New method of working at the STI clinic

Dear visitor,

We would like to inform you about the new way of working at the STI clinic.

Making an appointment and completing the medical questionnaire via the internet

The STD clinic of GGD Amsterdam [Public Health Service] has in 2018 started to gradually change the way it works. Meanwhile a number of changes have already been implemented. As a result, we hope to provide you with an even better service. People who make an appointment online for an STI test and/or Sense-appointment, will be asked to complete all the necessary information at home (currently, this information is requested when you are in the consulting room). You will receive a confirmation of the appointment and a QR code by email. You will also be given information about the way we work at the STI clinic.

At the STI clinic: you will have to do more yourself

On the day of your appointment:

• you scan the QR code when you arrive and you will be given a number.
• The reception desk will check and confirm the online information that was provided and will then give you the green light for your consultation. You will then be given the test materials.
• You will do the tests yourself (urine sample and/or swab of your genitals, anus or throat) in the room designated for that purpose. Here you will also be shown an instruction video, explaining how to do the tests.
• Depending on the type of care you require, you will be seen by a doctor's assistant or a nurse. It’s also possible that you will only be asked to do the self-test, without having a consultation with a healthcare professional. Some people will be able to leave the clinic after taking the tests; other people will have to wait for a physical examination, for a blood sample to be taken or for treatment..

This new way of working means that there is more time to talk to those who need it. In most cases, we can give you the results of the STI tests within 2 working days via SMS and/or email

View these two videos:

• the routing at the STI clinic
• how to collect your specimens

Instructive videos:

Routing STI clinic explained

Specimen collection instruction

Renovation

The entrance to the STI clinic will be relocated and you will enter via the main entrance of the GGD [Municipal Health Services], the Nieuwe Achtergracht 100. The renovation (including internal renovations) is planned to take place in the first half of 2019 (April).

Extension of our opening hours

From the second quarter of 2019 we will be open all day. The new opening hours will be: weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 8:30 hours to 17:30 hours and on Thursday evenings until 22:00 hours.

Rapid HIV test: less often

The STI clinic currently carries out two types of HIV tests: the rapid HIV test that gives a result within 30 minutes and a so-called combo HIV test. The rapid test is reliable from 12 weeks after exposure to HIV and the combo test from 6 weeks after exposure. The rapid HIV test in many cases has been replaced by the combo test from May 1st 2018. This doesn't mean that we are going to test fewer people for HIV; it just means that visitors won't have to wait around for half an hour to get the results; our aim is to give you the results of the combo test within 2 working days.

The Citizen Service Number (BSN): not mandatory

Because you can be tested anonymously at the STI clinic, there are no identity checks in place at the moment. As a result, the clinic cannot guarantee that the personal details provided are correct and therefore cannot provide visitors with results on paper. Anonymous clients will remain anonymous and their result are not passed on to third parties.

In the future, in order to be improve communication with other care providers, including GPs, the STI clinic will introduce the Citizen Service Number (BSN) around the start of 2019. Referrals, results letters to GPs/specialists and prescriptions can then be sent securely over the internet, including via ZorgMail*.

Whether or not you give your BSN remains up to you. It is not mandatory and does not affect whether or not you are tested. Your BSN is checked at each visit by means of a valid identity document (passport, ID card or driving licence).

We hope that the above answers your questions.

The STI clinic team

*ZorgMail provides a service for safe mail traffic between health care providers.