Planned Parenthood Test Results: Notification Process and Next Steps

How Planned Parenthood Communicates Test Results

Yes, Planned Parenthood contacts patients with test results. Their standard practice includes proactive notification for all results—negative and positive—typically via phone call from clinical staff.

Result Notification Protocol

• Negative Results: Usually communicated by phone, secure message, or mail per patient preference
• Positive Results: Always communicated by phone (or in-person) by a clinician or trained counselor—never left on voicemail without callback instructions
• Timing: Varies by test type (rapid: minutes; lab-based: days to weeks)

Comprehensive Support for Positive Results

For positive findings (pregnancy, STI, abnormal cytology), Planned Parenthood provides:

• Immediate clinical consultation and question resolution
• All-options counseling for pregnancy (parenting, adoption, abortion)—non-judgmental, factual
• Treatment or referral for STIs per CDC guidelines
• Follow-up scheduling for abnormal Pap/HPV (colposcopy, repeat testing)
• Partner notification assistance (anonymous options available)
• Insurance navigation and financial assistance programs

Patient Agency

Patients can specify contact preferences (call, text, portal, mail), authorize a support person, and request language interpretation. Confidentiality is maintained per HIPAA and Title X regulations.

Planned Parenthood's model emphasizes informed decision-making and continuous support—not just result delivery.