Do I need insurance to receive HIV care at DAP Health?
No. DAP Health provides HIV care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. We offer a sliding-scale payment system and financial assistance programs to ensure you receive the care you need and deserve. Our team will help you navigate insurance and medication coverage options.
What should I expect at my first HIV care appointment?
At your first visit, you’ll meet with a provider who specializes in HIV. They will review your medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and create a personalized care plan. This may include lab tests, medication options, and referrals to support services like case management or mental health counseling. We strongly believe in a rapid start model of care that ensures you get access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately.
What is antiretroviral therapy (ART), and do I have to take it for life?
ART is an HIV treatment that helps lower the virus in your body to undetectable levels. It can be taken daily in pill form, or via a long-lasting injection given in a clinical setting, depending on a patient’s specific case. When taken consistently, ART allows you to stay healthy and thrive. It also prevents transmission to others (Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U).
While HIV is a lifelong condition, advances in medication have made it easy to manage with proper treatment.
Can I switch my HIV medication if I experience side effects?
Of course. If you experience side effects from your current medication, your provider can adjust your treatment. Our on-site pharmacy team works with you and your provider to find the best medication for your needs.
Does DAP Health offer HIV prevention services like PrEP and PEP?
Yes. We provide free PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) consultations. PrEP is a daily pill (or long-lasting injection) that prevents HIV, while PEP is an emergency medication that can be taken within 72 hours of exposure. Our team will guide you through eligibility and access options. Learn more about our free PEP and PrEP services here.
What does it mean that DAP Health is a status-neutral clinic?
Everyone who comes to DAP Health is encouraged to be tested for HIV. Those patients whose test is reactive (positive) are started immediately on ART treatment to ensure a long, healthy life and the impossibility of transmitting the virus to others.
For those who do not have a reactive (positive) result, we educate you on the benefits of HIV prevention medications. We all have a status, and we are all in this together. We at DAP Health cannot wait to provide you HIV care.
