Q:

I want to get tested for STIs but don't want any lab tests to show up on my parent's insurance. Is there anyway the health center can bill their insurance without them knowing it's for STI tests? Or is there any clinic in Bellingham where this service is offered for free? Thanks!

 

A:

There are no free STI testing clinics in Bellingham although Planned Parenthood is likely the most affordable.

At the Student Health Center, you have two options so that there is no billing to your parent's insurance. Basic testing, like HIV, HPV, pap, herpes and chlamydia/gonorrhea screening can be billed to your student account (appears as a "Health Service Charge") and paid in person at Old Main or online, so it never is sent to insurance. Other testing, like Hepatitis B and C, can be billed to your local Bellingham address from the lab so you can pay it yourself.

If you prefer to keep it off your student account altogether, we have "Health Bucks" which is pre-paying to the Old Main Cashier for the amount needed to cover the testing, and presenting that receipt at the Health Center when you come in for testing. That way, it is paid for without any billing process as nothing is billed to your account or insurance.

The best thing is to make a STI appointment (free) at the Health Center to go over the different tests available, your risk factors, the costs and then decide how you'd prefer to cover the costs. Unfortunately, we are closed until January 3 but will have appointments available that day if you decide to wait.

~The Doc