Seeking testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is a proactive step toward maintaining personal health and protecting partners. Many people face barriers such as limited appointment availability with a primary care physician or a desire for increased discretion. Urgent care centers provide accessible screening for a range of health issues. This accessibility makes them a practical option for individuals seeking timely information about their sexual health. The primary question is whether a facility like Fast Pace Urgent Care provides these specific services.
Yes, They Offer STD Testing
Fast Pace Urgent Care clinics offer comprehensive screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often referred to as STD testing. This service is a routine part of their walk-in care model, designed to address immediate health concerns without the need for a prior appointment. The availability of on-site laboratory services at many locations means the entire process, from consultation to sample collection, can be completed in a single visit.
This setting provides a distinct advantage over traditional primary care offices, which often require scheduling days or weeks in advance. Urgent care centers like Fast Pace Health are structured for walk-in convenience, extended hours, and weekend availability, removing significant scheduling obstacles. Utilizing an urgent care for this type of screening allows for a rapid response, which is important for preventing complications and limiting further transmission.
Which Specific STDs Are Screened
The scope of testing offered at Fast Pace Urgent Care covers a broad panel of common bacterial and viral infections. Patients can typically be screened for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, which are two of the most frequently reported bacterial STIs. These infections are commonly tested together and are highly treatable with antibiotics.
The urgent care panel also includes screening for viral infections such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Additionally, testing for Syphilis and Hepatitis B and C is generally available to complete a thorough sexual health assessment. The specific tests administered are determined by a discussion with the provider, who assesses a patient’s reported symptoms and individual risk factors. Viral infections require management and ongoing care, which the clinic can initiate before referring to a specialist.
What to Expect During the Visit
The process for obtaining an STD test at Fast Pace Urgent Care begins with a simple walk-in visit and an initial consultation with a healthcare provider. During this private discussion, the provider will review any symptoms, discuss recent sexual activity, and assess which specific tests are appropriate based on the patient’s risk profile. This initial step ensures that the most relevant and accurate testing is performed.
The types of samples collected depend entirely on the infections being screened for. For common bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, a simple urine sample is often sufficient. Testing for viral infections such as HIV and Syphilis typically requires a quick blood draw from the arm. If a patient presents with a visible sore or lesion, a swab might be taken directly from the affected area to test for conditions like Herpes.
Once samples are collected, they are processed, often utilizing the clinic’s on-site lab capabilities for faster results. While some rapid tests, such as those for HIV, can yield results within minutes, most standard lab-based tests take a few days for processing. The clinic will establish a preferred method for communicating the test results, which usually involves a secure phone call or access through a patient portal to ensure privacy.
Cost, Insurance, and Privacy Concerns
Fast Pace Urgent Care works with most major health insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid, which can cover the costs associated with STD testing and the provider visit. Patients are responsible for any applicable co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible determined by their specific insurance plan. It is advisable for patients to verify their coverage directly with their insurance provider prior to the visit.
For patients without insurance, Fast Pace Health offers a Simple Self-Pay Program, which includes an upfront office visit fee that covers many in-house testing options. The self-pay rate for a full STD panel at an urgent care center typically makes the service financially accessible. The clinic operates under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensuring that all patient information and test results are kept confidential. This legal standard dictates how medical information is used and disclosed, providing a protective layer of privacy.