STD Questions

• Why should I get tested for an STD?

  Around 19 million people in the U.S. will be infected with an STD this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The worst part is that most people don't know they have an STD — no itch, no pain, no burning, no signs at all. About 50% of all sexually active people will get an STD by they time they are in their mid-20s. By being sexually active, you're at risk of contracting or spreading STDs. Early detection with highly accurate screening tests can save you from the dangers of advanced disease and prevent others from contracting STDs.

• How does the cost of STD Test Express tests compare with a regular doctor visit?

  By testing direct, you'll pay half the cost of a trip to the doctor for the same high-quality doctor-supervised testing. How do we do it? We have negotiated excellent pricing for our high volume service and we pass along the savings to you. You also save a trip to the doctor's office, which can cost on average $100...and that's before your doctor orders any tests.

• What makes STD Test Express different than other testing options?

  There is no other online service that offers this type of comprehensive testing in healthcare.

• Don't I need a doctor to order lab tests for me?

  In most states, yes. It is our policy, however, to have doctors order all lab tests purchased with STD Test Express.

• Will I have to have a physical exam to get tested?

  No, the tests we offer require blood and urine samples for screening and do not require a physical exam. If you are experiencing symptoms, please see a doctor.

• Are there any special instructions for me to follow before I get tested?

  Yes. Please do not urinate for 1 hour prior to getting tested. You do not need to fast.

• How quickly can I get my results?

  Results are ready usually in 3 business days or less. Certain tests, including the HIV early detection test, can take up to five days to process. When your results are ready, you'll receive an email from "APG Services" instructing you to sign-in to your account. A physician will usually be available within 24 hours or at a time of your choosing to answer your questions if positive, excluding Herpes 1 (HSV-1). The physician can discuss follow-up treatment and, if necessary, prescribe medication that can be picked up at your local pharmacy. The phone consultation is included as part of your service at no extra cost.

• Why from "APG Services"?

  APG Services stands for Analyte Physician Group Services. For privacy reasons in email communication and credit card processing, you will not have any communication that is from "STD Test Express".

• How quickly can I speak with a doctor?

  If you results are positive, except Herpes 1 (HSV-1) tests, you can speak with a doctor within 24 hour or you can schedule an appointment to speak at your convenience.

• What if I'm positive?

  Our team of doctors will be there for you. We will guide you through the process to figure out what your next steps are. During a phone consult, our doctors will go over your results with you, answer any questions you might have, and if medically appropriate, they can send in a prescription to one of your local pharmacies or refer you to an expert in your community.

• Can I get the same STD more than once?

  Yes. Getting re-infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphillis for example, can happen if you have unprotected sex with someone who has the infection. Or, if you are infected and do not take your medication as prescribed, the bacteria may not clear up. You can also have more than one STD at a time. While viral infections such as herpes and HIV can be managed, they cannot be cured.

• When I access my test results, what will I see?

  An example of our test results can be found here. After we notify you that your results are ready, the report can then be accessed and printed via our secure website www.stdtestexpress.com/my-account/.

• Which laboratory will process my tests?

  The laboratory which processes your tests is the same CLIA-certified facility that many brick+mortar doctors and hospitals use. We work exclusively with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, nation's most respected diagostic laboratories. LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics operate a sophisticated network and processes hundreds of thousands of samples each day.

• What should I do with expired drugs or medications you no longer use? How can I dispose of them?

  After following all instructions from your physician, you should take certain precautions before throwing any prescriptions drugs away. Guidelines for Drug Disposal can be found at the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website.

• Can I access my test results from my mobile phone?

  At this point we don't have ability to provide your results on a mobile device. It's important that you be able to completely read and understand your results when you receive them. At this point that's not perfect on mobile interfaces. We continue to work on this area and others to enhance our service.

• I think my insurance covers STD tests. Do you take insurance?

  We accept the following plans:

  • Aetna - PPO/POS
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield - PPO/POS
  • Cigna - PPO
  • Humana - PPO/POS

  Call our Care Advisors at (866) 660-2593(866) 660-2593 Monday – Friday 9AM to 6PM CST to confirm that your insurance plan is valid.

  Learn more about using your insurance

• Can I pay for testing with my Health Savings Account (HSA)?

  Yes. Screening tests for infectious diseases are eligible medical expenses. You can pay for your order with your HSA debit card. Since you are not making an insurance claim for this service, you will not receive an Explanation of Benefits in the mail.

• What will appear in my email and billing statements?

  You will receive email and credit card billing from "APG Services". We accept all major credit cards when you place your order. We protect your sensitive information with industry leading security practices.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  Our cancellation policy is simple. Within 21 days of placing your order, we offer a full refund before you visit the test center. Please email us with your account number and the email address assigned to your account for verification.

Doctors when you need them.

If there is a concern with your results, a doctor will call you personally.

Christopher R. Lynch, MD

Lisa Oldson, MD

Ruthann Cunningham, MD

Michael Davies, MD

Speak with one of our Care Advisors.

Our Chicago care team is trained to answer all your testing questions (866) 660-2593.