Hey @tea, great topic! Yes, online testing is a thing! 🙂
Online testing allows you to print a referral form, skip talking to a doctor or nurse, and go straight to a pathology centre to get tested. (Pathology centres are those places you drop-in when your doctor sends you to give a blood or other sample). It means no appointment, no examination and no sexual health discussion. Results are usually given over the phone. It’s a great option for people just wanting a simple STI check. People who have symptoms or who have a sexual partner who has recently been diagnosed with an STI should still visit a doctor or clinic.
@tea link you provided is for people in WA only. There are option in NSW though! For example, people in inner city Sydney can get bulk-billed testing through stitest.org.au. That means if you have a Medicare Card it’s free. There are also private companies that offer similar services that are open to anyone in NSW, however fees apply (this is sometimes still cheaper for people who don’t have Medicare than visiting a GP).