Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Arcadia, FL, a county in DeSoto County, is experiencing an STD outbreak that's not showing signs of slowing down. Officials' concerns are growing about increasing chlamydia, gonorrhea, and total syphilis infections.
Chlamydia cases went from 94 in 2019 to 128 in 2020. Gonorrhea infections are also going up—the county reported 41 in 2019 and 47 in 2020. Also, rather than a downtrend for syphilis diagnoses, reports show no changes across the board for all stages—early, infectious, and congenital (from mother to baby.) From 2019 to 2020, the county reported three cases each year.
County health officials are working to reduce the spread of STDs in Arcadia, FL, and the surrounding area. To do so, they're urging all sexually active people to seek regular STD testing.
Several locations near Arcadia, FL, and in DeSoto County, offer comprehensive STD testing. Most sites screen for all STDs and provide treatment and follow-up care at the same location.
Services are available at the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County at the Oak Street Primary Clinic on E. Oak St. in Arcadia.
Another option is J. Agustin Lacson MD, a testing site on E. Oak St in Arcadia.
A little further away is the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County on Loveland Blvd in Port Charlotte.
Some clinics have free STD testing for qualified individuals. However, there are a few downsides to these no-cost services. For example, these are busy sites and often only have a few dates for testing every month. This can delay treatment. In addition, free sites may not offer comprehensive screenings like other clinics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
Community Care Family Clinic is a non-profit organization committed to promoting diversity and inclusion to improve health equity and outcomes among underserved populations. It delivers health education programs that are sensitive to the client's needs. The doctor may inquire about your lifestyle or symptoms during your visit before recommending the appropriate HIV/STD screening.
ShorePoint Obstetrics and Gynecology is an affiliate clinic of the Regional Healthcare Network, which focuses on providing primary and specialty care to all community members. Upon arrival, the clinical staff may ask you various questions to assess your needs. After exposure, you should visit the clinic immediately for HIV/STD diagnostics. HPV testing is also provided at the center.
Desoto County Health Department endeavors to provide culturally sensitive services that meet the diverse needs of communities in Arcadia, FL. It offers patients a supportive environment that encourages them to take an active role in their health promotion and management. HIV/STD diagnostics are obtainable on location.
Catalyst Walk-In Clinic treats a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries. The qualified professionals on staff provide STD screenings regularly to help clients monitor their health. They also conduct HIV antibody tests if the preliminary results are positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm. Walk-in, same day, and appointments available
Description: Commercial Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Proof of income required for sliding scale eligibility.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Clients visiting the facility for the first time should arrive 20 minutes before their scheduled time and present their photo ID. The billing department allows patients to make payments using private and public insurance policies. However, uninsured people are charged on a sliding scale discount basis.
After obtaining your prescription, you can pass by the in-house pharmacy to pick up your medications. The clinic's patient interface allows clients to make payments online, request refill prescriptions, and exchange secure messages with their medical providers.
1148 E Gibson St building c, Arcadia, FL 34266, USA
New patients are expected to bring their insurance information and should arrive early to complete the necessary paperwork. Those who have subscribed to major insurance plans such as Medicare and Medicaid can use them to make payments.
If you own a computer or a smartphone, you can consult with medics to obtain medical care virtually instead of visiting the clinic. You can also sign up for the patient portal to view your laboratory results, obtain your medical records and consult with medics.
1012 N Mills Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266, USA
The clinic ensures all people have access to medical care by providing sliding-scale discounts for those who cannot pay.
Since HIV medications aim to suppress the viral load, the clinic ensures PLWHA can access to medications through AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). If you are living with HIV and are uninsured or underinsured, you can enroll in the Ryan White programs, which will help you obtain medications and social services at discounted rates.
1031 E Oak St, Arcadia, FL 34266, USA
Various insurance policies are accepted at the clinic. If your provider is not in the network, you can consult with the billing department on how to make payments. Although the clinic allows walk-ins, clients can save time by checking in online and monitoring the line remotely.
The clinic's direct care program helps uninsured patients access affordable medical care. It also provides medical solutions for urinary tract infections, infected nails, and asthma. Sports physicals are also available.
1707 E Oak St, Arcadia, FL 34266, USA
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
