STD Testing in Columbus, GA

You can get free or low-cost STD testing at many locations around Columbus, Georgia. Clinics accept a variety of insurance plans or may see uninsured patients on a sliding scale fee structure.

Georgia has more reported cases of gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis per capita than the national average. The state also has many reported congenital syphilis and chlamydia cases, making it important to safeguard your sexual health through regular STD testing.

The American Family Care clinic on Gateway Road is open seven days a week and provides STD testing on a walk-in basis. The Columbus Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic also provides HIV counseling, testing, and discreet partner notification. MedCare accepts most major insurance policies, including Aetna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, and Medicare. You can even get low-cost STD testing at a Walmart Care clinic, which accepts walk-ins and appointments.

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

• Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
• Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
• Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection.

Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms.

A routine STD panel may include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV 1 and 2
• Syphilis

A full-panel STD test adds:

• Herpes (oral, genital)
• Hepatitis (A, B, C)

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Columbus, GA?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.

Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Columbus, GA?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in Columbus, GA?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

American Family Care is a non-emergency primary, urgent, and family care practice with over 200 franchises across dozens of states. AFC offers on-site lab services, including STD testing. Walk-in lab tests have a turnaround time ranging from a few minutes to a couple of days, depending on the test. Other services allow walk-in treatment, or you can call to schedule an appointment. AFC accepts most insurance policies.

6509 Gateway Road Columbus, GA 31909, 706-243-0174
Website

The Columbus Health Department operates as a community-oriented healthcare resource for Muscogee County residents. Many public health services are available, including WIC voucher pickup, environmental health programs, and clinical STD screening and treatment. The Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic also provides HIV counseling, testing, and discreet partner notification. It accepts patients from Alabama and Fort Benning, Georgia. You can schedule an appointment by calling the general clinic or office phone number.

5601 Veterans Parkway – Lower Level Columbus, GA 31902, 706-321-6300
Website

MedCare provides comprehensive health care services to Columbus area residents. Available services include on-site medical lab tests, such as STD and HIV screening. MedCare accepts most major insurance policies, including Aetna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, and Medicare. If you’re there as a family practice patient, you need to schedule an appointment. However, if you’re an urgent care patient, you will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re new, you can download a registration form from the website to complete before their first appointment to save time.

5612 Whitesville Road Columbus, GA 31904, 706-322-2223
Website

Valley Healthcare System, a nonprofit health care organization, offers primary care and specialty services to residents throughout the Chattahoochee Valley, regardless of your financial situation. Services include STD diagnosis and treatment. You’re encouraged to schedule an appointment by telephone, and a limited number of slots for same-day appointments are filled according to the severity of illness. Valley Healthcare System accepts most public and private insurance, and a sliding fee discount program is available if you’re eligible.

1600 Fort Benning Road Columbus, GA 31903, 706-322-9599
Website

Walmart Care Clinics offer a variety of low-cost health care services, including STD testing and treatment. Care Clinics accept both walk-ins and appointments, which can be scheduled over the phone. Original Medicare is the only type of insurance accepted. If you have Medicare-managed care or a Medicaid plan, you should expect a copay when planning a visit to the clinic.

5448 Whittlesey Boulevard, Suite B Columbus, GA 31909, 706-225-5681
Website

• CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed September 2021
• CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed September 2021
• HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed September 2021