How much would a doctor visit cost without using insurance and how do I go about it?

Question

I think my girlfriend may have a vaginal infection, Possibly "BV," We're both underage and trying to go get a checkup on our own without our parents. We're always careful and I have been together for years, I just want to make sure she's alright. How do I go about this? What cost are we looking at without insurance?
Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

If you go to the Department of Health for your state (if you're in the US) or if you go to the Ministry of Health (UK) you can get free confidential screening.

You don't need to tell them your age, your real name, or anything of that nature (although they ask you for it, you can tell them that you don't want to give it to them, they won't refuse to check you out and give you treatment.. which by the way is also free)

If you want to go to a specialized doctor (ob/gyn) it would cost no more than 100$ for the appointment & testing. If you go to a general Physician, they can only give you meds, but they won't be able to give you a full checkup, for about $50-$75.


I suggest going to the Department of health, because if she does have it, Treatment for it is Free! and it's really confidential.

Answer 2

A primary care provider, such as a Family Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner or Physican Assistant, should be able to diagnose and treat this. The cost of an office visit varies generally running 75$ and up, not including the cost of any prescriptions, which can run the same. If it's simple candidiasis, an OTC antifungal, like Monostat, costs about $17.00. For bacterial vaginosis, a more costly anitbiotic is required. But first, she has to be diagnosed so don't jump the gun and assume anything.

Call and make an appointment. When asked about insurance, say "She's a cash patient" and you'll be told what the price of the visit will be. If there is an NP or PA (as might be in a group practice), ask to be scheduled with one of them. The cost will be less.

Answer 3

Registered "Doctor's Offices" are usually VERY expensive without insurance. I can't really give you an estimate as every doctor's charges are different. What I will suggest though is A) search online YOURSELF for any possible thread related to BV (a lot of medical websites out there...this is a good one http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html)
Also, if you MUST go somewhere, go to a local "clinic". They may be a little cheaper than going to an actual insurance-registered Rx.

Another little piece of advice...YOUR UNDERAGE. You have not "been together for years". If you were, you were most likely playing in a sandbox in her backyard with Tonka Toys when you were 4 years old. If you MUST play around, then use protection and don't do anything stupid. Not saying this to piss you off, but for your own good.

Answer 4

You could always call the doctor's office and ask. You could also talk with the insurance company and see if they will "back cover" appointments that take place within a certain time period prior to official coverage. Some will, some won't. Our pediatrician tells me I shouldn't worry so much about ear infections. He says they will usually go away on their own and antibiotics are more for easing the parent's mind than the child's pain. Tylenol or other pain fighting medication, a warm wash cloth to soothe the affected ear, and some TLC will clear it up as well as an antibiotic. I don't know about you, but I still worry so it's up to you whether you think he must be seen or not.

Answer 5

OMG....you have been together for "years" and yet you are still minors? Dear God.

If your girlfriend has an issue with her vagina, then SHE has to go to the doctor. The doctor cannot tell her parents that she is having sex (unfortunately). If she is tested for and has a sexually transmitted disease (which means one of you-or both-have been with someone else) then you BOTH have to be treated. If neither of you has ever been with anyone else, then she probably has a yeast infection. She can go to the store and get some Monistat. She can try that first and see if it makes it go away. If not, then she will have to see the doctor. It's expensive if she is going to pay cash. About $150 for the doctor office visit and another $200-$300 for lab testing to check for STDs.

Answer 6

At my local Planned Parenthood, a GYN exam costs $85, including a Pap Smear. They often provide lower cost services to poorer people as well, so you can ask about that when you go in.

FYI, a lot of vaginal infections are not directly related to your sexual behavior. Infants and young virgin girls can get bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Going to her regular physician with an infection is not equivalent to admitting sexual activity.

Answer 7

They would have to send you a bill, anyway, because the amount owed would depend on the tests they run, the length of time the doctor sees her, anything else they would have to do. Or, sometimes you can go to the health department and many cities have places younger people can go that is anonymous and they don't have to tell your parents. Your local health department would be able to tell you/her.

Answer 8

Good Luck, lots of Dr's cannot see minors without parental consent. If it is just a vaginal infection tell her to use vagisal and monistat 7 you can buy them at stores and drug stores. Just don't be intimate until it clears up?

Answer 9

I might suggest you to try this website where onel can compare rates from different companies: http://INSURE-HELP.COM/index.html?src=5YAhih52VaKMtd1

RE :How much would a doctor visit cost without using insurance and how do I go about it?
I think my girlfriend may have a vaginal infection, Possibly "BV," We're both underage and trying to go get a checkup on our own without our parents. We're always careful and I have been together for years, I just want to make sure she's alright. How do I go about this? What cost are we looking at without insurance?
Thanks for your help.
Follow 10 answers

Answer 10

I would prefer that your gf talk to her Mom and have her help with this. But if you won't go to your parents, then you can get a free OBGYN exam and HIV/AIDS and STD testing, plus pregnancy testing, at any free clinic or at Planned Parenthood.