Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL / APPOINTMENTS
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, walk-ins are accepted. However, appointments are seen first. If our schedule for that day is full, you may need to schedule an appointment to return at another time. It is always best to schedule an appointment if possible.
How much do Clarity services cost?
There is no cost for office visits, pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasound, Bacterial Vaginosis testing, trichomoniasis testing or dipstick urinalysis.
We have affordable lab fees for all other tests:
Rapid HIV testing: $7
HIV Blood Antibody: $18
Syphilis: $7
Chlamydia/Gonnorrhea: $24
Liquid-based PAP: $21
HPV: $32
Herpes: $26
Hepatitis B, C: $53
Do you accept insurance or Medicaid?
Yes, we accept insurance and Medicaid. Please bring your card or a printed copy of your card to your appointment. Digital copies of insurance cards on your phone are not preferred.
Do I need to bring anything with me to an appointment?
To protect your confidentiality, you’ll want to bring your valid photo ID. A driver’s license or student ID will work. If you don’t have a valid photo ID, you can still obtain services.
How long does an appointment last?
We schedule anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes for each appointment. This helps us get to know you so we can determine how to best help you.
PREGNANCY
Can I come in for a free ultrasound to find out the sex of my baby?
The purpose of the ultrasounds we offer is to confirm the viability of a pregnancy after a positive pregnancy test. We don’t provide ultrasounds to determine the sex of the baby.
If I've already taken an at-home pregnancy test, why do I need to come in and be tested with you?
Clarity pregnancy testing is community funded and confidential. Our lab quality tests are used by many physicians and hospitals and have greater than 99% accuracy. Home pregnancy tests are usually accurate, but typically with a lesser percentage of accuracy. If your test with us is positive, we can schedule an ultrasound to determine the viability of your pregnancy, confirm it is in your uterus, confirm cardiac activity, and determine your due date. These are the first important steps you’ll need to take to start considering your options for your best possible future.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me?
We understand needing friends and family during times like this. Feel free to bring someone along. We will get you started in your appointment alone and then include them in the process when appropriate.
Can I get birth control or morning-after pills at Clarity?
My significant other may be pregnant. What can I do?
An unexpected pregnancy isn’t just something that affects women.
If you think she’s pregnant, we first want you to know you are not alone. Yes, it’s difficult, but the two of you can get through this. She needs you now more than ever and here are a few ways you can provide the support she needs, both emotionally and physically.
Here are some pointers to get you started:
What to do:
- Talk with her and listen to her. Keep the lines of communication open between the two of you at all times. DO NOT close yourself off emotionally because this situation involves more than just you!
- Be there for her. She needs you now more than ever before.
- Talk with the people who care. In addition to keeping the lines of communication open between the two of you, it’s important to discuss the situation with parents and others who’ll be directly affected. Keeping this a secret will only add to the stress – yours and hers.
- Educate yourself. Collect information and seek advice from people you trust.
- Be honest with her and yourself. Own and share at all times how you feel. You’ll be surprised at how much it will help her to know that you share the same concerns. You’ll be surprised at what you learn about yourself. And you’ll be proud that you’re standing tall together!
What Not To Do:
- Don’t run from your responsibilities. The more you try to avoid this situation, the harder things will get for the three of you. Now. And forever.
- Don’t pressure her to do what you want. You both need to work together at all times. You’re a team now!
- Don’t stop communicating with her. Express your feelings and add your input whenever it’s needed.
Most of all we want you to know that we’re here for you. We want to help you understand all the options available and to make the best choice for you. If you want to talk to someone, please call your local center or use our contact form and we’ll get back in touch soon.
I had sex last night and I think the condom broke. Can I come in today for a pregnancy test?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the glycoprotein hormone produced by the developing placenta shortly after fertilization. In normal pregnancy, hCG can be detected in both urine and serum as early as 7 to 10 days after conception. For the most accurate result of your pregnancy test, waiting at least 7 days after intercourse would be your best course of action. We are happy to schedule an appointmentfor you now.
STI TESTING
Can I come in and get tested for STIs?
Clarity offers low cost STI testing at several locations. If you think you may be at risk we recommend refraining from any sexual contact until you have been tested. Please contact us to talk about testing options or to schedule an appointment.
Can I get a Pap smear at Clarity?
Clarity offers low cost Pap smears. You must be 21 years old or over and, your most recent Pap if you have had one, must have been normal. If your most recent Pap was abnormal, we recommend that you return to the provider that performed that Pap, if possible. Please contact us to set up an appointment.
What’s the difference between an STD and an STI?
STD stands for “sexually transmitted disease.” STI stands for “sexually transmitted infection.” STD is the most commonly used term for infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. However, people who become infected don’t always have symptoms and their infection does not always develop into a disease. The medical community has transitioned from using STD to using STI in an effort to emphasize that not all sexually transmitted infections turn into a disease.
Can a condom protect me from an STI?
Condoms can only reduce the risk of infection with STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Herpes and HPV are spread through skin-to-skin contact. If the Herpes or HPV virus is on the skin located outside of where the condom covers, that condom offers no protection. Herpes and HPV can be present without any symptoms at all.
How do I know if I’ve been exposed to an STI?
If you have had contact with someone else’s genitals (oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex or even mutual masturbation), you may have put yourself at risk of contracting an STI. You can’t always tell just by how you feel. Many STIs can be present without symptoms. Getting tested is the best way to determine if you have been infected.