1274. The PrEP Care Continuum Among an Uninsured Patient Population
Abstract Background Despite the clear preventive benefits of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), uptake among populations at highest risk of HIV acquisition has been limited by lack of health insurance and access to care. In March 2018 we opened a free PrEP clinic for those without insurance. We pr...
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Published in | Open forum infectious diseases Vol. 6; no. Supplement_2; pp. S458 - S459 |
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Main Authors | , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
US
Oxford University Press
23.10.2019
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Abstract
Background
Despite the clear preventive benefits of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), uptake among populations at highest risk of HIV acquisition has been limited by lack of health insurance and access to care. In March 2018 we opened a free PrEP clinic for those without insurance. We provide HIV prevention services, following the CDC guidelines, with PrEP case manager navigation, medical management, and medication for at-risk individuals free of charge.
Methods
Half-day clinics were organized on a twice-monthly basis with supervision provided by two infectious disease specialists and several other licensed providers/fellows, with supporting case managers and medical assistants. Medical students were enlisted to help organize and manage patient visits. All patient visits were preceded by discussion with case managers to document insurance status, followed by a sexual history and general physical examination by medical students and supervisory licensed providers. We performed all laboratory testing, diagnostics, and follow-up visits per CDC guidelines.
Results
From March 2018 to 2019, 193 self-identified at-risk patients scheduled an appointment; 157 unique patients were seen and all deemed eligible for PrEP per CDC guidelines. Of those eligible for PrEP, 140 (89%) received a prescription and started emtricitabine/tenofovir and 115 (73%) remain in care with ≥2 visits completed. Of the 25 no longer in care at our clinic, 6 have insurance or Medicaid (2 continue to be seen in our insured PrEP Clinic), 1 reports no HIV risk factors, and 1 is over-income for pharmacy patient assistance. Patients enrolled in clinic are largely male (145, 92%); 74% age ≤ 34, a disproportionate fraction belonging to a minority racial/ethnic group (67, 43%), with a majority Latinx (60, 38%). A total of 48 STI cases were identified, mostly rectal chlamydia, rectal and pharyngeal gonorrhea 39 (81%), and 9 (19%) cases of syphilis, and no new HIV or HCV infections. At the first visit, 17% of our patients have an STI and at subsequent visits 22% have a new STI.
Conclusion
Implementation of a free PrEP clinic for uninsured patients is a feasible and effective strategy to reach key populations at risk for HIV. STI rates are high in our population and increased after starting PrEP.
Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures. |
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ISSN: | 2328-8957 2328-8957 |
DOI: | 10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1137 |