinics. They have 11 locations, which is partially why they are the ones that everybody knows about. Payment ranges from completely free to a sliding scale. The service and your income will determine where you fall. Appointments are suggested, and not every one of their clinics has the same hours or services. Privacy might not be possible, due to the clinicsโ popularity.
UrgentCare and its centers arenโt just small satellite emergency rooms, they also provide STI testing to the public. There are a dozen clinics around Columbus, and walk-ins are encouraged and welcome. No appointments will be accepted so you might be there for several hours. Payment is also needed upfront or insurance details provided.
HIV and AIDS, while rates arenโt improving theyโre not getting much worse. This is because certain groups have been formed to tackle every aspect of the virus. With just a couple of years behind them, many are looking forward to seeing what can be accomplished in the future.
Chattahoochee Valley Better Way Foundation is one small local group that is helping people live better with the disease. While testing isnโt provided, they can recommend someone that will treat you with respect and dignity. Sometimes this isnโt easily found, even today.
A disadvantage with free HIV clinics is that it can take up to 7 days to find out the results of the test. One week of worry and stress is a lot to deal with. If youโre determined to go to a public clinic, look for one that has rapid blood and oral HIV testing. Now, results can be available in less than 3 days.
This testing is available at the Columbus and Georgia Departments of Health clinic, across the street from Ashley Station Apartment Homes.
There are no prior requirements. Simply walk-in and ask about their opportunities for free HIV testing.
If none of these facilities are nearby, private HIV testing is a viable option. Discreet with fast results, fees also tend to be lower at the lab.
Disputes over what kids learn in health class are erupting, and no one has an idea on how to come to a resolution. So, this has left it up to the districts to decide what is or isnโt included.
Abstinence is a given, and most donโt see this changing. Unintentional pregnancies are down, but not by enough to claim that this approach is working. Considering how many highschoolers are STD positive, it would seem like the answer is โnoโ.
C V Foundation for Better Living is picking up some of the slack. They want to eliminate the stigma thatโs around AIDS and HIV. This includes inviting the community to events and holding classes that all are welcome to attend.
Sadly, Planned Parenthood and its extensive resources is farther away than most people are willing to drive. This has left a wide gap in educational materials. Even free condoms arenโt easy to come by.
There are available sources of information for anyone that wants to learn more about STIs and their potential side effects. You just have to look a little harder than the closest high school.
Hopefully youโre not too depressed after learning how desperate the situation is becoming. Thereโs still hope. It only takes one person to make a change, just look at the founder of the Chattahoochee Valley for Better Living. He turned his AIDS diagnoses into something positive for the community.
Marvel at the skies through the telescope at the observatory and look down from the promenade at the skeletons of 19th century battleships. When youโre done, go through the necessary steps for private STI testing.
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.