Free STD Testing in Columbus, GA

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.

In 2019, the three most common STDs in Columbus, Georgia, were chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. There were 2,561 cases of these STDs documented in Muscogee County.

In 2019, Muscogee County reported 1,901 chlamydia cases. The county recorded a decadal low of 1,412 cases in 2012, with a continuous increase until 2017. However, Grady Memorial Hospital began submitting its chlamydia data in 2016, contributing to that year’s increase. A modest reduction in cases occurred from 2017 to 2018, before a subsequent jump to the 2019 total. Over the same time period, the number of infections among females of all ages slightly decreased from 1,315 to 1,302 — this is more than double the number of documented cases among males of all ages, which rose from 427 to 553.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the most critical public health challenges facing the United States, with approximately 26 million new STD infections occurring every year. Nearly half of these new infections affect young people ages 15 to 24.

Community-based organizations are a vital first line of defense in the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS in particular. They generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

You may not be aware of all the STD resources in Columbus that can help prevent the spread of STDs. Get connected with these community organizations that are leading the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS with resources and support:

The Columbus Health Department operates as a community-oriented healthcare resource for Muscogee County residents. A range of public health services is 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; however, they’re required to pay full costs. Appointments can be made by calling the general clinic or office phone number.

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

Valley Healthcare System, a nonprofit health care organization, offers primary care and specialty services to residents throughout the Chattahoochee Valley, regardless of their financial situation. Services include behavioral and women’s health programs, pediatrics, dental and vision care, and STD diagnosis and treatment. Patients are 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 for those who are eligible.

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

American Family Care is a nonemergency primary, urgent, and family care practice with over 200 franchises across dozens of states. In addition to the aforementioned care options, AFC also offers routine checkups, vaccines, flu shots, X-rays, physicals, and 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 patients can call to schedule an appointment. AFC accepts most insurance policies.

6509 Gateway Road
Columbus, GA 31909
706-214-2644
Website

MedCare provides comprehensive health care services to Columbus area residents. Available services include aftercare, vaccinations, occupational medicine, physical exams, and 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. Family Practice patients must schedule an appointment, while walk-in Urgent Care patients are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. New patients 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

Walmart Care Clinics offer a variety of health care services at a lower cost, with the aim of becoming the patient’s primary medical provider. Services vary by location and include primary care, counseling, optometry, health screening, and 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, so patients with Medicare managed care or Medicaid plans should expect a co-pay when planning a visit to the clinic.

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

• https://dph.georgia.gov/data-statistics
• https://dph.georgia.gov/document/document/primary-secondary-syphilis-reported-cases-georgia-2000-2017-pdf/download
• https://oasis.state.ga.us/trendingtool/index.html?redirectto=STD
• https://oasis.state.ga.us/animatedchartingtool/index.html?redirectto=STD