How it works

The Stigma difference

Getting tested with Stigma is designed to make you comfortable. Our patients feel a great sense of relief taking control of their sexual health in this hassle-free way. If you’re sexually active you should be getting these checks every time you change partner or at least three times a year, regardless of your relationship status.  

We want you to make STI testing a regular part of your healthcare, so our process is simple, cost-effective, convenient, and shame-free. There’s no need to have the awkward face-to-face with your GP, no need for a doctor to ask “Why?” (Because sex is fantastic derr!). No need for multiple appointments or time off work to go get your results.  We are also now offer bulk-billed telehealth appointments, if you’d like to speak to a doctor and have Medicare.

Our non-confrontational method allows you to get your pathology referral online, you take this to get tested at a Pathology Collection Centre and when your results are ready – we send them straight to your mobile phone. How easy is that?! So let’s get you tested today. Here’s how it works…  

Step 1:
Request Sexual Health Referral

Your Stigma Health pathology referral will ensure you are tested for the STIs our doctors determine you should be. If you want to know more about what you might be tested for and how head to our What We Test For section for more information, but we promise it’s non-invasive.

If you want to know whether you can and should be tested, including the ‘window periods’ for different STIs (yes there is such a thing) head over to Who Can & Should Get Tested. To find out what happens next just keep reading or if you’re already convinced that you can and should get tested and want you to do it without any of the hassles then jump straight through and get tested now.

How STD Testing Works? - Stigma Health
Pathology centre test - How STD Testing Works? - Stigma Health

Step 2:
Take Referral to Pathology
Centre Near You

Upon completion of our easy-to-follow questionnaire & payment, you’ll be presented with a link to download your completed pathology test referral. We will also email you a copy of the form to print later – it comes instantly so if not in your inbox check your junk mail.

Your referral from Stigma Health will be accepted at Pathology Clinics Australia wide and most major brands in pathology bulk bill; we recommend you check at the pathology clinic or with a phone call in advance.

Visit your chosen Pathology clinic for your required tests.

Step 3: Receive Results
Securely Through Your Phone​

Your test results will be reviewed by a Stigma Health doctor. They will then be available for you to view in the app you downloaded on your phone.

STD & STI Testing Online - Stigma Health
Sexually Transmitted Infections

STEP 4: If Your Results are Positive

All positive test results require a short doctor telehealth consult.

If tests return a positive result, you’ll find this consult very helpful as one of our experienced and caring sexual health practitioners will assist you with your diagnoses & treatment where applicable. It is focused on supporting you through this. You’ll be directed to book in your telehealth consult by Stigma Health.

If you have Medicare, these telehealth consults are 100% bulk-billed and you won’t pay anything as it’s covered by Medicare.

If you don’t have Medicare the appointment will be invoiced with an item number & you should be able to claim them from your VISA-required private health insurance.

STEP 5: Treatment

We are here for you. If you have contracted an STI and we are able to facilitate treatment, you email us your Medicare details or if you don’t have Medicare please email us your preferred pharmacy.

Treatment people who have HIV (4)HIV​

Here’s what will happen next: The information provided by Stigma Health with your diagnosis will also tell you all you need to know about treatment. If you have a positive result we will provide treatment via prescription, or referral.

IMPORTANT: if you believe you may have been exposed to HIV or Hepatitis B in the last 72 hours, do not proceed. You should seek medical attention ASAP and do not engage in any sexual activity prior to doing so. Visit a doctor, hospital or specialised clinic where you will be able to receive the necessary preventative post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Please Note

We, like all medical practices, are required by law to report some STIs to the Federal and State Government Health Departments. Don’t panic, it’s all about stats, nothing about you. The information provided to them will never be used to identify individuals with STIs to the public in any way.

Don’t Be Alarmed

No matter who you are or how you answer our questions you will be tested for HIV as part of your Stigma Health STI test. This is purely due to the seriousness of HIV and the importance of starting treatment as early as possible in the event of a positive result.

Let’s talk about sex

If you suspect you may have contracted an STI it’s extremely important that you do not engage in any sexual activity, regardless of your relationship status, until you know that you’re safe and not at risk of infecting anyone else.

Be Responsible

We know it’s awkward, but if you’ve tested positive for an STI it’s imperative you tell any past/present partners who may be at risk so they can be tested and treated too.

Do the right thing, stop the spread of STIs.

If you’re struggling with how to tell a partner or past partner Let Them Know is a great resource and you can even notify someone via Email/SMS/Letter from their site either with your name or anonymously.

Ready To Get Tested? Let’s Do This

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