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STI services

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Time To Test service

If you:

Call 93416200 to book a Time to Test

 

Some reading before you arrive:

  • TAG tests for men who have sex with men
  • NETs tests for heterosexuals
  • Sex worker tests for sex workers

 

Walk-in Triage service

If you:

  • Have genital symptoms
  • Have been asked to come back to MSHC
  • Need PEP
  • A person you recently had sex with was diagnosed with an STI    
  • Need wart treatment 
  • Have referral from a doctor
  • Have experienced a recent sexual assault

Walk in during our opening hours

After you have registered your visit, you will be asked to wait outside until the nurse/ doctor calls you on the phone.

This is necessary as we are not able to maintain social distancing if clients are waiting inside.

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring an umbrella if necessary.

Find out more about what happens during your visit

 

COVID Screening

All patients and visitors to Melbourne Sexual Health Centre will be screened for COVID symptoms and have their temperature taken on arrival.

 

Mask/ face coverings

All patients and visitors to Melbourne Sexual Health Centre will be required to wear a mask/ face covering in line with current Alfred Health and Department of Health Victoria requirements.

 

Stay home

You must not come to Melbourne Sexual Health Centre if you:

  • Are waiting on the results of a COVID test
  • Are positive for COVID
  • Have been asked to isolate or quarantine due to COVID
  • Have a fever or symptoms such as sore throat, cough, shortness of breath

Call us 93416200 to talk about your STI concerns first

 

 

FAQs

How far in advance can I call for a Time To Test?

Time To Test bookings are provided for either the same day, or the following day:

  • Call from 8.30 a.m. and we will aim to offer you any available booking for that day
  • Call after 1.30 p.m. to book into the next morning
  • You can call after 1.30 p.m. on Friday to book a Time To Test on Monday morning

What are genital symptoms?

  • Discharge from your penis, anus or vagina
  • Genital or anal rash, lumps, ulcers or sores
  • Pain when you pass urine / pee
  • Deep pelvic pain with vaginal sex

Tip: A sore throat is not a genital symptom.

I don’t have symptoms, but I want to get checked for STIs

If you do not have genital symptoms and want to be tested, you will need to phone the centre on 93416200 before you visit.

When you call, one of our sexual health nurses will give you a Time To Test - either to attend the same day or the following. In some cases, we may help you find a GP.

We will not be able to see you if you arrive without an assigned time slot.

Note, this does not apply to the Green Room Service

I have symptoms and think I may have an STI

If you have genital symptoms, you can walk in and wait. You do not have to phone ahead if you have any of the following symptoms

  • Discharge from your penis anus or vagina
  • Genital or anal rash, lumps, ulcers or sores
  • Pain when you pass urine / pee
  • Deep pelvic pain with vaginal sex

Tip: A sore throat is not a genital symptom.

Last time I visited, I was able to walk in and wait. Why do I need to phone first?

Due to increasing demand for our service, some people were spending lengthy periods in our waiting area before they can be seen - or even asked to come back the next day.

By phoning ahead, we can let you know if we can see you that day, and approximately when that will be.

What is a check-up for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)?

These tests are when you want testing for STIs and have no symptoms, just routine testing.

What is the cost?

Services at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre are free for everyone, including international visitors.  No medical insurance is necessary. If you are referred to a service outside MSHC for further testing, some costs may apply.

Medicare

Bring your Medicare card if you have one. If you do not have a Medicare card, you can still get free sexual health care.

I have been given a Time To Test slot. What next?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your Time To Test so that you have time to sign in.  Bring your Medicare card if you have one.

You will not be required to see the triage nurse on arrival.

Register at the touch screen terminal and chose the appointment option.

If you are more than 5 minutes late, we will ask you to reschedule.

While we will do our best to see you promptly, you may spend some time waiting for your tests and we thank you for your patience.

Do I need to see the triage nurse when I arrive?

If you have booked a Time To Test you will not need to see the Triage Nurse.  You will need to see the Triage Nurse on arrival if:

  • You need a translator (LOTE, hearing impaired)
  • We have asked you to attend
  • You have symptoms (see above)
  • You need PEP
  • Your doctor has sent you in
  • A person you have had sex with has told you they have an STI and you’d like to attend our service for treatment
  • You have experienced a sexual assault

I don’t have symptoms, I’m nearby the centre, can I just drop in for an STI test?

No.  You need to phone us to book a Time To Test before coming in. 

What happens if I’m late for my Time To Test booking?

We will try to see you, but you may need to re-schedule or even call again for another time.

Can I book if I have symptoms?

No. If you have symptoms, please attend the walk-in service, or visit your GP.

I have insurance, can I use it at MSHC?

MSHC is a free service and you do not need health insurance.  If a GP service is better for you, check with your insurance provider to find out how you can use your insurance at a GP.

Can I see a GP for screening tests?

Yes any GP can test you for sexually transmissible infections. It may be easier for you to get to a GP service in your area for these routine tests.

www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

Will a GP know what to test for?

The GP can go to our website to find out, or you can let the GP know by visiting our website yourself.

Your GP can also ring our centre to speak to one of medical specialists.

www.checkyourrisk.org.au/

 

Do I have to pay for a GP?

If you have Medicare and go to a bulk billing GP you will not have to pay. Check here to find a GP

www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

What happens if I go to a GP and I don’t have Medicare?

You will have to pay  a fee at a GP service, call the practice to find out what that cost is.  If you have health insurance, your insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Check with your insurance company to find out.