You do not need a family doctor to get tested for STIs. TeleTest provides online assessments, lab requisitions, result review, and treatment when clinically appropriate. The service is available in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Most STI consultations start at $49. Eligible laboratory tests are covered by provincial insurance when the applicable requirements are met.

Disclosure: The author is the CEO of TeleTest.

How TeleTest STI Testing Works

1. Complete the online assessment. Describe your exposure, symptoms, testing history, and the sites that may need testing.
2. A clinician reviews the request. The clinician selects the appropriate tests and issues a requisition when testing is indicated.
3. Visit a local laboratory. Use a participating collection site. TeleTest lists hours, appointment policies, and measured turnaround times.
4. View your results online. Results are posted in the TeleTest patient portal and reviewed by a clinician.
5. Receive treatment if needed. A clinician can send a prescription to your pharmacy when treatment is clinically appropriate.

Tests Are Selected for the Exposure

STI testing should reflect the type and location of the exposure. A routine urine test may not detect an infection in the throat or rectum. TeleTest can include site-specific swabs when indicated.

Available testing may include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, trichomoniasis, and other infections when clinically appropriate. The clinician determines which tests apply to the assessment.

Cost and Provincial Coverage

TeleTest STI consultations start at $49. The consultation fee covers the clinical assessment, requisition, result review, and follow-up. Eligible laboratory tests are covered when provincial insurance requirements are met. Uninsured tests may have a separate laboratory fee.

Patients without provincial coverage can still use the service but must pay the laboratory for the tests. Current private prices are listed in the lab test price directory.

How Long Results Take

Turnaround depends on the test and laboratory. TeleTest publishes current timing based on anonymized patient results. Chlamydia and gonorrhea results are generally available sooner than HIV and syphilis serology.

Privacy

TeleTest results are stored in the TeleTest patient portal and are not automatically sent to your family doctor. Testing is confidential but not anonymous because laboratory requisitions and prescriptions require patient identification.

Reportable infections must be reported to public health under provincial law.

When Online Testing Is Not Appropriate

Online STI testing does not include a physical examination. Seek in-person care for severe pain, significant swelling, fever, pelvic pain, testicular pain, extensive sores, pregnancy-related concerns, or other symptoms that require an examination. Use emergency services for urgent symptoms.

Public sexual health clinics may provide free testing and anonymous HIV testing. Availability, appointment requirements, and services vary by clinic.

Start an STI testing assessment to receive a clinician-reviewed testing plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an STI test without a family doctor? Yes. A TeleTest clinician can issue a laboratory requisition when testing is clinically appropriate.

Can I receive a requisition the same day? TeleTest reviews STI assessments the same day in most cases. A requisition is issued after clinical review when testing is appropriate.

Will TeleTest prescribe treatment? A clinician can prescribe when a result and the clinical assessment support treatment.

Will results be sent to my family doctor? No. TeleTest does not automatically send results to your family doctor.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician for personal health decisions.

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