What is HIV Care?

HIV Care refers to the comprehensive medical and supportive services provided to indiviuals living with HIV and improving their quality of life.

• Initial Evaluation: Complete a baseline assessment including a physical exam, laboratory tests, and assessment of co-exiting conditions providing a comprehensive evaluation.

• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Suppress the virus, reduce viral load to undetectable levels, and prevent transmission. It is important for patients to adhere to their medication regimen to maintain viral suppression and prevent drug resistance.

• Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up: Continue seeing your healthcare provider regularly.

  • Viral load testing to ensure the effectiveness of your ART.

  • CD4 count testing to assess the immune system’s health.

  • Check-ups to assess overall health and any complications or co-existing conditions.

• Preventive Care: Receive vaccines to prevent infections such as influenza (FLU), pneumonia, and hepatitis.

• Manage Co-Existing Conditions: Treat and prevent infections that take advantage of weakened immune systems. Manage other health issues like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health.

• Patient Education: Promote healthy lifestyle choices including diet, excercise, and smoking cessation. Educate on ways to prevent HIV & STI acquisition including safe sex practices and needle exchange programs.

Dr. Crofoot performs the first HIV test to intiate the first HIV testing program.

How can I get testing for HIV?

Schedule an appointment to talk to your provider. Your provider will complete a risk assessment, suggest specific tests, and discuss the results where your provider will talk about treatment and/or prevention options.

(Also see our STI Testing and Treatment page by clicking here.)