posted
I am considering having a HerpeSelect test for HSV-2 done, to determine if I am positve for HSV-2. It's been weighing heavily on my conscience, especially considering I would like to get back into the dating would, but I am somewhat hesistant as I do not wish to spread the disease if I am in fact infected.
My former partner, whom I've been seperated from for 6 months, was HSV-2 positive. We never engaged in intercourse, but for about 2 months we often engaged in oral sex. On occasion, following cunnilingus there would be kissing preceding fellatio. This is the only time I feel I was at risk, because I am worried that HSV-2 from my saliva transfered from my mouth to hers, to my penis.
I have no outbreaks, itching, or redness. However, I am told that as much as 60% of those infected are completely asymptomatic.
I've haven't been to a physcian since my parents were making the appointments, so excuse my naivety but how would I go about scheduling an appointment to have this tested. Am I allowed to just make a general appointment, or would I need to specify STD testing?
Thanks in advance!
Posts: 19 | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
When you call your doctor, ask if they provide that test. If they don't, ask if they can refer to you to a clinic that does.
Say that you'd like to make an appointment for this test. They usually ask what you're coming in for, since they need to prep the room. They'll ask for your name, and you'll figure out a time, and you've got an appointment. They're really nice, I assure you. Receptionists have heard it all.
-------------------- Caylin, Scarleteen Volunteer Love Scarleteen? Donations keep us around for you. So give a little! (Or a lot. Whatever works for you.) Posts: 2789 | From: The Evergreen State | Registered: Jun 2000
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I was considering calling my family doctor to have the test done, as I would feel more comfortable about it- as opposed to find another doctor, or take one of these online/lab test options. However, is there an obligation for the physician to keep my situation in confidence? I am quite worried about my parents discovering I am getting this test- it'll become family gossip, I know because I've heard plenty of horror stories about other family members ranging from a-z, it's a shame.
On the other hand, I am not sure how to handle the insurance aspect of it. I'm fairly sheltered to this sort of thing, and I am used to a parent filling out a bunch of paper work and getting me into the doc's office.
As I understand it, according to my mom, I have a University health insurance plan. I don't know anything about it, or what I need to know about it. All I have is a card. If I make an appointment, how will I handle this? Will this card suffice? I am sorry I don't know much about this it's embarassing, but I feel like I really need to get tested, so I might need some additional advice from you guys if you don't mind.
I might be able to coax some info out of my mom, because I was having allergies recently, and she told me to just go to the doc's office and make an appointment, she wasn't much more specific. I could play off the allergy thing a bit to help get me a few steps closer. Does that sound wise?
Posts: 19 | Registered: Feb 2005
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Your family doctor is fine to do the test. If you're a bit unsure about insurance, the easiest thing to do is call the office and explain that you have a university health plan, but you're not sure what that plan covers - they're usually pretty knowledgeable about the ins and outs of insurance policies. You may also be able to find out quite a bit of information about your health plan on your university's web site.
As for the test itself, doctors are legally required to keep all patients' information confidential. They won't tell anyone, even your parents, what happens during an appointment, what tests you have done, anything.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5344 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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Is it possible to bypass insurance? That may sound like a stupid question. I know many Americans don't have insurance, is why I ask.
I don't receive any of the mail associated with the insurance plan, so I imagine the testing could be discovered by my parents simply by reviewing their mail.
Posts: 19 | Registered: Feb 2005
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A doctor would send test results directly to you, under your name. Or, you could request that they not do that, and make a follow-up appointment to hear your results.
-------------------- Caylin, Scarleteen Volunteer Love Scarleteen? Donations keep us around for you. So give a little! (Or a lot. Whatever works for you.) Posts: 2789 | From: The Evergreen State | Registered: Jun 2000
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