Finding a doctor that prescribes PrEP

[757neg4poz]

I discussed PrEP with my primary care doctor and she didn't seem to hear about it. She only could find out of date studies on it in her medical literature. I gave up dealing with her and asked to see an infectious disease doctor at the local medical school since they would seem to be on top of medical breakthroughs. Was that a bad idea? I'd like her to stay on as my doctor for my general issues, so I don't really want to change doctors.

Edited August 7, 2014 by bethmygibbons

[lower_bucks_bottom]

Seems like a good idea to me. You might also try http://directory.poz.com/

[rawTOP]

I suggest finding a GP who will prescribe it. I find it really useful to see a doctor every 3 months. Let's me deal with a host of little things that would otherwise get ignored. If the doctor you see is only there to talk to you about PrEP - that's far less productive.

[fillmyholeftl]

I just returned from a visit with my I.D. Dr with my new (HIV-) BF... we've been dating a few months, something very new to me. We both want to take this thing to next level & he wanted to explore PreP. He is beginning the lab tests etc... I am thrilled to have a guy, who thinks so much for me that he'd go to this length instead of just bailing out !!

[757neg4poz]

I suggest finding a GP who will prescribe it. I find it really useful to see a doctor every 3 months. Let's me deal with a host of little things that would otherwise get ignored. If the doctor you see is only there to talk to you about PrEP - that's far less productive.

I don't live in a very big metro area. I wish it were easy as that. I live near Virginia Beach where Pat Robertson and his Christian Broadcasting Network are broadcasted. I'm thinking after I graduate from community college that I'll attend school near DC. I still live with my parents and lied to my mother about having multiple sex partners just to test the waters; she unsurprisingly freaked out. Edited August 7, 2014 by bethmygibbons

[Guest JizzDumpWI]

I discussed PrEP with my primary care doctor and she didn't seem to hear about it. She only could find out of date studies on it in her medical literature. I gave up dealing with her and asked to see an infectious disease doctor at the local medical school since they would seem to be on top of medical breakthroughs. Was that a bad idea? I'd like her to stay on as my doctor for my general issues, so I don't really want to change doctors.

My ID doc for PrEP is separate from my primary doc. But primary is aware and gets all test records. I set it up that way...

[curiousaboutbb]

Here is a doctor that prescribes prep. He is in Richmond which I know is a couple hours away. I would bet his office could direct you to someone in va beach who prescribes it.

michael edmond at vcu- he's part

of the internal medicine dept. :-)

http://www.people.vcu.edu/~medmond/patient_care.html

[fskn]

If you like your PCP for routine medical care, don't be shy, ask her again!

It could be as simple as bringing a copy of the FDA's Truvada for PrEP prescribing guidelines (easy to get on the Web). You could even bring references to the iPrEx and iPrEx OLE studies (again available on the Web).

If she's a good doctor, her ego can't be so big that she'd be closed to new information. On the other hand, steer clear of her for any medical care if she really isn't able to negotiate the online journal database at your nearest medical library, let alone perform a Google search.

[rawTOP]

I don't live in a very big metro area. I wish it were easy as that. I live near Virginia Beach where Pat Robertson and his Christian Broadcasting Network are broadcasted. I'm thinking after I graduate from community college that I'll attend school near DC. I still live with my parents and lied to my mother about having multiple sex partners just to test the waters; she unsurprisingly freaked out.

Then educate the doctor. Take materials that explain the process of what needs to be done. It's not rocket science - it's just some simple blood tests to monitor. In other words, if you like your GP, ask them to step up and figure it out.

[757neg4poz]

I stepped in the infectious disease clinic today and discovered that apparently they have only had one patient on PrEP before. I called my insurance and they said Truvada should be covered. The intake nurse said the test for HIV they use for recent exposure might not be covered however. I'm hoping when I see the ID doc, he could educate my GP on PrEP.

[backpackguy]

It's not unusual for a GP or Internal Medicine doc not to be up to date on PrEP, mine wasn't. When I met with her I had already researched PrEP on the CDC website and had red several articles: some in the gay media and others in the straight media. When my doc professed her general ignorance, I quickly brought her up to speed. She was impressed and thanked me for the info. She then asked if it was ok for her to consult with their ID specialist. (I get my medical work done st Stanford University Med Center.) I welcomed the opportunity. The ID specialist asked to meet with me for a one time consult, asked a number of Qs and prescribed PrEP. (My HIV tests (both), STD tests and other blood work had already been completed and was negative. My GP now handles the routine 3-6 month follow-ups and will be prescribing my future PrEP prescription. I have now been on PrEP for 5 months and have already had one 3 month follow-up (w/accompanying blood tests. My insurance company covers the Truvada, leaving me with a $35 monthly co-pay.

[tallbtm]

Gilead (Truvada's manufacturer) will even cover your insurance co-pay if you're in the U.S. It was really easy to sign up. See http://www.gileadcopay.com Most pharmacies simply process your Gilead card as co-insurance resulting in $0 cost to you. If your pharmacy can't process the card, Gilead will reimburse you for the co-pays.

For those without insurance who want to go on PrEP, start here: http://www.truvada.com/truvada-patient-assistance

[757neg4poz]

Gilead (Truvada's manufacturer) will even cover your insurance co-pay if you're in the U.S. It was really easy to sign up. See http://www.gileadcopay.com Most pharmacies simply process your Gilead card as co-insurance resulting in $0 cost to you. If your pharmacy can't process the card, Gilead will reimburse you for the co-pays.

For those without insurance who want to go on PrEP, start here: http://www.truvada.com/truvada-patient-assistance

Thanks for the info, but I'm on Medicaid so I'm not eligible.

The ID doc is seeking pre-approval for his labs, but one test really stuck out for me: I dunno why they need to run an HIV genotype if I haven't tested positive?

[Guest kazore]

I took an apointment with a doctor on september 10.  I couldn't go with the doctor that was recommended to me, so the secretary took the appointment with another doctor. They don't know me.

Should I ask for prep right away? Should I say I come for a check-up and then ask for prep?

How long the process takes?

[757neg4poz]

Finally saw the ID doc and we did the blood work then. He will call it in at the pharmacy if my tests come back normal. He seems to be of the old school and insists I use condoms in addition to PrEP.