What is a resource center?
How do the pregnancy tests work?
What does the STD testing involve?
How soon will I get my STD results?
Will my visit be confidential?
Do I need an appointment?
What happens during an ultrasound?
What if I am pregnant? What do I do next?
How much does everything cost?
Where is LifeChoices located?

What does the center look like?

What is a resource center?

LifeChoices is a medical clinic and resource center. We exist to equip men and women with the knowledge and resources they need in order to make healthy choices for life. We provide our clients with accurate information regarding all pregnancy options - abortion, adoption, and parenting. Another resource we offer to our clients is STD testing and treatment. It is our goal that clients will leave our center with accurate medical information of the health risks that are out there, and feel good about their future choices.

How do the pregnancy tests work?

These tests are highly sensitive urine-based tests that can be confidentially used to indicate pregnancy. For more information about these tests, click here.

What does the STD testing involve?

The STD testing offered at LifeChoices Medical Clinic is a program that typically involves two visits.  At the first visit, you will receive STD education from a trained individual, and will have opportunity to talk with our trained medical staff so they can answer any questions you may have.  Also at the first visit, a specimen(s) will be collected for lab testing.  As the medical staff determines, some medical treatment can be administered at the time of the first visit. 

The second visit occurs about 2 weeks after the first.  You will again meet with a member of our professional, medical staff.  Your results will be discussed and may involve an exam by a physician, if needed. 

The LifeChoices Medical Clinic of Joplin, Missouri offers medical services pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases.  Women will be offered a pelvic exam.  Additionally, information on health care as it pertains to sexually transmitted diseases and related subjects will be provided.

The LifeChoices Medical Clinic does not charge for most services, including medical care. Specimens collected are sent to a laboratory. Free testing offered during the first two visits include: HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Yeast for female clients, and HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia for male clients.

Further lab testing for Hepatitis, HPV, Herpes, and Pap tests can be done, but are not covered under free services. Laboratory fees for these tests are passed to you at our cost and are due at the time of testing.  For more on this click here.

How soon will I get my STD results?

You will return approximately 2 weeks after your first visit.  Your results, and possible need for retesting, will be discussed with you.

Will my visit be confidential?

Absolutely. LifeChoices Medical Clinic and Resource Center has a very strict confidentiality policy. We will not tell anyone about your visit unless you give us permission to do so. When you enter LifeChoices, you can be assured that we will do all we can to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.  If you are concerned about confidentiality (because you might know someone who works here), you can email our Clinic Director personally by clicking here. She will work with you to set up a time that you feel is safe for you to come in. LifeChoices will hold in confidence all the information that you provide except in the following instances: if you are homicidal, suicidal, under age and being abused, or abusing someone else. In cases such as these, we are required by state law to report such instances.

Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins may be possible for pregnancy testing.  If we have an opening available, we will be glad to work you in.  In order to minimize your wait time, you may call to check availability at 417-624-8030.  One of our staff will be ready to assist you.

In order to be tested for STDs, you must have an appointment.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-ins for STD testing.  To set up an STD appointment, simply call us at 417-624-8030, and one of our staff will set up an appointment with you.

What happens during an ultrasound?

We are only able to offer limited obstetric ultrasounds. Your volunteer counselor and the medical staff will determine if you meet specific guidelines which would qualify you for a free ultrasound. (These qualifications are not related to your income or monetary status.) If you do qualify, one of our female nurses will go over some of your medical history and get an estimated date of delivery.

What if I am pregnant? What do I do next?

Finding out you are pregnant, especially when it is unexpected, can be very shocking and difficult to handle at first.  LifeChoices offers many services that can provide you with the tools and information you need to make the best choice for you. We can provide you with information regarding all of your options (abortion, adoption, parenting), some medical services (pregnancy tests/verifications, STD/HIV Testing and Treatment, limited ultrasounds), and community referrals.

How much does everything cost?

Our pregnancy tests are free of charge, as well as most of our STD tests. However, there are a few tests that require a minimum fee to cover lab costs. Here is a break down of our services and their fees:

* Please note, repeat testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia may incur a charge of $20.

Where is LifeChoices located?

LifeChoices is located just off of 7th Street, between Main Street and Rangeline, under the viaduct.

Directions from Main Street: Turn East on 7th Street. Go through 2 stoplights, then turn Left onto Kentucky. Immediately after you turn left, take the first service road on your right. Go all the way to the end. LifeChoices is the second-to-last building on this road. (We have a green roof.)

Directions from Rangeline: Turn West on 7th Street. Go 1.9 miles (over the viaduct) until you see Kentucky. Turn Right on Kentucky, then take the first Right after that. Follow the road all the way to the end. We are the second-to-last building on this road. (Look for the green roof.)

Directions from I-44: Take Exit 6 and go North. This street is Main Street. Continue going North until you reach 7th Street. Turn Right (East) here. Go through 2 stoplights, then turn Left onto Kentucky. Immediately after you turn left, take the first service road on your right. Go all the way to the end. LifeChoices is the second-to-last building on this road. (We have a green roof.) For a map, click here.