I was recommended to FPA Women's Health because I was told they also provide STI/STD testing for…read moremen and that I would receive great care. Unfortunately, my experience was quite the opposite.
To start, the front desk staff were friendly and informative when explaining my insurance coverage. I was told that the Family PACT program would cover my STI/STD testing. I explained that I needed blood work, a urine test, and a swab. I completed the blood and urine testing, but things took a turn when the nurse, Elsa, came in to speak with me.
I was already going through a very difficult and vulnerable situation. I had learned that my partner tested positive for an STI, which raised serious concerns about infidelity and my own health. I came to the clinic looking for medical care, guidance, and reassurance. Instead, I felt uncomfortable and unsupported during an already stressful moment.
Elsa told me that my insurance would not cover the swab and that treatment would also come with a cost if I tested positive. When I brought up doxycycline, I was told that prescribing it was not their policy. She then left the room, returned, and suddenly said she could treat me and prescribe doxycycline after all. I was left confused about what was covered, what the clinic's policies actually were, and why I had to go through this back-and-forth just to understand my options.
What bothered me most was how uncomfortable the interaction felt. As a gay man seeking sexual health services, I expected to be treated with the same compassion, respect, and professionalism as any other patient. Instead, I left feeling judged and unwelcome. I cannot speak to what Elsa intended, but the interaction left me feeling that way, and it was the last thing I needed while dealing with such a personal situation.
At the end of the visit, she returned with a bag of condoms and handed them to me in a way that felt dismissive rather than welcoming. By that point, I was so upset that I just wanted to leave.
Unfortunately, the experience continued after I left. I had left work early for the appointment and forgot to request a doctor's note. I called the clinic hoping they could email me a confidential note, as I had been able to obtain from Planned Parenthood in the past. I was left on hold for approximately 12 minutes, and by the time I was still waiting, the clinic had closed at 5 p.m.
Overall, this was an extremely disappointing experience. I understand that insurance coverage and treatment policies can have limitations, but those things should be communicated clearly, consistently, and compassionately. Patients should not have to feel uncomfortable or unsupported when seeking confidential sexual health care, especially when they are already dealing with a stressful personal situation.
I appreciate the kindness of the front desk staff, but my overall experience was so upsetting that I will not be returning. I hope the clinic takes this feedback seriously and works toward making every patient, including gay men seeking STI/STD services, feel respected, safe, and genuinely cared for