Does the clinic provide “anonymous” or “confidential” testing for HIV?
The difference could be important—anonymous testing doesn’t link your name to your test results; confidential test results may become part of your medical record and may be made available to medical personnel. • When will I receive my results? How will you contact me? You should also find out how and when you’ll get your results. If the test is negative will they contact you? You may not want someone to leave a message on your machine or with the receptionist at your office. • How much will it cost? Some clinics offer free or low-cost testing services based on a sliding scale. When you set up the appointment you can ask whether either of these are available. If you don’t pay at the visit, you may want to know whether you will get a bill in the mail. • Is my visit confidential? If you are under 18 and concerned about how to get testing and treatment in private, you should know that there are clinics where you can get confidential STD testing that is private and affordable.
The difference could be important—anonymous testing doesn’t link your name to your test results; confidential test results may become part of your medical record and may be made available to medical personnel. • When will I receive my results? How will you contact me? You should also find out how and when you’ll get your results. If the test is negative will they contact you? You may not want someone to leave a message on your machine or with the receptionist at your office. • How much will it cost? Some clinics offer free or low-cost testing services based on a sliding scale. When you set up the appointment you can ask whether either of these are available. If you don’t pay at the visit, you may want to know whether you will get a bill in the mail. • Is my visit confidential? If you are under 18 and concerned about how to get testing and treatment in private, you should know that there are clinics where you can get confidential STD testing that is private and affordable. No one needs
