Preferred Location: 651 Orchard St New Bedford,MA 02744 New Bedford Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 651 Orchard St New Bedford,MA 02744 New Bedford Change Location
Health officials in Massachusetts are worried about rising STD rates, especially because many of the cases involve teens and people in their 20s. Chlamydia, especially, is going up. They urge all sexually active people to use protection every time and to get tested regularly, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
Most STIs are asymptomatic in the early stages, but they go on to cause irreversible damage to the body. Social stigma may prevent people from coming into the clinics, or it could be the cost of health care. You may be able to find free STD testing during awareness campaigns or STD Awareness Month.
In 2016, Bristol County had an HIV prevalence rate of 282.8 per 100K people, under the Massachusetts rate of 342.5.
The same year, Bristol Countyโs chlamydia rate was 315.9, in comparison to Massachusettsโs rate of 394.5. The gonorrhea and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 72 and 4.5.
At least one nonprofit offers free STD testing, but only for those who cannot pay. You may need to show proof of your income to see if you qualify. The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, on Purchase St, provides screening for HIV and hepatitis A, B, and C. AFC Urgent Care New Bedford, on Coggeshall St, offers confidential STI testing and treatment.
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.
The Miriam Hospital is a non-profit organization whose physicians aim at providing quality and affordable health-care services to people of all ages. Its physicians provide a broad range of medical services in a bid to improve the health and well-being of patients. Clinicians offer confidential STD services and strive to ensure that you achieve your health care goals.
Health Imperatives is a community-based non-profit agency that aims at offering vital health services to the residents of New Bedford, MA. The clinicโs physicians attempt to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and low-income individuals by providing client-centered services. Physicians may offer STD testing, prevention, outreach, and education.
The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, Inc is a health facility whose mission is to inspire and educate patients to be more knowledgeable about their health. The clinicโs physicians strive to offer quality and affordable health-care services. Doctors on staff offer extensive STD testing and treat all patients with care and respect.
Planned Parenthood - Providence Health Center of Providence, RI, is a medical center whose physicians aim at promoting and protecting the sexual and reproductive health of the people it serves. Its medical staff ensures that patients have access to quality and affordable services, education, and information. Clinicians provide a wide range of sexual and reproductive health-care services, including but not limited to STD testing.
AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is a health facility with medical practitioners who aim at providing quality medical services in a safe environment while respecting the rights of all patients. The clinicโs professional staff of physicians provides affordable care and strives to meet clientsโ medical needs on time. Clinicians may diligently treat patients with minor injuries and illnesses, including STDs.
Tristan Medical New Bedford Care Center is a multi-specialty walk-in clinic that avails quality, convenient, and affordable health-care services. The facilityโs physicians aim at providing patient-centered services in an attempt to improve the health and well-being of community members. Clinicians treat minor conditions, from fractures, asthma, pneumonia, burns, and lacerations to STDs, animal bites, and anything in between.
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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: Patients newly diagnosed with HIV or patients who are transferring their care need to schedule their initial appointment with a nurse (medical manager).
Description: Community Based Organization. No one is denied services based on inability to pay. We often accept walk-in appointments but due to schedule changes it is always best to call before coming to the clinic. For Mpox vaccine call 508-984-5333
Description: Community Based Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization. Call for testing hours
Description: Community Based Organization.
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: Community Based Organization. Please call for testing hours
Description: Community Based Organization. All people are encouraged to receive services regardless of ability to pay.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Free walk-in testing Wed., 12noon-5pm
Description: Community Based Organization. All services are by appointment. No one shall be denied services due to an inability to pay.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Hospital.
Since residents of this small city seem to be more interested in their rich nautical history and artistic endeavors it is a little surprising to learn that the area is also dealing with a high STD rate.
Over the last twenty years STD rates in the county have been steadily increasing, and this includes all of the commonly transmitted sexual diseases. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates are up in young men and women, and area high schools are seeing more students contract this embarrassing virus.
While some local leaders are quick to point out that the city and county have STD rates well below state averages, it should be noted that the area also has a significantly lower population. When the numbers are compared on population alone, residents can really get an idea of how high these rates are. This is only one of the reasons why health officials are urging residents to remember to make STD testing a regular part of their annual physical exam.
Top STD Testing Locations in New Bedford, MA
Primary Item (H2)All clients are eligible to access low-priced STD testing services, and uninsured clients may make cash payments. Additionally, insured persons may submit a copy of their insurance cards upon arrival.
The Miriam Hospital HIV/STD Clinic provides free home-based HIV test kits and condoms that you may receive at home via a mailing service. Additionally, doctors on staff are board-certified and trained to offer prompt STD/HIV screening and medically-accurate information to guide you when making sexual health decisions. Additionally, patients at risk of contracting HIV may get PrEP and PEP.
1125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904, USA
Medical practitioners allow everyone to access low-priced STD tests. If youโre a cash-paying client, you may receive medical care on a sliding fee scale based on income level, and clinicians may also provide health care to insured persons.
Health Imperativesโ clinicians offer advocacy services and crisis counseling to LGBTQ youth who may have experienced harassment, violence, or trauma. Also, the facility has a Correctional Health Linkage-to-Care Program that avails short-term linkage to case management services to HIV positive patients. Additionally, the health center has an on-site pharmacy that has affordable medication and refill services.
651 Orchard St Suite 100, New Bedford, MA 02744, USA
Every individual may access low-cost STD screening services, and the medical team recommends that insured clients contact their providers to verify coverage for medical services. Additionally, self-paying persons may use personal checks and credit or debit cards to clear medical bills. Also, a sliding scale payment schedule is available to all clients.
The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, Inc has a Home-Visiting Program that offers HIV testing and counseling services to patients above the age of 18. Also, the medical staff is multilingual and offers STD services in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Additionally, the facility has an on-site laboratory that facilitates fast diagnostic services.
874 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA
Clinicians offer low-cost STD screening services to anyone who requires the services, and self-paying persons may use cash, money orders, or credit/debit cards to make payments. Also, such persons may be eligible for a sliding fee scale payment plan. Additionally, insured clients may use health plans to cater to medical bills.
Planned Parenthood - Providence Health Center of Providence, RI, has qualified physicians who advocate for safe and legal abortions. The facility has a bilingual staff that provides STD services in English and Spanish. Additionally, physicians offer womenโs health services, including STD screening, mammography, colposcopy, infertility education, and pap smears.
175 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
All patients may access affordable STD screening services, and new patients may have to fill out a patientโs registration form. Also, uninsured clients may use their credit cards and pay bills at a discount. Additionally, insured persons may contact a caregiver to inquire if their medical cover is accepted.
AFC Urgent Care New Bedford has a comfortable waiting lounge, state-of-the-art equipment, and friendly and professional staff. Physicians may work overtime during weekends to ensure patients have easy access to STD screening and treatment services. Additionally, the clinic is conveniently located to ensure all patients can easily access medical care.
119 Coggeshall St, New Bedford, MA 02746, USA
You ought to carry along your driverโs license or photo ID for identification during your clinic visit, and everyone may access low-cost STD tests. Additionally, cash-paying individuals may receive services at a discounted rate, and clinicians also welcome patients with major insurance covers.
Tristan Medical New Bedford Care Center has an onsite laboratory that enables physicians to conduct fast STD testing. Also, the facility has an electronic health-care system so your medical information remains confidential and accessible only when you need it. Additionally, the medical staff is board-certified and strives to diligently and discreetly cater to your urgent care needs.
140 Nauset St, New Bedford, MA 02746, USA
In 2015 the state passed a bill that requires public schools to teach medically accurate and age appropriate sex education classes, instead of relying on the outdated abstinence based curriculum. While this might seem like a positive step towards educating teens on the dangers associated with sexually transmitted diseases, there is a large loophole in the bill.
The newly passed bill does not actually require public schools to teach sex education classes, even at the high school level. All it states is that if the public schools decide to offer these classes it must meet the new requirements. This means that many public school districts are still choosing to only discuss HIV/AIDS preventative measures, and this is usually only due to the fact that it is required by federal law.
The majority of parents and educators still believe that abstinence is the best way to prevent the spread of STDs, even though these diseases can be transmitted in through various ways. This also means that students arenโt taught that regular Herpes testing in New Bedford is important, even though this virus is common in almost all area high schools.
The importance of regular HIV testing in New Bedford is also not covered in the curriculum, and this is putting residents of all ages at risk.
Most teens and young adults also do not understand how important it is to be tested for all STDs regularly, and this is also true for older residents. Not all STIs are transmitted through sexual activity, and some do not even display noticeable signs and symptoms until they have already infected others. If everyone got tested regularly this would no longer be a problem.
The area has also undergone several financial crises which has affected its health care system. Budget cuts have forced several STI clinics to close, while others only have limited hours of operation. This has resulted in long lines and staffing problems that many residents simply do not want to deal with, especially if they are not exhibiting any noticeable symptoms. Even though you might think that you are not at risk, it is still important to get tested on a regular basis.
Before you start exploring the art galleries and exhibits it is important to take a few minutes to think about your sexual health. Even if you are not sexually active it is still possible to contract a STD and pass it on to others. It is understandable if you donโt want to wait in the long lines at the STI testing centers, and now there is a faster and more convenient way to take care of your sexual health. You can schedule confidential STD testing with one simple phone call, and only spend a few minutes in the privacy of a nearby lab.
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.