Getting Tested

bgsugirlie · #1 10-02-2004, 01:01 PM

My friend started dating this guy, and recently found out that he has been less than faithful. They ended things, but she's scared that he gave her something. She's super nervous about stuff, but I talked her into getting tested. Only problem...she still lives at home and she doesn't want her parents to find out that she is getting tested and have it show up on her insurance. So, I was wondering if any of you have gone to Planned Parenthood before and how it works. Could she give them a fake name and address?

valkyrie · #2 10-02-2004, 01:04 PM

I'm pretty sure that the people working at Planned Parenthood always ask if it's okay for them to call your home. If she says no, they won't. She'd just have to pay for it, but I think they have a sliding scale, so if she doesn't make much money it shouldn't be too terribly expensive.

wrigley · #3 10-02-2004, 01:42 PM

Valkyrie is right. They don't have to take her insurance and just have her pay for services in cash,check, etc..

.As for Planned Parenthood calling to leave a message, on the form you fill out you can check whether they can say if it's Planned Parenthood or they leave an alternate message instead like "Jane Smith called" or something like that.

norcalchick · #4 10-02-2004, 02:55 PM

Planned parenthood also has this thing where you can get things for free. When they talk about insurance and everything, you tell them you either don't have any or you can't go through you're parent's insurance for discretion. Then they go through some process to see if the state can cover it (well, at least here in Ca.) So when I've gone, my check ups have been free, except some optional tests or different birth control.

chideltjen · #5 10-02-2004, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by norcalchick
Planned parenthood also has this thing where you can get things for free. When they talk about insurance and everything, you tell them you either don't have any or you can't go through you're parent's insurance for discretion. Then they go through some process to see if the state can cover it (well, at least here in Ca.) So when I've gone, my check ups have been free, except some optional tests or different birth control.

This is true. I don't know how it works, but I never had to pay for my BC or basic testing. They give you a Green Card. You just have to keep the info updated. I may go back to that because my insurance from my parents got dropped and now I'm on a plan that's super expensive for prescriptions. (Stupid Kaiser...)

_Lisa_ · #6 10-02-2004, 08:48 PM

Definitely don't give Planned Parenthood a fake name & address. She may want to visit there again in the future & may want to know her past records under her real name (she won't always be under her parent's insurance.) Planned Parenthood is really good about discretion & money problems. I've been there in the past & just been honest about not being able to pay all or most of a bill & they will let it slide completely. I always gave them my mobile in case they needed to call me back & never my parent's line but if they did ask for a phone number I'd just tell them you'd prefer not to be contacted through the given number.

33girl · #7 10-03-2004, 09:05 PM

I went to PP in my SMALL SMALL town - where one of the staffers was a neighbor and also went to my church. She was very discreet and it was never weird.

They are trained to not blab anything....don't be worried about that.

They will do sliding scale, and if you say you don't want to be called at a certain number they won't. A large part of why PP is still around is because they ARE so good with these kinds of things. Like wrigley said, you can tell them to say that Susie called or someone else other than PP.

XOMichelle · #8 10-04-2004, 11:59 AM

Check out your local health department services too. Many cities and counties run free or low-cost STD clinics.

PhoenixAzul · #9 10-06-2004, 12:14 AM

FYI: Most colleges (Even my tiny podunk school!) offer free or low cost STD and pregnancy testing that are COVERED UNDER YOUR TUITION! And NO they won't tell your parents.

Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org is a great learning tool!) is discreet, very discreet!

This is my way of looking at it....1) you decide that you're mortified and could NEVER get tested, lest someone find out and you're embarassed. And then you get HPV, clap, HIV/AIDS, chlymidia, ghonorrhea...I could go on. And then you pass it on to other people, and then they don't get tested. Terrible cycle, no?

2) You accept that people *may* find out, may see you going into the clinic. Wouldn't you think that your parents would want you to be responsible with your body rather than trying to save face?