Urgent care centers commonly offer services for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These walk-in clinics provide a convenient alternative to primary care physician offices for acute screening and treatment of infections. Services range from initial testing and diagnosis to prescribing medication for uncomplicated infections. This accessibility makes them a practical option for people who need timely answers and treatment without a prior appointment.
Testing and Diagnosis Services at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers offer diagnostic testing for a wide range of infections, including the most prevalent STDs. The specific tests performed depend on the patient’s symptoms and risk factors, but generally involve three main sample types.
Urine samples are frequently used to screen for bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. These infections are often asymptomatic and require nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for detection.
Blood tests detect infections that involve the immune system, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis, by looking for antibodies or antigens. Providers may also collect swab cultures from the affected area, such as the throat, rectum, or a visible sore, to confirm the presence of pathogens like Herpes Simplex Virus or to culture for Gonorrhea. Some centers offer rapid tests for HIV, which provide preliminary results within minutes.
Treatment and Medication Dispensing
Following a positive diagnosis, urgent care providers initiate treatment for many common STDs. Curable bacterial and parasitic infections, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis, are treated with a course of antibiotics. Some centers can dispense the necessary medications on-site or prescribe a single-dose regimen to be filled immediately.
Viral infections, such as genital herpes, are managed with antiviral medications like acyclovir. These help control outbreaks and reduce their severity and frequency. While these treatments manage symptoms and transmission risk, they do not offer a cure. The goal of treatment is to resolve the acute infection or outbreak and prevent further transmission to partners.
Urgent Care Limitations and Follow-Up Needs
Urgent care centers are effective for initial diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated infections, but they have limitations for complex cases. Conditions requiring extensive monitoring, such as severe pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or complicated Syphilis, necessitate a referral to a specialist or emergency department. Urgent care is not designed for the long-term management of chronic viral STDs like HIV or Hepatitis, which require ongoing specialized care.
Following treatment for curable STDs, a “test of cure” is important to confirm the infection has been eradicated. The urgent care center may organize this or refer the patient out. Some STDs have a window period, meaning a test taken too early after exposure may yield a false negative result, requiring a second test later on. Patients must establish follow-up care with a primary care provider or a specialized clinic for comprehensive sexual health maintenance and preventative screenings.
Confidentiality and Cost Considerations
Patient privacy is maintained at urgent care centers through strict adherence to federal regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). A patient’s visit, test results, and treatment information are kept confidential and are only shared with authorized healthcare personnel. Urgent care facilities strive to offer a discreet and non-judgmental environment for sensitive health issues.
The cost for STD testing and treatment varies significantly based on the number of tests ordered and the patient’s insurance coverage. Out-of-pocket costs without insurance can range widely, with estimates for basic testing falling between $45 and $440. Patients should contact the specific urgent care location beforehand to inquire about pricing, insurance network status, and potential co-payments to avoid unexpected charges.