Columbia Health Center
8930 Stanford Blvd
Columbia, MD 21045
United States
Our Services
Howard County Health Department provides Sexual and Reproductive Health Services to Howard County women, men and teens and LGBTQIA+ communities. At our clinics there is no residency requirement, no one is turned away because of ability to pay, services are confidential, and there is no need for parental consent, regardless of age.
We have both onsite and telehealth services available and we always accept new patients. Call us for more information: 410-313-7500.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic Schedule
| Day | In-Person Clinics | Telehealth Services |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Call for availability |
| Tuesday | 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Call for availability |
| Friday | No Clinics | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Location: 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045
Call 410-313-7500 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins/call-ins always accepted when a provider is available. (Se habla español.)
We see uninsured or underinsured clients. Payments for services are based on a sliding fee scale. We accept Medical Assistance Plans and Managed Care Organizations (MCO), Visa, Mastercard, Discover or cash. Commercial insurances are accepted, but HCHD is out-of-network with all commercial insurances. Have questions about what an in-person or telehealth visit may cost you? Call us for a good faith estimate at 410-313-7500.
Health Clinic Information
Title
Our Services
Content
- Reproductive (Sexual) Health Education for Men and Women
- Pre-conceptual (pre-pregnancy) Health Counseling
- Gynecological Exams
- Birth Control Choices: Oral Contraceptives, Depo-Provera, Paragard IUD, Mirena IUD, Nexplanon and additional birth control choices available by prescription
- Condom Distribution Program
- Pregnancy Testing
- Emergency Contraception - Plan B
- Breast Examinations and Mammogram Referrals
- Pap Screening and Colposcopy Services
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine - Ages 11-26
- Smoking Cessation (Quitting) Classes
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- HIV/AIDS
- Expedited Partner Therapy
Title
Telehealth Services
Content
Telehealth services are available through our reproductive health program by appointment only. Don't have an appointment? Call for a same day appointment, when a provider is available. Use your own smart phone or computer to have a visit with our clinicians without having to leave home! (Don’t have a smart phone? If you have medical assistance, you may be eligible for a free smart phone and data plan.)
Schedule a telehealth appointment if you are interested in:
- Speaking to a provider about STI testing, STI test results, or STI treatment options.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.
- Getting started on birth control or changing your birth control method.
- Planning a pregnancy within the next year.
Call us 410-313-7500 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Image
Funded by OPA/OASH/HHS
Title
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Content
We provide testing and/or treatment for:
STI testing is Monday through Friday by appointment only.
Call our office at 410-313-7500.
For additional information visit the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Program webage.
Title
HIV/AIDS Testing & Counseling
Content
We provide ANONYMOUS and CONFIDENTIAL HIV/AIDS testing.
Testing is free and occurs every Friday (9:30am-3:00pm), appointments preferred, but walk-ins are welcome
Call us at 410-313-7500 to make an appointment.
Visit the HIV/AIDS webpage for more information.
Image
Title
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Content
Prep can reduce your risk of HIV infection from sex by 99% with only 1 pill a day.
Title
Condom Distribution Program
Content
The Health Department offers FREE safer sex supplies, including condoms, lubricants, internal condoms, and dental dams, to all Howard County residents! Fill out this form and we will mail you the supplies you need in a discrete envelope.
Telehealth FAQs
Title
What services are offered via Telehealth?
Content
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening and education
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
- Birth Control method starts, changes, and counseling
- Pre-conception counseling (for those planning a pregnancy within the next year)
Title
What do I need for a telehealth visit?
Content
- A charged smartphone or internet enabled device with working sound and video
- A secure, reliable internet connection
- The appointment link texted to you by the Health Department
- A quiet, private space where you feel comfortable discussing your sexual history
- Optional: Any at-home monitoring supplies for tracking heart rate, blood pressure, or weight (e.g. Smartwatch/FitBit, personal BP cuff, scale) available and ready to use
Title
How do I know if I’m eligible for Telehealth?
Content
- If you are a current or previous Howard County Health Department Family Planning, STI, or PrEP patient, you are eligible for Telehealth.
- New patients may also be eligible! Call us at 410-313-7500 for more information.
Title
Are Telehealth visits covered by insurance? What if I’m uninsured?
Content
- If you are insured, telehealth visits may be covered by your insurance.
- For those who are uninsured or who have questions about their coverage, call us at 410-313- 7500 and we will review your options, as well as give you a Good Faith Estimate for the potential cost of services.
Title
How do I schedule a telehealth visit?
Content
Call us at 410-313-7500 to schedule an appointment. Same day visits are often available!
Title
How do I get started with my telehealth visit?
Content
- 10 minutes before your appointment time, click the link you received from the Health Department to join the meeting. This will take you to the ‘Check-In’ screen.
- Type your First and Last Name and Click ‘Check-In.’
- Click ‘Enable Camera’ and then ‘Allow’ when prompted to give Doxy.me access to your Microphone and Camera. After this you will be brought in to your provider’s waiting room.
- When the provider starts your visit, you will be notified that the visit is beginning and he or she will automatically appear on your screen.
- If a provider does not join your appointment within 15 minutes of your appointment time, please call 410-313-7500 for assistance.
Title
What can I expect at my telehealth visit?
Content
During the visit the provider will:
- Review your medical history, including symptoms, new or chronic health conditions, allergies, and any medications you currently are taking
- Conduct a virtual exam
- Provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations, as well as any pertinent health education
- Place orders for any needed follow-up testing and/or electronically send any prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy
We are committed to providing you the same high-quality, patient-centered care you’d receive at an in-office visit!
Title
What should I do if I’m having trouble connecting to the telehealth visit?
Content
- Make sure the browser you are using (e.g. Chrome, Safari, Firefox) is updated to the newest version.
- If you are having trouble connecting your video or audio, check the camera and microphone settings on your device.
- If you are having trouble staying connected to your at-home Wi-Fi, try disconnecting other devices from your network. Also, make sure that you are in range of your Wi-Fi signal meter. Walls and furniture can block Wi-Fi and disrupt your connection.
- If you are having trouble staying connected to Wi-Fi on your mobile device, try turning off your Wi-Fi and using your cellular data instead.
- If you are still having trouble connecting, call the clinic Front Desk at 410-313-7500 for assistance.
Title
What if I need to come to the Health Department for testing or follow-up after my telehealth visit?
Content
During your telehealth visit, the provider will let you know if an in-person follow-up appointment is recommended. After your telehealth visit, a staff member will reach out to you to schedule your in-person appointment. If you have not received a call within 1 business day or if you’d like to schedule your appointment sooner, please call our clinic Front Desk at 410-313-7500.
Same day appointments for follow-up testing or treatment are often available!
Title
What if I develop new symptoms or my condition gets worse after I schedule my telehealth visit?
Content
- Call the clinic Front Desk at 410-313-7500 to check whether a telehealth or in-person appointment is best for your changing situation.
- If you feel that you are in distress and need immediate medical care, please dial 911 or go to the closest emergency department.
Title
Are interpretation services available during a telehealth visit?
Content
- Yes! We have access to medically trained audio interpreters in 200+ languages. Interpreters can join the call within minutes to provide confidential and linguistically appropriate services to ensure that you can fully participate in your care.
Title
Can I do a telehealth visit while I am traveling?
Content
- It depends. You do not have to be at home, but you must be in the state of Maryland during your telehealth visit.