planned parenthood

[megz17.livejournal.com]

Hey guys, I'm usually a lurker, but I just had a question.

I just sent in a request online for an appointment at Planned Parenthood for an annual exam (I haven't had one in about 2 years) and to be tested for STI/STD's, just to be on the safe side. I've heard that it is free, but their website said it's only free for low income patients, is it expensive if you aren't? Do you have to have health insurance? What are their doctors like, are they good?

I've only gone to one gyno, and that was the doctor that came to my university every month to do check ups on the students, so I was just hoping to get some feedback from some of you that have had exams at Planned Parenthood.

I'm going to the Seattle Clinic in Washington if any of you have been there too.

Thanks in advance!

Comments

[klemptor.livejournal.com]

mod request

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

Hi there. I've noticed you tend to bold comments - could you please not do that in the future? We like all posts/comments to be a standard font size/color, as it's easier on the eyes. For more information on why it matters, check out this section of our FAQ: http://www.vaginapagina.com/faq.php#ReadyToPost

Thanks!

Jen
for the VP team
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Re: mod request

[klemptor.livejournal.com]

Sorry about that - force of habit. It just makes it easier for me to find my posts quickly. But I'll keep it in mind for the future.

(I'd seen that in the past, by the way, and assumed it was only directed at original posts, not comments. You may want to make that more clear.)

[tynkrxbell.livejournal.com]

I went last year before my insurance kicked in and it wasn't terrible but definately more expensive than I was hoping. I think total I spend 70 or 80 bucks, but that was for the visit and three months of birth control. The doctor I saw was very warm and friendly, asked a lot of questions and answered any of the ones I had. However I have heard of some folks having very negative experiences at planned parenthoods. I guess it just depends on which one you go to.

[geminigirl]

Because Planned Parenthood's funding sources differ greatly around the country, the services they can offer for free or a reduced fee, or even whether or not they can offer those services for free or a reduced fee varies greatly from place to place. Your best source of information for your question would be to call your local Planned Parenthood and find out, or check out their website and see what they offer.

[paperstar19.livejournal.com]

Again, each Planned Parenthood is different, so you'd be best off calling the location you will be going to and asking them about finances.

I've never been to PP, but I know the Seattle area ones are quite heavily booked. However, if you happen to be a UW student they will be about ten thousand times better than the student health center. I have heard many a horror story about women's health there.

[whoa-breathe.livejournal.com]

Ugh yes, avoid the UW health center at all costs.

The people there are (generally) inept and rude, as has been discussed in the UW livejournal community to a great extent. (I think there were over 100 complaining comments)

Prolem is that in this area, free care is limited to one year only. This makes me angry...like you're only allowed to be poor and responsible for a year.

Here's the info: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/wwsgn/files/wwsgn/Free_Birth_Control.xml

You can get to the Western Washington PP home page through that link also.

P.S.

[whoa-breathe.livejournal.com]

I may be wrong about the "one year only" bit...it does say "for each years that you qualify" but I've known people that have difficulty qualifying after the first year, when their financial situations have not changed.

[burn-bright.livejournal.com]

My Planned Parenthood expieriences have been nothing but positive (plus I've know many girls who have great stories as well). They are kind, helpful, professional, and all women. I'm a student so all my exams we're free. I highly recommend them! Good luck!