Talking about STDs is hard. Talking about transmission risks and possibilities can be even harder. However, with the creation of VerifiedMD, having these important conversations can be a little less difficult.

Developed in partnership with BioReference, the largest full-service specialty lab in the United States, VerifiedMD allows patients to utilize a concierge testing service to receive testing and verification about one’s STD status through a unique VerifiedMD badge, which one can show to a potential partner to verify their all-clear STD status.

“We understand the importance of open and honest conversations about sexual health among partners. We also understand how uncomfortable those conversations can be,” Marc Cohen, an M.D., Board Certified Urologic Surgeon, and Medical Advisor for VerifiedMD stated. “The VerifiedMD badge makes those conversations a lot easier, and promotes not only personal safety, but community safety.”

How does VerifiedMD work?

VerifiedMD works through a three-step service.

First, one registers and schedules an appointment at a preferred location, which is done 100% online. Your identity will then be confirmed, and samples will be collected by a medical professional at your home or in a nearby lab. Finally, VerifiedMD, in partnership with BioReference, will analyze your test results and send them to you directly to your customer portal within three to five business days, where you will get immediate access to your VerifiedMD Badge if you receive an “all clear” from their physicians.

Why use VerifiedMD?

According to VerifiedMD, sex care is self-care, and is a form of not just respect, but communication for yourself and others. Users who utilize VerifiedMD’s services are encouraged to showcase their exclusive badge with partners, potential partners, and even on their dating profiles. This is a critical and oftentimes barrier-breaking offering for those navigating today’s dating world, where talking about one’s STD status can be awkward.

After you receive your badge, you will be given information that displays your name, your last initial, and your date of testing. It comes with a shareable link that verifies normal testing results without sharing confidential information. Though it remains active for one year, patients are advised to receive quarterly testing to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about their health. Badges also have unique URLs that will expire 12 hours after being shared, and the person you share it with cannot share that link with anyone else.

What does VerifiedMD screen for?

The VerifiedMD test screens for six STDs. These include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.

If you receive a positive test result on any of your tests, you will receive a follow-up call from a Wheel Provider Group physician to discuss your diagnosis. Patients are advised to answer calls from unknown numbers in the days following their appointments and to stay conscious of any follow-up treatments that may be necessary, especially if they test positive for an STD. It is recommended that you share your test results with your physician to receive adequate care if you are diagnosed.

With VerifiedMD, you have one less barrier to not just conversations about your sexual health, but in receiving access to services to make you aware of it. If you, or someone you know, could utilize VerifiedMD’s services, consider scheduling an appointment with them today.