Women and men who wish to monitor their sexual health through STI testing deserve to have their results kept private and confidential. That’s why at Choices Pregnancy Center, we conduct all our sexually transmitted infection testing and file management with the utmost attention to client confidentiality.
To put your possible concerns to rest, let’s address some of the most commonly asked questions about STI testing confidentiality.
How will I find out about my STI test results?
Typically, our clients choose to get a telephone call to learn their results, rather than coming to the office in person. So, with the client’s consent during their testing appointment, we schedule a follow-up telephone appointment, and they select a specific word or phrase they want us to use to ensure we are speaking only to them when we call. In addition, when we call we ask the person we’re speaking to for identifying information such as name and birth date before we disclose any information.
Will anyone else be informed of my test results?
Negative test results (indicating absence of sexually transmitted infection) are reported only to the client.
Positive test results, however, are required to be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health for purposes of ensuring treatment has been initiated and anyone who may have been exposed to a STI can be notified. This notification is performed via confidential telephone call or confidential fax.
Clients are informed of this state requirement prior to their STI testing being performed.
Will anyone else know I’ve gone to Choices for STI testing?
We do not inform anyone of a client’s visit. Both our Redwood Falls and Marshall centers are co-located with other types of offices.
Our Marshall center shares a waiting area with Western Mental Health and a pharmacy. Individuals who visit that center could be visiting any of those locations, and might even be visiting Choices for a wide variety of reasons: delivering charitable donations, obtaining pregnancy services, or taking educational classes.
Similarly, clients reach our Redwood Falls center through a hallway shared by offices for New Horizons and classroom space for a church. Again, individuals might be using the hallway—or even entering our doors—for a variety of reasons.
How do I know Choices Pregnancy Center respects my privacy?
The same way you know any medical professionals care about confidentiality: by our promise to uphold the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality as required by Minnesota state and federal law.
We believe you deserve the same privacy protection that all of us on staff would want for ourselves. Our nurse, nurse manager, and our medical director (an MD in a local hospital) have undergone thorough professional training, just like other nurses you would meet in a clinic or hospital. They ensure client information is kept confidential and never shared with anyone but the client (except as required by law, above.)
Why should I come to Choices for STI testing?
First, our testing is provided free of charge.
Second, during the STI testing appointment, we offer additional services at no cost:
- We do a free urine pregnancy test for female clients of child-bearing age. This is to ensure that we do not have other factors to consider if STI treatment is necessary.
- We offer more education regarding sexual health and STIs than most clients would receive at a local clinic. This includes a short educational video clients can watch in advance of or during their appointment.
- We spend the time clients need to discuss their questions and concerns about STIs and sexual health.
What if I have questions either before or after my STI testing appointment?
Calling us with questions is always welcome. While we can’t give medical advice over the phone, we can tell whether a client is an appropriate candidate to be tested at our center.
We also welcome clients to come in to discuss sexual health and sexual risk avoidance separately from STI testing appointments.
Our goal is not merely to provide clients with testing and treatment, but also to empower them to make the best choices they can when it comes to safe sexual practices.
Where can I learn more about having an STI testing appointment at Choices Pregnancy Center?
For more detailed information about what a testing appointment would be like, please see this page.
Your sexual health matters to us. Don’t delay getting tested if you suspect you have been exposed or otherwise contracted a STI. Early detection and treatment give you the best chance of preventing long-term problems—for you and for your partner.
Reach out by chat here on our site, click on the orange button (top of this page) to "Schedule an Appointment," or contact us by text or phone at 507-637-2534.