Gonorrhea rates are about 54% lower than US average in Hidalgo County. Whether you need testing after a potential exposure or as part of routine care in McAllen, Texas, consider if you prioritize cost, speed, or convenience. Below are your options.
11 testing centers serve McAllen, TX — the nearest, Asas Health, about 2.2 miles away. Compare 8 community and public clinics, private labs, and at-home kits below.
Listings tagged Community health center are federally funded health centers and rural clinics that treat everyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay — required to bill on a sliding fee scale and provide confidential care, and in many states minors may consent to their own STI testing. A Title X tag flags centers funded for confidential family-planning services; confirm current participation when you call.
Today's offer: $10 off any test panel — applied automatically at checkout.
When can I test? Exposure-window calculator
Testing too soon can miss an infection. Enter the date of possible exposure to see the earliest a test can reliably detect each STI.
Infection
Earliest reliable test
Conclusive after
Guidance only — confirm timing with a clinician. A negative result before the conclusive date may need a repeat test.
Most reviewed
2.2 miles
Asas Health
★★★★★4.5(225 reviews)?
Review sources
EasySTD reviews225
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 225 reviews
About 2 miles northeast of McAllen in McAllen: ASAS Health takes appointments and handles STI testing, treatment, and prevention vaccines in a single visit. It's ideal for anyone seeking affordable care on a sliding scale, with Medicaid and insurance accepted.
Read full overviewShow less
Book ahead for a complete visit
ASAS Health requires an appointment, so call or schedule online before you go. Once there, you can get tested, treated if needed, and vaccinated—all in one trip. That structure means less back-and-forth and clearer planning if you're juggling work or other commitments.
Tests and same-visit treatment for bacterial STIs
The clinic screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis and can treat those infections on the spot. It also tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and TB. HPV and hepatitis A vaccines are available, along with family planning services and STI prevention education.
Sliding scale makes it affordable
There is a fee, but ASAS Health uses a sliding scale so cost adjusts to your income. Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance are all accepted. Donations are also welcome if you're able to contribute.
Best for people with insurance or steady income
If you have Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, ASAS Health is a straightforward choice. Even without coverage, the sliding scale keeps it accessible. The appointment model works well if you can plan ahead and prefer a structured visit.
About 2 miles southeast of McAllen in McAllen: Valley AIDS Council offers free HIV testing and free STI screening, with sliding-scale fees for other services and full insurance acceptance—ideal for anyone seeking affordable, judgment-free care whether insured, uninsured, or paying out of pocket.
Read full overviewShow less
Free testing, sliding scale for the rest
HIV testing and STI screening are free. For everything else—treatment, PrEP, vaccines, substance abuse support—the clinic uses a sliding scale based on income, and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. No one's turned away by cost.
Tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia
You can get rapid or conventional HIV testing, plus screening for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Bacterial infections are treated on-site the same visit. The clinic also manages HIV care, offers PrEP for prevention, and provides hepatitis A and B vaccines.
Appointments required; Spanish spoken
You'll need to call ahead to book. Staff speak Spanish, so interpretation isn't a barrier if that's your preference.
Best for anyone seeking affordable STI and HIV care
Whether you're insured, uninsured, or on a tight budget, Valley AIDS Council removes the cost worry. If you also need substance abuse treatment or ongoing HIV management alongside testing, this is a single place to get it all.
About 2 miles southeast of McAllen in McAllen: Hidalgo County Health and Human Services offers STI testing and treatment on a sliding-scale fee structure, accepting Medicaid and Medicare. It's built for anyone seeking affordable, locally rooted sexual health care with same-visit bacterial STI treatment and prevention education.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale makes it accessible
A visit here costs what you can afford—sliding-scale fees apply across the board, and Medicaid and Medicare are accepted. If you're uninsured or paying out of pocket, the scale adjusts to your income, removing the guesswork about whether you can walk in.
Tests for the main four, treats on the spot
You'll be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and conventional HIV, plus TB. Bacterial infections—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are treated the same visit if positive. HIV and TB results require follow-up, but the clinic manages both with ongoing care and prevention counseling built in.
Vaccines and prevention woven in
Beyond testing, the clinic offers HPV and hepatitis A vaccines, adult hepatitis B vaccination, and family planning services. Partner notification and condom distribution are part of the visit, so prevention isn't an afterthought—it's standard.
Appointments required; Spanish and interpretation available
You'll need to schedule ahead rather than walk in. Spanish is spoken on-site, and interpretation services are available for other languages, so language won't block access.
About 4 miles southeast of McAllen in McAllen: El Milagro Clinic uses a sliding-scale fee structure—Medicaid is accepted, and uninsured patients pay based on income—making testing and treatment accessible regardless of ability to pay. It's ideal for anyone needing STI screening, hepatitis testing, or vaccines without worrying about cost.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale means you pay what fits your budget
El Milagro Clinic charges on a sliding scale, so your fee depends on your income; Medicaid is accepted, and if you're uninsured, you won't be turned away for lack of funds. That structure removes the guesswork from seeking care.
Tests and treatment happen in one visit
The clinic screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, rapid and conventional HIV, hepatitis B and C, and TB. Bacterial STIs are treated on-site the same day; HIV and hepatitis results are managed with counseling and referral to ongoing care. HPV and hepatitis A vaccines are available, along with hepatitis B vaccination for adults.
Walk in anytime—no appointment needed
You can arrive without scheduling ahead, which works well if your schedule is unpredictable or you need testing urgently. Spanish-language services are offered, and staff provide STI and HIV prevention education alongside testing.
Best for uninsured and low-income patients
If you're paying out of pocket or on Medicaid, El Milagro's sliding scale and acceptance of both make it a practical choice. It's also a solid option if you prefer walk-in access and want vaccines bundled with your screening.
About 6 miles southeast of McAllen in San Juan: Nuestra Clínica del Valle is a community health center offering STI testing, treatment, and prevention alongside family planning and vaccines—all with Spanish-language support and sliding-scale fees. It's built for anyone seeking affordable, culturally grounded sexual health care with an appointment.
Read full overviewShow less
A community clinic with real accessibility
Nuestra Clínica del Valle serves the whole community with sexual health care rooted in language and affordability. You'll book an appointment, and when you arrive, staff speak Spanish and understand the barriers that keep people away from testing. This is a place designed for the people who live here, not a drop-in urgent-care model.
Testing and treatment in one visit
The clinic screens for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and HIV, and can treat bacterial infections—gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis—on the same day. Alongside testing, you can access HIV counseling, STI prevention education, and TB prevention guidance, so a single appointment can address multiple health needs.
Prevention and vaccines included
Beyond testing, the clinic offers HPV and hepatitis A vaccines, plus adult hepatitis B vaccination, as part of a full sexual health picture. Family planning services round out the offerings, so reproductive and sexual health are genuinely integrated.
Sliding scale makes it work
There is a fee for visits, but it's on a sliding scale—Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance are all accepted, so cost adjusts to what you can actually pay. That structure is what makes a clinic like this stay open to everyone, regardless of coverage.
Listing verified Mar 2026 · source: CDC NPIN + HRSA
Tests offered
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Herpes
Chlamydia
Conventional HIV
Serves
Low Income Persons
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Persons with STI
Care services
Family Planning
STI Treatment
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
Prevention services
TB Prevention/Education
STI Prevention/Education
HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
HIV Test Counseling
Fees & payment
Medicaid Accepted
Sliding Scale
Medicare Accepted
Fee
Insurance Accepted
Community health center
26.2 miles
Su Clinica
★★★★★4.5(85 reviews)?
Review sources
EasySTD reviews85
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 85 reviews
About 26 miles east of McAllen in Santa Rosa: Su Clinica offers STI testing and treatment on a sliding scale, accepting Medicaid and insurance—making it accessible whether you're insured or paying out of pocket. It's ideal for anyone needing affordable sexual health care with Spanish-language support.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale means you pay what fits your budget
Su Clinica charges on a sliding scale, so your cost depends on income; they also accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans. If you're uninsured or underinsured, you won't face a flat fee—the clinic adjusts the bill to what you can actually afford.
Tests for the infections that matter most
You can get screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and TB in one visit. Bacterial STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated on site the same day; HIV and TB results take longer and are managed with follow-up care and counseling.
Vaccines and prevention built into the visit
Beyond testing, Su Clinica offers HPV and hepatitis A vaccines, plus hepatitis B vaccination for adults. They also provide condoms and education on STI and HIV prevention, so a single appointment can cover screening, treatment, and the tools to stay healthy.
Book ahead; Spanish spoken
You'll need to schedule an appointment rather than walk in. Spanish-language services are available, making it easier if that's your primary language.
About 34 miles northeast of McAllen in Raymondville: Texas Department of State Health Services offers STI testing and treatment on a sliding scale, with Medicaid and Medicare accepted. It's built for anyone seeking affordable sexual health care who can schedule an appointment.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale means you pay what fits
Testing and treatment here run on a sliding-scale fee, and Medicaid and Medicare are accepted. If you're uninsured or paying out of pocket, the clinic adjusts the cost to your income, so cost alone won't block you from getting tested.
Tests for the most common infections
The clinic screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, and can treat bacterial STIs the same visit you're tested. HIV testing is available too. Beyond testing, you can get the HPV vaccine and hepatitis A and B vaccines here, plus family planning services.
Appointments required; Spanish spoken
You'll need to call ahead to schedule—walk-ins aren't an option. Spanish interpretation is available, so language won't be a barrier to care.
Best for those with time to plan ahead
If you have a few days to book an appointment and need affordable testing with vaccine options, this clinic delivers. It's especially useful if you're on Medicaid or Medicare, or if you need to discuss family planning alongside STI care.
11 testing centers serving McAllen and Hidalgo County — screening for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Rapid HIV, Conventional HIV, TB.
Community health center
Listings tagged Community health center are federally funded health centers and rural clinics that treat everyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay — required to bill on a sliding fee scale and provide confidential care, and in many states minors may consent to their own STI testing. A Title X tag flags centers funded for confidential family-planning services; confirm current participation when you call.
Source: CMS FQHC & Rural Health Clinic enrollment files (data.cms.gov), refreshed quarterly. Title X status reflects the latest OPA grantee list.
How we rank: vetted partner labs (clearly marked Sponsored) appear first; every other center is listed free and ordered by verified review score, then distance.
Premium Partner
Clinical Pathology Labs
Editor's pick
Results in 1–2 days
★★★★★4.5(183 reviews)?
Review sources
EasySTD reviews183
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 183 reviews
3401 West Alberta Road, Edinburg, TX, 78539
3.4 miles away
Testing too soon can miss an infection. Enter the date of possible exposure to see the earliest a test can reliably detect each STI.
Infection
Earliest reliable test
Conclusive after
Guidance only — confirm timing with a clinician. A negative result before the conclusive date may need a repeat test.
Asas Health
Most reviewed
★★★★★4.5(225 reviews)?
Review sources
EasySTD reviews225
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 225 reviews
About 2 miles northeast of McAllen in McAllen: ASAS Health takes appointments and handles STI testing, treatment, and prevention vaccines in a single visit. It's ideal for anyone seeking affordable care on a sliding scale, with Medicaid and insurance accepted.
Read full overviewShow less
Book ahead for a complete visit
ASAS Health requires an appointment, so call or schedule online before you go. Once there, you can get tested, treated if needed, and vaccinated—all in one trip. That structure means less back-and-forth and clearer planning if you're juggling work or other commitments.
Tests and same-visit treatment for bacterial STIs
The clinic screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis and can treat those infections on the spot. It also tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and TB. HPV and hepatitis A vaccines are available, along with family planning services and STI prevention education.
Sliding scale makes it affordable
There is a fee, but ASAS Health uses a sliding scale so cost adjusts to your income. Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance are all accepted. Donations are also welcome if you're able to contribute.
Best for people with insurance or steady income
If you have Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance, ASAS Health is a straightforward choice. Even without coverage, the sliding scale keeps it accessible. The appointment model works well if you can plan ahead and prefer a structured visit.
5128 North 10th Street, Mcallen, TX 78504
2.2 miles away
About 2 miles southeast of McAllen in McAllen: Valley AIDS Council offers free HIV testing and free STI screening, with sliding-scale fees for other services and full insurance acceptance—ideal for anyone seeking affordable, judgment-free care whether insured, uninsured, or paying out of pocket.
Read full overviewShow less
Free testing, sliding scale for the rest
HIV testing and STI screening are free. For everything else—treatment, PrEP, vaccines, substance abuse support—the clinic uses a sliding scale based on income, and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. No one's turned away by cost.
Tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia
You can get rapid or conventional HIV testing, plus screening for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Bacterial infections are treated on-site the same visit. The clinic also manages HIV care, offers PrEP for prevention, and provides hepatitis A and B vaccines.
Appointments required; Spanish spoken
You'll need to call ahead to book. Staff speak Spanish, so interpretation isn't a barrier if that's your preference.
Best for anyone seeking affordable STI and HIV care
Whether you're insured, uninsured, or on a tight budget, Valley AIDS Council removes the cost worry. If you also need substance abuse treatment or ongoing HIV management alongside testing, this is a single place to get it all.
PrEP
300 South 2nd Street, Suite 101 Mcallen, TX 78501
2.4 miles away
About 2 miles southeast of McAllen in McAllen: Hidalgo County Health and Human Services offers STI testing and treatment on a sliding-scale fee structure, accepting Medicaid and Medicare. It's built for anyone seeking affordable, locally rooted sexual health care with same-visit bacterial STI treatment and prevention education.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale makes it accessible
A visit here costs what you can afford—sliding-scale fees apply across the board, and Medicaid and Medicare are accepted. If you're uninsured or paying out of pocket, the scale adjusts to your income, removing the guesswork about whether you can walk in.
Tests for the main four, treats on the spot
You'll be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and conventional HIV, plus TB. Bacterial infections—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are treated the same visit if positive. HIV and TB results require follow-up, but the clinic manages both with ongoing care and prevention counseling built in.
Vaccines and prevention woven in
Beyond testing, the clinic offers HPV and hepatitis A vaccines, adult hepatitis B vaccination, and family planning services. Partner notification and condom distribution are part of the visit, so prevention isn't an afterthought—it's standard.
Appointments required; Spanish and interpretation available
You'll need to schedule ahead rather than walk in. Spanish is spoken on-site, and interpretation services are available for other languages, so language won't block access.
300 East Hackberry, Mcallen, TX 78501
2.4 miles away
About 4 miles southeast of McAllen in McAllen: El Milagro Clinic uses a sliding-scale fee structure—Medicaid is accepted, and uninsured patients pay based on income—making testing and treatment accessible regardless of ability to pay. It's ideal for anyone needing STI screening, hepatitis testing, or vaccines without worrying about cost.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale means you pay what fits your budget
El Milagro Clinic charges on a sliding scale, so your fee depends on your income; Medicaid is accepted, and if you're uninsured, you won't be turned away for lack of funds. That structure removes the guesswork from seeking care.
Tests and treatment happen in one visit
The clinic screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, rapid and conventional HIV, hepatitis B and C, and TB. Bacterial STIs are treated on-site the same day; HIV and hepatitis results are managed with counseling and referral to ongoing care. HPV and hepatitis A vaccines are available, along with hepatitis B vaccination for adults.
Walk in anytime—no appointment needed
You can arrive without scheduling ahead, which works well if your schedule is unpredictable or you need testing urgently. Spanish-language services are offered, and staff provide STI and HIV prevention education alongside testing.
Best for uninsured and low-income patients
If you're paying out of pocket or on Medicaid, El Milagro's sliding scale and acceptance of both make it a practical choice. It's also a solid option if you prefer walk-in access and want vaccines bundled with your screening.
901 Vermont Avenue East, Mcallen, TX 78503
3.8 miles away
About 6 miles southeast of McAllen in San Juan: Nuestra Clínica del Valle is a community health center offering STI testing, treatment, and prevention alongside family planning and vaccines—all with Spanish-language support and sliding-scale fees. It's built for anyone seeking affordable, culturally grounded sexual health care with an appointment.
Read full overviewShow less
A community clinic with real accessibility
Nuestra Clínica del Valle serves the whole community with sexual health care rooted in language and affordability. You'll book an appointment, and when you arrive, staff speak Spanish and understand the barriers that keep people away from testing. This is a place designed for the people who live here, not a drop-in urgent-care model.
Testing and treatment in one visit
The clinic screens for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and HIV, and can treat bacterial infections—gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis—on the same day. Alongside testing, you can access HIV counseling, STI prevention education, and TB prevention guidance, so a single appointment can address multiple health needs.
Prevention and vaccines included
Beyond testing, the clinic offers HPV and hepatitis A vaccines, plus adult hepatitis B vaccination, as part of a full sexual health picture. Family planning services round out the offerings, so reproductive and sexual health are genuinely integrated.
Sliding scale makes it work
There is a fee for visits, but it's on a sliding scale—Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance are all accepted, so cost adjusts to what you can actually pay. That structure is what makes a clinic like this stay open to everyone, regardless of coverage.
Sliding-scale
806 West 3rd Street, San Juan, TX 78589
5.5 miles away
About 26 miles east of McAllen in Santa Rosa: Su Clinica offers STI testing and treatment on a sliding scale, accepting Medicaid and insurance—making it accessible whether you're insured or paying out of pocket. It's ideal for anyone needing affordable sexual health care with Spanish-language support.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale means you pay what fits your budget
Su Clinica charges on a sliding scale, so your cost depends on income; they also accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance plans. If you're uninsured or underinsured, you won't face a flat fee—the clinic adjusts the bill to what you can actually afford.
Tests for the infections that matter most
You can get screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and TB in one visit. Bacterial STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated on site the same day; HIV and TB results take longer and are managed with follow-up care and counseling.
Vaccines and prevention built into the visit
Beyond testing, Su Clinica offers HPV and hepatitis A vaccines, plus hepatitis B vaccination for adults. They also provide condoms and education on STI and HIV prevention, so a single appointment can cover screening, treatment, and the tools to stay healthy.
Book ahead; Spanish spoken
You'll need to schedule an appointment rather than walk in. Spanish-language services are available, making it easier if that's your primary language.
Sliding-scale
Hwy 107 And LA Feria Avenue, Santa Rosa, TX 78593
26.2 miles away
Family Planning · Medication Adherence Education and Counseling · Substance Abuse Treatment · STI Treatment · Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) · Hepatitis A Vaccine · Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
Prevention services
TB Prevention/Education · STI Prevention/Education · HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education · HIV Test Counseling · Condom Distribution
About 34 miles northeast of McAllen in Raymondville: Texas Department of State Health Services offers STI testing and treatment on a sliding scale, with Medicaid and Medicare accepted. It's built for anyone seeking affordable sexual health care who can schedule an appointment.
Read full overviewShow less
Sliding scale means you pay what fits
Testing and treatment here run on a sliding-scale fee, and Medicaid and Medicare are accepted. If you're uninsured or paying out of pocket, the clinic adjusts the cost to your income, so cost alone won't block you from getting tested.
Tests for the most common infections
The clinic screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, and can treat bacterial STIs the same visit you're tested. HIV testing is available too. Beyond testing, you can get the HPV vaccine and hepatitis A and B vaccines here, plus family planning services.
Appointments required; Spanish spoken
You'll need to call ahead to schedule—walk-ins aren't an option. Spanish interpretation is available, so language won't be a barrier to care.
Best for those with time to plan ahead
If you have a few days to book an appointment and need affordable testing with vaccine options, this clinic delivers. It's especially useful if you're on Medicaid or Medicare, or if you need to discuss family planning alongside STI care.
174 South 13th Street, Raymondville, TX 78580
34.0 miles away
Beyond the public testing sites above, these federally certified (CLIA) labs serve Hidalgo County — each lab's town is shown on its card below. Many
test through a doctor's order or by appointment rather than walk-in, so call ahead to
confirm STD/STI testing and availability before visiting.
Showing the 6 closest CLIA-certified labs in Hidalgo County.
Source: CMS CLIA registry (Provider of Services), Q1 2026. Federal public records, filtered to active labs
certified for moderate-to-high-complexity testing — the level chlamydia/gonorrhea NAAT and syphilis serology
require — near McAllen. Any star rating is the CMS Hospital Compare overall rating where the lab is a rated
hospital. Inclusion is not an endorsement and doesn't confirm a facility offers STD testing — always call to verify.
Test from home
At-home STD testing in McAllen, TX
The nearest testing center is about 2 miles away — if you'd rather skip the
trip, an at-home kit ships to McAllen, you collect the sample privately, and mail it back to a CLIA-certified
lab. Results come online in days, with a clinician available if anything is positive. Same labs as a clinic,
no waiting room — and you can read how accurate at-home STD tests are before you order.
Want a free option first? The CDC-supported
TakeMeHome
program mails free at-home HIV self-test kits — and, in many areas, free STI kits — to your door, with no insurance or payment needed. The paid kits below add broader panels and faster turnaround.
Best range — couples & full panels
myLAB Box
$79 & up
Screens for:
Up to 14 infections — incl. HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis & herpes
Every kit uses CLIA-certified labs. At-home testing is for screening; a reactive result should be confirmed and
treated by a clinician. Prices and panels shown are illustrative and change often — confirm current details on
the provider's site.
Local clinicians
Doctors near McAllen who can order STD testing
Beyond dedicated clinics, 458 primary-care, OB-GYN, infectious-disease
and other clinicians practice within 30 miles of McAllen — any of them can order a confidential STD panel as
part of a regular visit, and 100 offer telehealth.
These are licensed clinicians who can order STD testing during a visit — not dedicated STD-testing clinics.
Confirm services and availability before booking. Source: CMS Doctors & Clinicians (Medicare-enrolled providers).
Local context
About McAllen, TX
McAllen (Hidalgo, Texas) is a large city, where many households speak limited English, making bilingual care valuable, and the nearest town over is Palmhurst. About 30.3% of adults hold a college degree. With appointments in demand, mail-in kits and telehealth offer a quicker, private route.
ZIP 78573 snapshot
Inside McAllen's ZIP code
These ZIP-level Census figures show the demographics that shape testing demand in McAllen.
Residents
42,874
Median age
28.7
Median income
$51,185
Getting there
How residents reach testing in McAllen
Walkability5.13 / 20 · Least walkable
At 5.13/20 on the EPA walkability index, day-to-day errands in McAllen generally mean driving — plan on a car or rideshare to reach a clinic, and check each listing's hours and phone before you go.
Source: EPA National Walkability Index 2021.
Have symptoms?
Do I have an STD?
Use our confidential symptom checker to see which STDs match your symptoms — and which tests are recommended near McAllen.
Here's how reported STI rates in Hidalgo County — the county that includes McAllen — compare with Texas and U.S. averages, based on the most recent 2023 surveillance data.
An estimated ~29% of Hidalgo County residents are aged 15–34 (ACS) — the age group with the highest reported chlamydia and gonorrhea rates nationally, which is why local screening access matters here.
Lower chlamydia rate than 30% of the state's 254 counties (ranked #78)
Reported STD rates per 100,000 — Hidalgo County vs Texas vs U.S.
Hidalgo CountyTexasU.S.
Infection
Hidalgo County
Texas
United States
Chlamydia
392.23,524 cases▼ 20%
491.9
492.2
Gonorrhea
82.8744 cases▼ 53%
176.4
179.5
Syphilis (P&S)
9.384 cases▼ 38%
15
15.8
Syphilis (early)
13.5121 cases▼ 49%
26.4
16
Syphilis (late/unknown)
32.7294 cases▼ 26%
44.3
29.5
Rates per 100,000 population, 2023. Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus (county, state & U.S., all-ages basis). Population figures: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. County figures are the latest available surveillance estimates. Bars are scaled to the highest rate shown.
Reading these numbers: reported case rates only count infections that were actually tested for and diagnosed, so they track local screening effort as much as true spread — a higher rate can reflect more testing, a lower one less. Either way, most STIs cause no symptoms, so treat the figures above as context rather than a verdict, and test on the CDC's schedule regardless of how your area looks.
Reported STD rates in Hidalgo County over time (per 100,000)
Chlamydia ▼ 11% vs 2022
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis (P&S)
Between 2020 and 2023 in Hidalgo County, chlamydia has risen from 358.4 to 392.2 per 100,000 (9%), gonorrhea has risen from 71.1 to 82.8 per 100,000 (16%), and P&S syphilis has risen from 3.8 to 9.3 per 100,000 (145%).
The 2020 dip reflects reduced pandemic-era screening, not lower transmission. Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus (county, state & U.S., all-ages basis).
Community health context
What shapes testing access in and around McAllen
Adults uninsured
39.4%
No routine checkup
29.5%
Binge drinking
17.1%
Frequent mental distress
18.9%
Depression
20.6%
Below poverty line
24%
Primary-care ratio
2,158 : 1
Hidalgo County
Primary-care shortage score 20 / 26
Medically Underserved Area · IMU 58.5
Social Vulnerability Index · 98th percentile nationally
Sources: CDC PLACES (ZIP), County Health Rankings, CDC/ATSDR SVI, HRSA HPSA, HRSA MUA/P, Neighborhood Atlas ADI. Lower insurance coverage, fewer routine checkups, and a thin primary-care ratio all raise the value of low-cost public clinics and at-home testing in Hidalgo County.
Local HIV snapshot
HIV in Hidalgo County (2023)
People living with HIV
270 / 100k
New diagnoses (2023)
108
On PrEP (coverage)
36.3%
Hidalgo County HIV care continuum (2023)
Hidalgo County recorded 15.3 new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 (2023), against 20.2 statewide and 13.7 nationally.
Among Hidalgo County residents living with HIV, 77.3% are in care · 71.4% are virally suppressed.
Early, routine testing is what moves these numbers — it is the entry point to PrEP, treatment, and viral suppression.
Sources: AIDSVu (Emory/Gilead) · CDC AHEAD · CDC AtlasPlus · CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus (county care continuum). The CDC recommends everyone aged 13–64 test for HIV at least once — every lab and clinic listed above offers HIV testing, and free rapid HIV testing is available at the county health department.
Pregnant or planning to be?
Congenital syphilis — passed from parent to baby in pregnancy — is the fastest-rising STI in the country.
U.S. cases climbed from 2,163 in 2020 to 3,882 in 2023.
It is almost entirely preventable: the CDC recommends a syphilis test at the first prenatal visit, and every clinic and lab listed for Hidalgo County tests for syphilis.
Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus, 2023 (county-level congenital syphilis is not published).
Compiled and checked by EasySTD's editorial team against CDC and public-health sources. This is educational information, not a substitute for advice from a licensed clinician. Our editorial guidelines →
Two quick references for getting tested in Hidalgo County: the CDC's screening schedule (who should test, and how often) and the detection "window" for each infection (the earliest a test can reliably detect it). Select any infection to open its in-depth testing guide — every clinic and lab listed above for McAllen screens for them.
Who should get tested, and how often
Based on current CDC screening recommendations.
Group
Tests
How often
Everyone aged 13–64
HIV
At least once
Sexually active women under 25
Chlamydia, gonorrhea
Every year
Women 25+ with new or multiple partners
Chlamydia, gonorrhea
Every year
Pregnant people
HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C, chlamydia
Early in pregnancy
Gay & bisexual men (MSM)
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV
Every 3–6 months
Anyone who shares injection equipment
HIV, hepatitis B & C
At least yearly
All adults at least once
Hepatitis C
At least once
When to test: STD detection windows
Testing too early can return a false negative — confirm timing with a McAllen-area provider.
These are the federal Medicare reference prices for processing each lab test. Public clinics and the
community health centers serving McAllen often test free or on a sliding scale; private labs and at-home kits
bundle several tests into one fee. Use this as a per-test benchmark before you pay out of pocket, or see the full
guide to STD test costs for insurance, free, and at-home options.
Test
Reference price
CPT / HCPCS
Chlamydia (NAAT)
$47.80
87491
Gonorrhea (NAAT)
$47.80
87591
Trichomoniasis (NAAT)
$47.76
87661
HIV-1/2 antigen/antibody
$79.20
87389
HIV-1/2 antibody
$22.44
86703
Syphilis (RPR/VDRL)
$5.61
86592
Syphilis (treponemal antibody)
$17.49
86780
Herpes (HSV NAAT)
$47.76
87529
Hepatitis B surface antigen
$15.33
87340
Hepatitis C antibody
$29.16
86803
Source: Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, CMS — 2025 rates (data.cms.gov). Reference rate for the lab assay only — a clinic visit, sample collection, or a
bundled multi-test panel may cost more. Medicaid and most insurers cover STD screening at no out-of-pocket cost.
Prevention & treatment
PrEP, prevention & online treatment
Testing is one step. For residents of McAllen, telehealth covers the rest of the picture — HIV-prevention
medication (PrEP) and DoxyPEP to lower future risk, and discreet online treatment if a result comes back
positive. All prescribed by licensed U.S. clinicians.
Prevent (PrEP & DoxyPEP)
Daily or on-demand medication that prevents HIV — and DoxyPEP, which lowers the risk of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Mistr
Free online PrEP & DoxyPEP — HIV prevention, home lab kits, no in-person visit
Pricing varies by insurance and changes often — confirm on the provider's site. These services are not a
substitute for emergency care.
Privacy
Confidentiality & consent in Texas
The questions McAllen residents ask most before testing, answered under Texas law — which sets confidentiality and consent the same way statewide. Prefer to keep your name off the record? See our guide to anonymous STD testing.
Can a minor consent?
In Texas, a minor of any age can consent to confidential STI testing and treatment on their own — no parental permission is required.
Will it show on my insurance?
If you use health insurance, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) may be mailed to the policyholder. Under HIPAA you can ask your insurer in writing to send communications confidentially. To keep a test fully private, choose a self-pay private lab, an at-home kit, or a public health clinic — none of these bill your insurance.
Anonymous & no-insurance options
Public health clinics and at-home kits let you test without involving insurance or your regular doctor. Many Texas health departments offer free or low-cost STI testing, and several sites provide anonymous HIV testing.
Can my partner be treated too?
Yes. Texas permits Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT): if you test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, your provider can give you medication to pass to your partner — no separate exam or appointment needed for them.
Source: Guttmacher Institute — Minors' Access to STI Services; HIPAA 45 CFR 164.522; CDC — Legal Status of Expedited Partner Therapy (last updated Jul 2025). General information, not legal advice.
Good to Know
STD testing FAQs for McAllen, TX
Answers to the questions people ask most before getting tested.
Can I get tested near Palmhurst instead?
Possibly — Palmhurst is close; compare it by distance against Asas Health.
Does Medicaid cover STD testing?
Medicaid generally covers STD testing, and public clinics test for free regardless of coverage.
Is there free STD testing near McAllen?
Yes — Asas Health (2.2 mi) offers free testing, and public clinics serve the uninsured.
Which tests are offered near McAllen?
Local options test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Rapid HIV — a full panel covers the common ones.
How common is chlamydia in Hidalgo County?
About 392 cases per 100,000 residents (2023), below the Texas average.
Do syphilis sores heal by themselves?
The sore can disappear on its own even though the infection remains; only testing confirms it's gone.
Should I test again after being treated?
A retest around 3 months after treatment is recommended for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
What's included in a standard STD panel?
A full panel typically covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C.
Can I be vaccinated against any STIs?
HPV and hepatitis B vaccines prevent those infections — ask a provider if you're due.
Can rectal pain or discharge be an STD?
Yes — rectal symptoms can come from chlamydia or gonorrhea; ask for a rectal swab if you had anal exposure.
