Preferred Location: 1411 N Flagler Dr West Palm Beach,FL 33401 West Palm Beach Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1411 N Flagler Dr West Palm Beach,FL 33401 West Palm Beach Change Location
The city might have lower STDs rates than others but this does not mean that residents no longer need to worry about their sexual health.
Recent years have witnessed steadily climbing rates of all STDs, even including once rare ones like syphilis.
At present, approximately 8,100 people in the West Palm Beach area are living with HIV. The rate of prevalence for the three most commonly reported STDs in the area are: 466.9 per 100,000 residents for chlamydia, 132.8 per 100,000 residents for gonorrhea, and 15.4 per 100,000 residents for syphilis.
In an effort to combat the rising trend, West Palm Beach officials made a move to decrease the cost of testing for patients paying out-of-pocket. Across a ten year span the rate of HIV cases increased from 144 to 299, despite medical advances and preventive measures being better than ever before.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is located on 45th Street and thereโs a Planned Parenthood on Village Boulevard. FoundCare Incorporated and Families First Palm Beach County are also organizations that offer testing services in the West Palm Beach area. Sometimes free STD testing is provided but any additional treatments are not always covered by all insurance plans. These are just a few of the locations across the city.
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 Community Health Center has been helping people with or think that they might have HIV/AIDS for over twelve years. They are primarily a free clinic for residents. They are staffed by volunteers, some from the connected church.
Their state of the art facility is ranked as one of the best in the southern part of the state. They have nearly four decades of experience and their physicians, nurses, counselors and other staff members are dedicated to ensuring that you are treated with respect and dignity.
When you come in for STD testing you will be made to feel at home. Rapid and conventional HIV testing is available, along with screenings for other STDs.
The Center for Marital and Sexual Health is a little different from other clinics. They do have testing for some STDs, but they mainly focus on sexual and relationship problems.
The clinic does not have a lab, your tests will be sent outside of the clinic. This does increase wait times by a few days.
Planned Parenthood has a history dating back to 1916. They are one of the oldest organizations dedicated to improving the sexual health of all.
Their staff has stayed true to Planned Parenthood's original mission. This includes how you are treated when you come in for STD testing.
The county health department is working to improve and protect the health of all residents. Since they perform many medical services, the clinic is fully staffed with medical personnel.
When you come in for STD testing you will see a clinician. Trained and licensed by the state, you can relax knowing that your test will be performed properly.
FAU Community Health Center is a little different from other medical clinics. It is primarily staffed by advanced nurse practitioners, though there are other healthcare providers working with them. It is a part of the Florida Atlantic University's nursing program. This allows them to provide extremely affordable healthcare, while also learning about their chosen profession.
Testing for sexually transmitted diseases only takes a quick minute here. You'll find out your status in a few days after testing.
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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.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Saturdays by appointment only, please call office to schedule
Description: Social Service Organization. Patients are encouraged to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcomed but will be seen based on clinic capacity and urgency of visit type
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization. Clients can pick up at home HIV test kits. Tests can be mailed over night or same day shipping for residents of Palm Beach County. Clients do not have to live in Palm Beach County to pick up a kit
Description: Also open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 9am-3pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. The West Palm Beach Health Center has a late clinic on Tuesday's for Sexual Health until 6pm.m
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. Picture ID, proof of residency, and proof of family income required.
Description: Closed from 12:30pm-1:30pm
Description: Community Based Organization. Call for HIV testing hours
Description: Free HIV testing to anyone ages 14 and older. HIV Testing: Mon.& Fri.: 9amโ5pm; Tues.- Thurs.: 9am-7pm; Sat.: 9am-12noon. Testing hours may change without notice. Please call ahead of time to verify hours before arriving
For the past twenty years STD rates in this sunny Florida city have been steadily climbing, and are now some of the highest in the state. This does include HIV/AIDS rates which are actually above state averages, according to recent statistics released by the county health department.
When the statistics are compared over the last two decades health officials can see where the cityโs averages began to even out, and in some cases decline, before steadily rising to their current high numbers. While there are several reasons for the decline and rise of reported STD cases, one constant fact remains that it is important to be tested regularly for all sexually transmitted diseases.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia rates have been rising especially among young adults in recent years, and the number of cases of primary and secondary Syphilis have been increasing as well. This is particularly alarming to health officials since this STD was thought to be declining in frequency. In 2014 it was estimated that 404.4 out of every 100,000 residents was infected with Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or infectious Syphilis. Some of the other statistics that emphasize the importance of regular testing include,
Top STD Testing Locations in West Palm Beach, FL
Primary Item (H2)Come in when the clinic is open. You can also schedule your visit. Rapid HIV testing is free for anyone with i.d that shows they live in the county.
The Community Health Center is a free HIV testing, support and referral clinic. They work mainly with residents in the county and there services are free. They will not turn away non-residents, they will just be charged a nominal fee for their visit.
2100 45th St A8/9, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, USA
Online or by a phone call. You can use either method to book your visit. Both also will give you details about their generous financial assistance plan.
Presidential Women's Health Center is one of the premier health clinics for girls and women. Along with their quality care, they have financial assistance plans that make their services affordable for everyone.
100 Northpoint Pkwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, USA
There are fees for the services offered here. You can find out how much you will be charged when you call to set up your visit. This is a clinic for married couples, teens should look elsewhere if all they need is testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
The Center for Marital and Sexual Heath works with couples to build a strong, happy and sexually healthy relationship. The founding physician provides counseling and actively works with clinical trials and research that address sexual dsyfunction.
They do have some testing for sexually transmitted diseases but does not treat them.
1515 N Flagler Dr #500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, USA
You'll want to start by getting an appointment. If you don't have questions about the test or any sliding scale fees you can go online. Any questions you might have should be directed to the clinic by calling.
Planned Parenthood is on Village Blvd. You'll see the Paradise Cove Condominium Complex across the street. This is an easy landmark to find, if you aren't sure about the clinic's location on the street.
Appointments are a good idea, the clinic usually has a full patient roster daily.
931 Village Blvd #904, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, USA
You will definitely want to get an appointment. Otherwise, you could be sitting there for hours. You will be charged a fee, unless you have made prior arrangements.
The clinic is not far from the county's Department of Juvenile Justice, in the downtown area. Along with a parking lot for patients, there are also city bus routes going close by.
You should expect a bill for testing, unless you qualify for one of the state or county's assistance programs.
1150 45th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, USA
You'll want to contact the clinic first. The receptionist will inform you about possible fees at this time. If you cannot afford testing, they still won't turn you away.
FAU Community Health Center is a "teaching" medical clinic. This does not lessen the quality of care you receive here, only limits what treatments they are allowed to provide. The best thing about going to this clinic is its fast service and low fees. Some patients may not owe for their testing, it usually depends on income.
1650 Osceola Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, USA
As several other states start requiring their public school districts to include current and medically accurate information in the sex education programs, the state of Florida still does not have any set guidelines for educators to use. This means students in West Palm Beach still are not getting the information they need to really understand the dangers associated with sexually transmitted diseases.
The city does require its public schools to provide students with medically accurate information regarding HIV/AIDS, and abstinence is promoted as an effective method of preventing pregnancy and STDs, the fact that the disease rate is still rising indicates that this approach is not working.
Not only are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates up in teens and young adults, the number of students that test positive for Herpes and HPV have also increased. While Herpes has been a common problem in high schools for years, the sudden increase in HPV incidents is relatively new. While some law makers are trying to make it mandatory for all public schools to provide comprehensive sexual education classes the fact remains that in the meantime STD rates continue to rise.
Without these classes many students do not realize that regular Herpes testing in West Palm Beach is the best way to stop the spread of this virus. This is also true regarding AIDS and regular HIV testing in West Palm Beach is still the only reliable method to determine if you are infected.
West Palm Beach is a thriving cosmopolitan city with an active nightlife and beautiful beaches that draws tourists in. While this is beneficial for the cityโs economy, the influx of visitors each year also makes it easier for residents to contract a sexually transmitted disease.
While tourists are contributing to the problem, there are other demographical factors as well that are causing the cityโs STD rates to rise close to state levels. One of the main causes is the lack of education, especially regarding how sexually transmitted diseases are spread. If residents do not even realize that they are at risk, it is impossible for them to protect themselves.
A sudden increase in the popularity of dating apps is also being blamed for the steady rise in STD rates, especially among older residents. These apps can make it easier for adults to meet, and many simply do not think about their chances of contracting a STI. Similar apps are also being used by teens and young adults just looking to โhook-upโ, and in most cases they are not using protection.
Health officials have also noticed that the younger generations are no longer afraid of contracting HIV/AIDS and the other sexually transmitted viruses. Most of them are under the impression that a simple pill will keep the disease and its symptoms under control. While this might be true for a while, eventually the virus will become untreatable. Until everyone realizes the dangerous associated with sexually transmitted infections, the city will continue to have one of the highest rates in the state.
You can still enjoy yourself in West Palm Beach and take care of your sexual health, simply by taking the time to get tested for STDs on a regular basis. We understand that you would rather spend your time in the sun or shopping at one of the cityโs fabulous boutiques, but it can be hard to enjoy yourself if you are worried about your sexual health. You can skip the long lines at the clinic simply by calling to schedule confidential STD testing, and you will only have to spend a few minutes at the lab. This way you can relax knowing that you are taking responsibility for your sexual health, and enjoy the rest of your day in the city.
Reference:
http://www.cltampa.com/news-views/article/20762458/abstaining-from-the-facts-floridas-lack-of-a-sex-ed-policy-may-be-screwing-its-students
http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/lifestyles/health/std-rates-soaring-in-florida-how-hookup-apps-play-/nqPY3/
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.