Preferred Location: 20 Hope Ave Waltham,MA 02453 Banks Square Change location
Preferred Location: 20 Hope Ave Waltham,MA 02453 Banks Square Change location
The eleventh-largest city in Massachusetts recently experienced an HIV outbreak increase of 33% in 2015. By 2016 the rate of HIV infections was at 10.5 per 100,000 people in Newton, Massachusetts. Naturally, Middlesex County health officials were concerned when they noticed the decline in HIV testing for the Newton area.
One of their plans to combat this potential issue is to encourage health-care providers and emergency room technicians to test for HIV more frequently.
The rate of syphilis, primary and secondary, for Middlesex County in 2016 was 6.2 per 100,000 people. The symptoms of syphilis can be mild and go unnoticed, so again, regularly testing is recommended. Still, the most common STI affecting the people (especially women) of Newton is chlamydia. In 2016, rates of new cases were 298.3 per 100,000 people. As chlamydia is often asymptomatic, it’s crucial to get tested regularly to avoid long-term damage to your reproductive health. That same year, gonorrhea rates came in at 55.3 per 100K people. Gonorrhea is most common in younger people (15-24 years old) according to the CDC.
If you’re in Newton and need to get screened for STIs, check out these affordable options. There’s a MinuteClinic inside CVS on Boylston Street. They test for hepatitis C and take walk-ins but be prepared for longer wait times. Or, there’s a Partners Urgent Care offering STD testing on Needham Street. If you qualify for their free STD testing (HIV and others), you can drive over to AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts in Roxbury.
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Newton clinics with our easy-to-read chart.
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 CDC2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Charles River Community Health aims to enhance and maintain the health of all residents in and around Brighton, MA. Their health services are family-friendly. Besides the Allston-Brighton clinic location, there is also a clinic in Waltham, MA and there are two school sites. Charles River Community Health has been around since 1968. Since then, they have continued to help community members find the proper care they need. Their physicians and nurse practitioners can provide primary care for adults and children, family planning, nutrition assistance, diabetes education, and much more.
The CHA Cambridge Teen Health Center is located within Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. The Cambridge Health Alliance serves more than 140,000 patients each year in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north region. Cambridge Health Alliance was created in 1996 when two hospitals within the state of Massachusetts collaborated. Cambridge Hospital and Somerville Hospital came together to expand their services and service area in order to help patients.
The Martha Eliot Health Center is owned and operated by Boston Children’s Hospital. This health center has been around in the Jamaica Plain area for more than 40 years. This center sees and treats children, adolescents, and young adults. Their providers, nurses, therapists, social workers, and many more health professionals work together to provide primary and preventive services. This center has been upgraded recently and has 21 exams rooms.
The Brookside Community Health Center is owned and operated by Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This hospital operates two health centers that are licensed by them in order to expand its primary care services. Brookside Community Health Center provides well-rounded health services like adult primary care, pediatric primary care, OB/GYN services, family planning services, dentistry, nutrition, and much more. This health center generally sees more than 11,000 patients a year.
The Greater Boston Health Center is operated by The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. The PPLM aims to provide sexual and reproductive health services that allow patients to have the freedom to make their own choices without judgment. The PPLM has been around for nearly 88 years. They are seen as a leader in the community to preserve the freedom of patients while still providing high-quality health care.
AFC Urgent Care is a reputable care facility that provides advanced, quick, and efficient care services for people of all ages. AFC is passionate about helping residents in and around Watertown, MA but they want to make sure their services are affordable that is why they make services available at low cost. They have a care team that includes physicians, x-ray technicians, and medical assistants.
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These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days
15 min test
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These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
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Description: Need to register as a patient.
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Description: Walk-in clinic, no need of referrals. It offers affordable co-pays and other affordable rates for services. Please call for information.
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Description: Community Based Organization. Walk-ins accepted
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
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Description: Need to register as a patient.
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Description: Social Service Organization. Book a telehealth appointment to place an order for the STD testing kit. During the COVID-19 pandemic PPLM is covering the cost of supplies and shipping for patients
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Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus
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Description: AIDS Service Organization. Serves homeless and street involved youth ages 14-24 during drop-in hours. Thurs. by appointment only
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Description: Hospital. Ages of 13-25. You must be HIV+ to receive HIV case management services.
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Description: AIDS Service Organization. HIV testing available to injection drug users and transgender women and their partners. Closed from 12noon-1pm daily
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Description: Free HIV testing is available as part of a medical visit, by appointment, and by walk-in (based on counselor availability). Call 617-267-0159. Free services on Wednesdays from 4pm-7pm - 2nd Fl - first come, first served basis.
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Description: Hospital. Need to enroll as a patient before receiving services.
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Description: Closed Wed., 12noon-3pm
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The CDC and Middlesex County Health Department recently released statistics showing that STD rates are rising in Boston and its suburbs. This includes Newton, and these statistics surprised many of the area’s residents. Over the past twenty years the number of sexually transmitted diseases reported in the suburb and county have been steadily rising, and this means that everyone’s sexual health is potentially at risk.
The area has one of the highest rates for Chlamydia infections in the state, and this is also true for Gonorrhea. The number of reported Syphilis incidents in adults ages 25 to 29 is increasing, but the statistics also indicate that they are decreasing in teens. When it comes to HIV/AIDS and the number of new cases reported each year the statistics show that these rates are remaining basically unchanged. They might not be decreasing, but they’re also not rising and this is good news for residents.
Women ages 15 to 24 accounted for the majority of Chlamydia incidents reported each year, while men have the highest risk for contracting Gonorrhea. Males 25 to 29 years old test positive for Syphilis more often than men in other age brackets. Even though it may seem like the infectious Syphilis rate is decreasing, it is important to note that it is actually rising in women by one or two cases each year.
Some of the other statistics that highlight the growing STD problem in the area include,
The only qualification that patients need to meet before they can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases is they need to register as a patient. Patients can also get individual counseling and education about safe sex and birth control options.
Charles River Community Health aims to provide each individual patient a positive, friendly, and quality visit each time. The Allston-Brighton clinic provides a sense of safety, well-being, and opportunity for surrounding community members to discuss their medical needs and concerns. This facility is located close to Charles River and Charles River Park.
495 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02135, USA
The Cambridge Teen Health Center provides services like sexually transmitted diseases for teenagers and young adults from 12-23 years old. Services are free for those who are a resident of Massachusetts under the age of 19. All STD testing is free and confidential.
The Cambridge Teen Health Center located within the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School makes it easy for teenagers and young adults to get access to healthcare. Besides sexually transmitted disease testing, visitors can get physicals, immunizations, mental health evaluations, and reproductive care. No matter a student’s ability to pay, they will be seen and treated. Since this center is located in a busy area of Cambridge, parking may be limited. This center is located next to the Cambridge Public Library.
459 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Martha Eliot only offers their services to those who are 25 years old or younger. There are no other qualifications to be seen at this facility besides this age qualification. Most lab work will take less than 7 days to get results if not the same day.
At the Martha Eliot Health Center, their medical staff provides optometry, nutrition, mental health services, adolescent and young health services, and pediatric services. This center provides healthcare services to a large variety of people from all backgrounds. With the 120+ employees at this center, patients will find access to care easy, professional, and beyond standards.
75 Bickford St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, USA
The only qualification that the Brookside Community Health Center has is anyone who wishes to use their services, including sexually transmitted disease testing, needs to enroll as a patient first before they can participate in any of their services.
Brookside Community Health Center accumulates around 70,000 patient visits a year. Patients can expect bilingual staff in English and Spanish. Brookside is a level three Patient-Centered Medical Home. While visiting, patients may see young adults in training in order to be a doctor, a nurse, or a dentist. These people are usually studying at Harvard Medical School, Mass General Institute of Nursing, Harvard Dental School, Boston University Dental School, and other surrounding schools.
3297 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, USA
The Greater Boston Health Center doesn’t have any qualifications for patients to meet before they can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. If you don’t have health insurance, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee using their scale. Please bring the following documents to your first visit: pay stub, photo ID, and proof of residence.
The Greater Boston Health Center apart of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. At this facility, patients can get leading and professional care by a team of healthcare professionals that want to help people achieve their health goals for the future. At this facility, patients can also get the HPV vaccine. Patients visiting this clinic for the first time should know they accept health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and offer patients that qualify a chance to get a lower fee. This health center is an updated building with a modern appeal.
1055 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
AFC Urgent Care accepts walk-ins, there is no need for referrals to be seen. Everyone is welcome at this clinic with no qualifications to meet beforehand. Their laboratory testing offers sexually transmitted disease testing. Most tests results will be ready the same day.
AFC Urgent Care provides quick service with a high level of care for all patients. Patients can save money and time by visiting this urgent care clinic in Watertown. This clinic has two medical directors, Dr. Scharukh Jalisi and Dr. Scott Simmons. They also have one medical assistant and one x-ray technologist on-site. Patients will find their doctors to be very knowledgeable and understanding. This care center is located across the street from the Boston Sports Clubs.
376 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472, USA
In 2015 state lawmakers passed a bill that now requires all public school systems to teach medically accurate and age appropriate sex education classes, if they offer the program. Abstinence based curriculum is no longer allowed to be used since it has proven to be ineffective at lowering teen pregnancy and STD rates.
While this is a positive first step, many educators and health officials do not believe that it goes far enough since it does not require public schools to provide sex education classes. This means that districts that do not approve of the new curriculum simply don’t have to offer sex education to their students.
Unfortunately some school districts are deciding to drop their limit sex education programs in wake of the new requirements. This means that many students won’t have access to the information they need to protect their sexual health. It is not uncommon for teens to graduate not understanding the importance of always using protection, and the majority won’t be aware of the risks and responsibilities that come with being sexually active.
Students and adults are taught that regular HIV testing in Newton is an important part of any health care routine or that the simple procedure could potentially save their lives. The same is also true regarding regular Herpes testing in Newton, even though it is the best way to prevent this infectious virus in area high schools.
One of the main factors that are causing the STD rates to rise in this bedroom community is the lack of sex education programs in the public schools. Teens are often graduating not understanding how sexually transmitted diseases can be spread, and most do not realize how important it is to visit a nearby STI clinic on a regular basis. This lack of available information is also affecting the STD rates in adults.
There is a limited number of testing facilities in the suburb, and this is making it inconvenient for residents to take care of their sexual health. Many do not want to spend the day waiting in a long line, and there is always the fear that they could run into a friend or family member. The lack of community health centers is also making it difficult for some residents to find one that is conveniently located.
Recent budget cuts are being held responsible for the lack of clinics, and the lack of funding is also affecting some residents’ ability to pay for regular STD testing. The simple procedure was previously covered under Medicaid, and now that this is no longer true many lower income families simply cannot afford the important procedure.
Until these and other contributing factors are resolved the community can expect to see its STD rates continue to rise.
Before you head off for a day of shopping at Newton Centre or tour one of the nearby colleges, it is important to take a few minutes to think about your sexual health. The number of sexually transmitted diseases reported each year is rising, and the best way to protect yourself is to get tested on a regular basis. It is understandable if you don’t want to spend the entire day waiting in a crowded community health facility and now there is an easier way to get tested. You can easily schedule confidential STD testing just by making one simple phone call. This way you only have to spend a few minutes in a local lab so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore this historic neighborhood.
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.
Your preferred location: 20 Hope Ave Waltham,MA 02453 Banks Square Change Location
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