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MESSAGE FROM DR. PHILIP A. CHAN
Welcome to the Testing 1, 2, 3 Online STI Testing Service. I’m really glad you have chosen to learn more about this service.
This service was created because many of my patients and other people have told me that they wish there was a simpler and easier way to get an HIV/STI test in Rhode Island – and I agree with them!
I remind all my patients that getting tested is important because STI rates in Rhode Island have been growing in recent years. This includes syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Many people think they may not be at risk, but actually are. In addition, many people may unknowingly spread HIV and STIs to their partners because they have no symptoms.
Anyone (straight, trans, or LGBTQ+) who has oral, vaginal, or anal sex with or without a condom should get tested at least once a year. If you are a bisexual or gay man who has multiple sex partners, you should get tested every three months. Anyone who shares injecting drug equipment should get tested at least once a year. If you have been told by a sexual partner that they have tested positive for an STI, you should get tested. Please see more information on who should get tested.
Before getting started, here are THREE important things I want you to know:
- This service is just for people who DO NOT HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS of an STI, such as burning when you urinate or a sore/rash on your genitals (i.e., penis or vagina). If you do have any symptoms, you should see your doctor or visit a participating community clinic. Participating clinics include: The Miriam Hospital STI Clinic, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Providence Community Health Centers, Blackstone Valley Community Health Center, Open Door Health, and Thundermist Health Center.
- This service is NOT FREE, but your health insurance should cover it, or if you want, you can pay out of pocket. If you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford it, you can go to one of our participating clinics which all have financial assistance programs to help cover the cost.
- If you do use this service, you will need to GO TO A WALK-IN CLINICAL LABORATORY SITE, that you choose from a list, where you will get blood drawn and provide a urine sample. There should be a laboratory site close to where you live or work. These samples will be tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. We will let you know if anything comes back positive and refer you to a participating clinic or your primary care provider.
Make sure that you READ THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS by clicking here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Alexi Almonte, aalmonte@lifespan.org.
If you are ready to get started, click here: https://redcap.link/testing123
Finally, I want to thank everyone for checking out this service and getting tested for STIs. This is an important step in addressing STIs in Rhode Island. Please feel free to let us know what you think of this service (good or bad) by clicking on the link below:
Sincerely,
Philip A. Chan, MD
Consultant Medical Director
Rhode Island Department of Health
