Preferred Location: 1201 East Ridge Road McAllen,TX 78503 McAllen Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1201 East Ridge Road McAllen,TX 78503 McAllen Change Location
Over 75,000 residents are affected by the three most common STDs โ gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis โ every year. McAllen reported 595 cases of chlamydia, 96 cases of gonorrhea, and 1 case of primary and secondary syphilis in 2017. Although many STDs witnessed a decline from the previous year, preventative and treatment efforts need to continue to continue increasing the health of the population.
Hidalgo County ranks within the top 20 counties in Texas for STD prevalence among these three STD categories, as well.
Some locations offer instant testing; however, instant tests provide only preliminary results. Positive indicators require further testing to verify positive diagnosis, while negative results tend to be reliable upon first testing. Many locations also offer free STD testing, condoms, education, and treatment. Minors require parental consent for testing.
In McAllen you can find testing services at the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services facility located on East Hackberry, or at the University of Texas Medical Branch on South Broadway. Thereโs also the Valley AIDS Council on South 2nd Street and Access Esperanza Clinics Incorporated on East Hackberry Avenue. Many locations offer services in English and Spanish.
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.
Westbrook Clinic (Valley Aids Council) is a non-profit, Ryan White funded organization that serves individuals infected and affected with HIV by providing support and health care services. For over two decades, it has focused on HIV prevention, education, and screening, and its clinicโs health professionals ensure patients receive reproductive health care, case management, womenโs health, pregnancy screenings, and chronic health care.
Access Esperanza Clinics serves community residents of McAllen, Texas, by providing quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care services. The clinic has competent medical providers who are tasked to tackle sexual health problems of the city residents by providing STD/HIV testing and treatment, family planning, menโs, and womenโs health care services.
For several years Planned Parenthood - Harlingen Health Center has dedicated resources and efforts towards ensuring that McAllen residents have access to quality reproductive health care services. The clinicโs medical experts provide STD/HIV screening and treatment, pregnancy testing, birth control, womenโs and menโs health, and abortion referrals.
Hidalgo County Health Department opened its doors in 1933 to address the medical conditions of communities in Hidalgo County. It has certified medical practitioners who safeguard the health and general well-being of patients by providing STD/HIV testing, counseling, and treatment, case management, vaccinations, pregnancy screening, prenatal care, and birth control services.
Valley Med Urgent Care is a convenient option for patients seeking immediate care for non-emergent health conditions when their primary care provider is not available. The center has board-certified physicians and nurses who are trained to offer STD/HIV testing and treatment, vaccinations, sports medicine, and adult care service. The waiting time at the clinic is less than 30 minutes.
McAllen Family Urgent Care delivers medical services to the residents of McAllen, Texas, and the surrounding areas. The facility provides immediate health care services to individuals with minor ailments, and patients can also access STD/HIV testing, preventive medicine, and occupational health care services.
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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: AIDS Service Organization. Must be 13 years of age and older. HIV/STI testing by appointment Mon.-Thurs., 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Social Service Organization. *Saturdays for supplies only. Active patients may request STI testing & treatment
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization. Must become a patient of the clinic to receive services.
Description: Services for women only. Need to register as a patient.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
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: Social Service Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HIV-antibody testing available through family planning clinics. Referrals given for others. Free condoms available. Services provided will vary according to available staff. Therefore, all walk-ins are recommended to call & verify times of services. Clinics are closed for services on holidays approved by the Court
Description: Social Service Organization. *Saturdays for supplies only. Active patients may request STI testing & treatment
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Services provided will vary according to available staff. Therefore, it is recommended that all walk-ins should call & verify times of services
Description: Need to register as a patient.
The city of McAllen is the largest in the Rio Grande Valley, but this does not explain the high rate of STD infections that have been increasing in recent years. According to recent statistics reported cases of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia has risen dramatically, especially among the cityโs large Hispanic population. The recent statistics also show that sexually transmitted diseases are more common in teenagers and young adults. T
Top STD Testing Locations in McAllen, TX
Primary Item (H2)The clinic is open for residents seeking STD/HIV screening and treatment. It treats both insured and uninsured persons and accepts insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, and Humana. The center allows self-pay clients to pay with cash, Visa, American Express, Discover, check, and MasterCard. Additionally, HIV/STI testing is offered free of charge.
Westbrook Clinic (Valley Aids Council) has a medical case management program that examines, implement, and coordinate the recommended medication options to PLWHA. It also the AIDS Drug Assistance Program that enables HIV positive patients to access their prescriptions conveniently. Moreover, the hospital provides free condoms, safe sexual kits, and prevention kits across the county.
300 S 2nd St #101, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Sexually active persons are welcome for STD/HIV testing and treatment. The facility is open for both insured and self-pay persons and accepts private insurance plans, Medicaid, HMOs, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Molina, United, and Health smart. Low-income patients are also eligible for free to low-cost services through the clinic's financial aid program.
Access Esperanza Clinics educates community members about reproductive health care and healthy living through presentations, workshops, and peer outreach activities. It has also developed programs to support patients from financially underserved communities. Moreover, it provides confidential care to teenagers in need of sexual health care services.
916 E Hackberry Ave B, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
The facility treats patients from all walks of life seeking STD/HIV screening and treatment. It accepts numerous health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Self-pay persons may pay using cash, check, or credit cards, and the clinic's management provides a sliding fee scale to uninsured persons based on their income size.
Planned Parenthood - Harlingen Health Center is staffed with respectful and caring physicians who treat patients with the utmost care. It has language interpreters who provide language translation services to clients not well conversant in English. The facility has adopted modern technology to develop a friendly and easy to use website that enables patients to access their health records easily, clear their bills online, and book an appointment.
712 N 77 Sunshine Strip ste 18 suite 18, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
The facility is open to individuals seeking STD/HIV services. It treats individuals irrespective of their insurance status and accepts numerous health plans, including Medicaid, CHIP, Molina, and United Health Care as well as Driscoll and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Free to low-cost HIV/STD testing may be available for low-income patients.
Hidalgo County Health Department has a disease prevention program that is staffed by infectious disease specialists who are trained to prevent the spread of common infectious diseases across the county. It also has an emergency preparedness department that is prepared to tackle epidemics in the county.
1304 S 25th Ave, Edinburg, TX 78542, USA
Individuals of all ages are eligible for STD/HIV services. It accepts various health insurance plans, including Medicaid and may provide low copays to its clients.
Valley Med Urgent Care has a caring and professional medical personnel who attend to patients' health care needs with respect and take time to listen to their concerns. The facility also has a paperless and convenient check-in process that shortens clients' waiting time and sets their initial experience.
101 E Expressway 83 #170, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Patients may access STD/HIV testing at the facility. The clinic also accepts most health insurance plans, including Canadian medical insurance, and offers self-pay patients payment options such as credit cards, checks, and cash. Additionally, uninsured clients are offered affordable rates and discounts.
McAllen Family Urgent Care is a full-service health care facility equipped with exam rooms, a lab, and other medical equipment that enable patients to access health care services under one roof. Individuals visiting the facility are assured of short waiting times and comprehensive health care. Additionally, the clinic has an online platform that enables individuals to schedule an appointment quickly, view their bills, and make their payments.
110 E Savannah Ave A204, McAllen, TX 78503, USA
While the city does have the largest independent school system in the valley, it still does not have an adequate sexual education program. Following the curriculum recommended and funded by the state, the cityโs school system relies on the abstinence program to help prevent the spread of STDs and limit the number of unplanned teen pregnancies. While even educators admit that this is not enough, they also suggest that it is up to the parents to inform their children about the importance of regular STD testing. A few of the cityโs health centers do offer guidance and free condoms.
One of the reasons that the STD statistics are so high for this southwestern city is the lack of regular testing, and the knowledge that not all sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented by just by practicing abstinence. Regular HIV testing in McAllen is the only way to accurately diagnose this disease, and early detection can be instrumental in preventing the infection from turning into AIDS. Herpes testing in McAllen is also important to stop the virus from spreading.
The demographics in the city will affect the STD rates, and there are several factors that should be considered. Cultural differences and below average income levels, along with a high crime rate in some barrios can make it difficult for city health officials to inform residents about the importance of regular testing. Lower income families often cannot afford the tests, and the heavy Spanish speaking citizens often experience difficulties with language barriers. While all of this does affect the STD rate, the lack of education remains the largest contributing factor.
McAllen has a uniquely blended culture and a high rate of transmitted diseases that do not seem to be decreasing. While the city does have several health centers the long lines and potential embarrassment of many residents putting off this important test. With the lack of sexual education available for students and adults, many residents simply do not realize the important of being tested regularly for any STDs.
Now you can schedule an anonymous STD test in McAllen and skip the long lines at the local lab. Not only will you be able to avoid running into a friend or neighbor, you can still make it to the Quinta Mazatlan for a tour of a historic Spanish style home.
Reference:
http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=915112#.VTLQFZOKV0Q
http://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/hpvgenpub2004.pdf
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.