HIV Positive Resources

healthcare provider helping patientThe STD/HIV Program has developed activities and resources to assist healthcare providers in the public and private sectors to integrate routine HIV testing as a part of patient care. These activities will also help facilitate linkage to HIV specialty care for newly identified HIV infected patients.

Appropriate healthcare settings for implementation of routine HIV testing include:

  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Specialty care clinics (e.g., ob/gyn, TB)
  • Community clinics (e.g., homeless, substance abuse)
  • Inpatient care (e.g., labor and delivery)
  • Correctional healthcare facilities
  • Pediatric/prenatal care clinics
  • Other primary care settings

CDC Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults and Adolescents in Healthcare Settings

CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people infected with HIV are unaware that they are infected…and 54% of new sexually transmitted HIV infections in the US originate from HIV infected persons who are unaware of their infection.

CDC Recommendations urge providers to include HIV testing as a routine part of healthcare for all patients 13 – 64 years of age regardless of their risk. Routine HIV testing ensures that:

  • More people learn about their HIV infection
  • Those who learn about their infection will benefit from earlier access to treatment
  • There is a reduction in the risk of further transmitting HIV to others
1. What are my responsibilities as a medical provider?

Disclose confirmed HIV positive result to patient. If you need disclosure assistance you may contact Darryl Lampkin, Supervisor, 650-573-3643.

Report confirmed new HIV infections. 

HIV/AIDS is a reportable disease, as mandated by Title 17 California Code of Regulations (CCR).

Please complete the HIV/AIDS Case Report Form as thoroughly as possible.  Report by fax or mail within 7 working days.

Fax:     (650) 573-2919
Mail:    San Mateo County Health System
           Attn:  STD/HIV Program
           225 W. 37th Avenue
           San Mateo, CA  94403

2. What information can I provide to my patient?

- CDC National HIV/AIDS Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
- AIDS/HIV Nightline 1-800-628-9240 or 415-434-AIDS (434-2437)
- HIV Health Info Line  1-800-822-7422 or 415-558-9051
- Women Alive  1-800-554-4876
- Crisis Management Hotline 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-784-2433

3. Technical Assistance Activities

Staff Development/Presentation: STD/HIV Program personnel have developed and will conduct an onsite interactive presentation designed to enhance understanding of routine HIV testing in healthcare settings.  The presentation provides the following:

  • An overview of the CDC’s Recommendations for Routine HIV Testing in Healthcare Settings
  • Information and techniques to integrate HIV testing into a primary care visit
  • Review of  how to disclose HIV test results to patients
  • Resources and information for linkage and referral to HIV care as well as support services for HIV diagnosed patients

Technical Assistance: the goal of technical assistance is to build capacity of healthcare sites to effectively link HIV-positive patients to a continuum of care and services.

STD/HIV Program staff is available to conduct the following services onsite at healthcare sites:

  • Disclosure to HIV-positive patients
  • Linkage to and retention in HIV primary care
  • HIV prevention counseling and support
  • Partner counseling, testing, and referral services

For information about technical assistance services and/or to request a presentation or other assistance, contact Darryl Lampkin, Community Program Supervisor at 650-573-3643 or dlampkin@smcgov.org.

4. Online Resources and Hotline Information

A list of resources, information, and hotlines useful to healthcare providers to assist with managing HIV testing, referral, and linkage to care for HIV-positive patients.