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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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1. Is there a cost to be tested or treated at the health department's STD clinic?

Most testing and treatments are free. However, optional Hepatitis B testing is $20.

2. Do I have to live in Greene County to be seen?

No. It does not matter what county, state or country in which you live.

3. What information do I need to bring to the STD clinic?

For registration purposes, you will need to supply your name, address, date of birth, and social security number (if you have one). This information is kept private.

4. Can a person under 18 years old get tested without their parent’s permission?

In Missouri, minors can be tested and treated for sexually transmitted disease without parental consent.

5. Will my information be kept private?

Your personal information is handled in a professional, confidential manner according to HIPAA rules and state laws. If you enter the lobby before 8:00 am, you will notice clipboards with numbers and clinic forms. Take the numbered clipboard and complete the paperwork while waiting for the clinic to open.

At 8:00 AM, the clinic registration will begin. The clerical staff will call numbers. When your number is called, take the number and clipboard with completed paperwork and give to clerical staff. She will get you signed into the computer and will call the nurse when they have you ready. A medical staff member will alert you when it is your turn to be seen and they will escort you to the clinic room.

6. What is the process and how do I register to be tested or treated for and STD?

The lobby doors at the Harold K. Bengsch Building open at 7:30 AM. Number and registration forms are available at that time. If you enter the lobby before 8:00 AM, you will notice clipboards with numbers and clinic forms. Take the numbered clipboard and complete the paperwork while waiting for the clinic to open.

At 8:00 AM, the clinic registration will begin. The clerical staff will call numbers. When your number is called, take the number and clipboard with completed paperwork and give it to clerical staff. They will get you signed into the computer and will call the nurse when they have you ready. A medical staff member will alert you when it is your turn to be seen and they will escort you to the clinic room.

Harold K. Bengsch Building location

7. What is the difference between the Express Clinic and the regular STD Clinic?

The Express Clinic is only for urine collection and blood draws by lab staff. No nurse appointment is necessary. The Express Clinic offers:
• Urine tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia
• Blood draws for HIV and/or syphilis
• Optional Hepatitis B blood test is $20. (Pay at Vital Records desk and give receipt to medical provider before blood is drawn.)
• No treatments or counseling

The STD Clinic offers:
• Urine tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia
• Blood draws for HIV and/or syphilis
• Optional Hepatitis B blood test for $20. (Pay at Vital Records desk and give receipt to medical provider before blood draw.)
• Vaginal tests for Trichomoniasis (“Trich”).
• Herpes swab test for active genital sores/blisters. No herpes blood test available.
• Additional testing for individuals who are having vaginal or urethral symptoms.
• Treatments for gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis or “Trich” if that person or a recent partner has been diagnosed.

8. Can I sign up for both the Express Testing and the regular STD Clinic?

No. If you are having symptoms or need treatment, you should sign up for the regular STD Clinic. Exceptions to this would be if the nurse is unavailable or the regular STD Clinic is full.

9. What can I be tested for?

Express Clinic:
•Urine tests are for gonorrhea and Chlamydia
•Blood draws for HIV and/or syphilis
•Optional Hepatitis B blood test is $20 (Pay at Vital Records desk and give receipt to medical provider before blood draw.)

STD Clinic offers:
•Urine tests are for gonorrhea and Chlamydia
•Blood draws for HIV and/or syphilis
•Optional Hepatitis B blood test is $20 (Pay at Vital Records desk and give receipt to medical provider before blood draw.)
•Vaginal test for Trichomoniasis “trich”
•Herpes swab test for active genital sores/blisters. No herpes blood test available.
•Additional testing for individuals who are having vaginal or urethral symptoms.

10. Can I make an appointment?

Appointments are only made under special circumstances and through the STD nurse:
If you have been diagnosed with an STD or your current or recent partner has informed you that they have an STD, you may call the clinic nurse to make special arrangements for treatment or you can come to the walk-in clinics. Calling in advance to make arrangements with the nurse helps to ensure you get seen as soon as possible.

11. How long will I have to wait to be tested?

Wait time varies according to the number of staff available and each person's individual needs that day. Rule of thumb is to allow yourself plenty of time. Wait time can be from 15 minutes to a couple of hours for testing or treatments. Treatments with advance arrangements will be seen on a priority basis. Those who come in for test results are seen as soon as possible and worked in before the next tester.

12. Will my test results be back the same day?

The following information is subject to change without notice:
•Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and syphilis results can take 3-5 working days to get back.
•HIV results can take 7-10 working days.
•(Optional) Hepatitis B test results may be back in 3-7 days.

13. How will I get my test results?

•You will receive an orange “return card” to remind you when your HIV results will be in.
•We prefer you come in for your HIV results. All test results will be given at that time.
•If you left a private contact number, we will call you if gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or syphilis is positive.
•If you do not leave a telephone number results can be picked up in person.
•You will need to sign up for the regular STD Clinic to get results. Please refer to clinic hours.

14. Can I get copies of my test results?

Yes. You must provide proper identification for verification.

15. Can another person pick up my results?

No. You must be present to pick up your results.

16. Can my children come into the clinic room?

No. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject and biohazardous material in the trash cans, please make arrangements for someone to watch your child. Do not leave children unattended in the lobby. Babies in baby carriers are allowed.

17. Can I bring another person into the clinic room?

No. Exceptions are made for special circumstances, such as language interpreters or mental impairment.

18. I was recently treated for an STD. Should I be retested? If so, when?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends retesting in 3 months. The reason for this is because if other partners are involved, the risk of getting infected again is higher. If you want to be tested after being treated, you should wait 3 months or see your regular physician. Retesting is at the nurse’s discretion. If you feel you need to talk with an STD nurse, call 417-864-1684.

19. Can I get tested or treated for genital warts at the STD Clnic?

No. We do not test or treat for genital warts.
•We can talk with you about warts and answer questions you may have.
•If you have a genital growth at the time of the clinic visit, the nurse will be glad to do a visual inspection.
•If you want to be tested or treated for genital warts you must see a physician or other medical provider.

20. Can I be tested for HIV?

Yes. When we draw blood, we always draw for both syphilis and HIV unless you opt out/decline.

HIV testing is confidential, as is all testing. This means your information is private and not released without your consent and according to state laws.

21. Do you have the 20-minute HIV Quick tests?

No.

22. Can I be tested for Hepatitis B?

Yes. Hepatitis B testing is optional. The charge for this test is $20.

You will need to inform the front desk staff that you would like to purchase the test. Give that receipt to the medical staff before they draw your blood.

23. Can I be tested for Hepatitis C here?

No. We do not provide Hepatitis C testing.

24. Can I get a PAP smear here?

No. We do not provide PAP smears.

25. I have recently been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease. Can I be treated here?

We provide treatment if your partner was recently diagnosed with gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis or trichomoniasis ("Trich"). We will need your partner's name and when that partner was diagnosed.

26. I am on my period. Can I still get tested?

If you need a vaginal exam for trichomoniasis, you should wait until your period slows down or stops. You can get your blood drawn for HIV and syphilis. You can provide a urine sample for gonorrhea and Chlamydia if you are not experiencing a heavy flow.

27. I have taken antiboitics in the past 3 weeks. Can I still get tested?

No. For gonorrhea, Chlamydia, trichomoniasis and syphilis you need to be off of antibiotics for 3 weeks to get an accurate test. Yes for HIV testing.

28. I have used vaginal yeast medication in the last week. Can I still get vaginal tests?

No. If you want vaginal testing for trichomoniasis, make sure you have not used vaginal yeast cream, ointments or suppositories.

29. I have used a vaginal douche product in the past week. Can I still get vaginal tests?

No. Douching can flush away both good and bad bacteria which will make the vaginal tests inaccurate. Return for testing when you have not douched. Douching is not good for the normal flora of the vagina and can cause overgrowths of bacteria and fungus. We reocommend you avoid douching entirely.

30. What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to STD medication?

If you have trouble breathing, develop an unusual rash, or experience swelling, you should seek medical attention at an urgent care or emergency room as soon as possible.

31. Can I be seen for other medical conditions that are not sexually related?

No. The STD Clinic and Express Clinic testing are strictly for sexually transmitted infections only.

32. If I am diagnosed with an STD, will I be put on a "list" or my information released to anyone?

Your information is kept private and is not released to anyone without your written consent, a court order or a child abuse investigation.

We do not post “lists” of people with STDs to the public.

Some diseases, such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B are reportable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS). The MDHSS has trained, professional Disease Intervention Specialists who confidentially track and investigate these reportable diseases. The purpose it to ensure that the person and their partner(s) have been adequately treated. The goal is to stop the spread of STDs.

33. What happens if my HIV test is positive?

With routine HIV testing, the State lab will run a screening test. If that test is reactive, the lab will run a confirmatory test. If the confirmatory test is reactive, you have the HIV virus. HIV is treatable. You will be referred to an HIV Case Manager who will help you get in touch with a physician who specializes in HIV. This is your choice and is highly recommended.