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FAQs

Do I need to make an appointment?

Maricopa County’s STD clinic operates on a walk-in basis (no appointment is needed). Since the clinic is a walk-in clinic it is recommended that you arrive as early in the day as you can.  You do not need to be a Maricopa County or Arizona state resident to get tested  – all are welcome!

If you would like to get tested at another provider, you will need to contact the provider regarding the office policy on appointments.  To view a list of alternative providers, please visit our ‘Get Tested’ page by clicking HERE.

What happens during my visit?

Getting tested for STDs at the Maricopa County STD Clinic consists of 7 basic steps:

  1. Registering in the lobby for the STD Clinic and paying a $20 fee.
  2. Discussing the reason for your visit with our Triage staff.
  3. Awaiting a visit with a medical provider, if you have an STD diagnosis, symptoms, or are a contact to someone with an STD. Those without these conditions will be referred directly for STD testing.
  4. Having blood drawn for HIV and syphilis testing.
  5. Submitting a urine sample for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. Some patients may be asked to submit a rectal or pharyngeal swab as well.
  6. Receiving treatment for those examined by a medical provider. If possible, we encourage our patients to eat a light snack before visiting the clinic.
  7. Having any additional questions answered, receiving further resources, and obtaining information on how to access your STD results.

 

How long will my visit take?

At Maricopa County STD clinic, the length of your visit will vary as they are a walk-in clinic. The length will also depend on whether or not you need to see a provider. A test-only visit generally takes one hour. However, a provider visit may take 1 ½ to 2 hours. We recommend arriving at the clinic earlier in the day as there are typically shorter wait times in the morning.  

 

How soon can I get my test results?

Results are generally available in 48-72 hours. Maricopa County STD Clinic now has web-based results reporting, which allows you to review your results online. 

 

Where can I get tested?

The address for the STD Clinic is 1645 E. Roosevelt Street Phoenix, AZ 85006. For other testing locations throughout Maricopa County, please visit our Get Tested page.

 

How much will my visit cost?

There are many low-cost and even free options for testing. Maricopa County Public Health offers testing Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8am-5pm for $20. On Wednesday’s, the clinic is open from 9am-5pm. Additionally, there are also many other providers within the community who offer testing options.  You can view these other providers by clicking HERE. Please remember that you will need to contact those specific providers to find out the cost of testing.  

To see where free testing events are being held check out the Upcoming Testing Events page.

 

What are the signs/symptoms of an STD?

Signs/symptoms can vary depending on the disease. Common symptoms include: pain during sexual intercourse, a burning sensation while urinating, itchiness in the vaginal area, as well as bumps and sores in the genital area. If you are experiencing any symptoms that are abnormal for your body, we encourage you to see a provider and request to be tested for STD’s. 

 

I don't have any signs/symptoms. Should I still get tested?

Absolutely – many individuals with STDs do not show any signs/symptoms. If untreated, STDs can cause serious long-term damage including infertility, pelvic infection, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.  Remember: the risk is NOT knowing…

 

Should my partner get tested as well?

Yes, it is recommended that you bring in your sexual partner(s) so that he/she/they can receive the same examination and treatment at the same time. We also offer partner services.  Partner services allows our staff to contact your partner and refer them for testing and treatment without disclosing any of your confidential information, including your name and other personal information. 

 

Is my information confidential?

Your medical record and interview information are all completely confidential. None of your information will be shared with outside parties without your consent.

 

How do I access the Patient Portal?

If you are at least 18 years old and are seen in the STD clinic, you can request to sign up to take advantage of the Patient Portal during the registration process.

 

What sort of information is available on the patient portal?

Your full medical record (visit notes, lab results, x-ray results, appointment history, medication information, etc.) is available to you on the Patient Portal. You can also send secure messages to the MCDPH staff regarding your healthcare (please note that these messages will become a part of your medical record).

 

If I don't have a Patient Portal account, can I still access my medical records?

You can still access any part of your medical record on paper by coming in person to the Medical Records office at 1645 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85006.  You will be asked to present a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.). If you were seen in the STD clinic, you may also call the Results Line and provide your 5-digit security code to get your results over the phone.

 

Am I allowed to set up a Patient Portal account for my children, spouse, and/or partner(s)?

Due to the confidential nature of a medical record and our commitment to patient confidentiality, our policies do not allow Patient Portals to be set up by anyone except the patient.

 

I never received an email with my username and password, what do I do?

The message should have been sent by MCDPHPortal. Please check your Junk and Trash mailboxes to ensure that the message did not get lost.

If the message is not in your Junk or Trash mailbox, go to the Portal Website by clicking HERE. Then, click “Can’t access your account.” You will be able to request your username and/or password from there.

Please call Public Health’s Medical Records office at 602-506-6018 during normal business hours for additional assistance.

 

I deleted the email with my username and password. Can you send it to me again?

Unfortunately, we are unable to resend Portal activation messages. The message is system generated and is only sent once. After that, you will need to return to the Public Health Medical Records office with a valid photo ID to re-establish your account.

 

I am locked out of my Patient Portal account. How can I unlock it?

Unfortunately, the only way to unlock your Patient Portal account is to come in person to the Medical Records Office at 1645 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85006.  You will be required to show a valid photo ID.

 

What does “Presumed Negative” mean on my test results?

“Presumed Negative” means that based on the tests that were run at the time of your visit, we did not find any evidence of an infection.  If you are still experiencing symptoms or have been re-exposed, please come back for follow-up services.

 

My test result says “Positive.” What does this mean?

“Positive” means that the test that was run found evidence of an infection. If you were not treated for this infection at the time of your visit (you can find this information on your visit summary), you will need to return for treatment.

 

I think I was treated at the time of my visit. Do I need to get re-treated?

Depending on what you were treated for, you may need to return for additional treatment. Please call us to speak to a provider.

 

I have questions about my results and/or my treatment. Who can I call to get help?

Please send a secure message through your patient portal.