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HIV/AIDS Program

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(415) 353-2119

The UCSF HIV/AIDS Program is one of the most comprehensive AIDS treatment programs in the country. Founded in 1984, the center offers a range of high-quality services in a single location to people living with HIV or AIDS. Our 360: Positive Care Center provides primary care as well as services such as medication and pain management.

We also have four specialized programs to address special needs:

With new medications and combinations of drugs, we help patients live healthier, longer lives. In addition to providing the best possible care and support, we aim to address issues such as HIV and aging, as well as disparities in care for African Americans.

UCSF is also a leader in HIV/AIDS research. Patients may have access to cutting-edge therapies by participating in clinical trials – studies of new medications and other treatments.

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Our Services

Our services include:

  • Patient education about the disease
  • Primary care for patients with HIV or AIDS, including extensive diagnostic tests and consultations with community doctors
  • Body mass assessment and nutritional counseling
  • Counseling to prevent transmission of HIV
  • Laboratory and radiology services
  • Medication services
  • Outpatient surgical services
  • Pain management
  • Physical therapy
  • Sleep management
  • Smoking cessation
  • Social services
  • Support groups

Social Services

Living with HIV or AIDS can create challenges for people in the home and workplace. Our licensed social workers are experts in services that can help. Each patient is offered an initial social service assessment and follow-up as needed.

Other services include counseling, support groups and assistance with enrollment in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, Social Security and Medi-Cal. Our social workers have contacts with community mental health, housing, disability, training and advocacy groups to connect patients with a full array of services.

What to Expect

Appointment Reminders

You will receive a reminder phone call two to three days before your appointment. Please let the front desk or your doctor know if you don't have access to a phone or if you have other requests. If you can't make your scheduled appointment, please call to reschedule.

Billing

We accept most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Medicare. Some plans require a copayment at the time of the visit. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks and credit cards.

Clinic Visits

When you arrive, please register at the front desk so we can update your information and send your chart to nursing for check-in. Please let us know if you have moved, have a new telephone number or have an urgent problem. Your doctor or nurse will call you to begin your visit. Be sure to mention any problems you need addressed. After completing your appointment, our staff at the front desk will help you arrange other appointments or tests.

Laboratory Results

A nurse or doctor will review your lab results. You will be notified immediately if a test indicates an urgent problem. Routine lab results are typically provided during regularly scheduled appointments. If you're concerned about a test result, please tell your doctor or nurse, who can arrange to provide you with the results and any additional information you need. Some results may take up to two weeks. HIV screening results for antibodies are always provided during clinic visits.

Medications

If you have an existing prescription for medication, your pharmacy can provide refills or can call us for refill authorization. You also can call your pharmacy to confirm that your medication is being prepared. Refilling restricted medications and initiating new prescriptions may require a clinic visit. If a written prescription is needed, please notify the clinic a week in advance, if possible, so the prescription can be prepared and your doctor or nurse can arrange to discuss the medication with you. At a minimum, we need two to three days to obtain written prescriptions.

Special Concerns

Please tell your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns about the following:

  • Alcohol and smoking
  • Benefits
  • Childbearing
  • Depression
  • Diet
  • Domestic violence
  • Drug use
  • Fears about your health
  • HIV transmission
  • Medication side effects
  • Pain
  • Pets
  • Talking with your partner
  • Transportation needs
  • Travel
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Your workplace

Urgent Concerns

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, please call the clinic at (415) 353-2119 for urgent issues.

At all other times, call (415) 476-1000 and speak with the HIV/AIDS doctor or nurse on call.

If you need help immediately, call 911 and indicate that you are a patient of the UCSF HIV/AIDS Program.

For urgent problems during business hours, a nurse will review your needs and schedule an urgent visit. If your doctor isn't available, we may recommend that you see another doctor or nurse with expertise in HIV/AIDS or we may refer you to urgent care or the emergency room.

Not all problems are urgent, but certain conditions require prompt care. Please contact the clinic if you experience any of the following problems:

  • Blood in your urine
  • Chest pain that is more severe or longer lasting than previous chest pains
  • More than one day of diarrhea of more than three stools per day
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Fever greater than 103° F or 39° C
  • Weakness or numbness in part of your body that you have not experienced before
  • Severe headache that is more severe than previous headaches
  • Trouble breathing that is new or more severe than previous breathing trouble
  • Vomiting that prevents the intake of your medication

Doctor referral required

Our locations

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    Patient education

    FAQ: HIV Testing

    Commonly asked questions regarding HIV Testing including, why, when and where you should be tested and what to do if your test returns positive for HIV.

    HIV and Pregnancy

    If you are pregnant, we recommend you be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) even if you do not think you are at risk. Learn more here.

    Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to Prevent HIV Transmission

    Commonly asked questions regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to Prevent HIV Transmission including, frequency, side effects, prescriptions and more.

    Support services

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Our research initiatives

    • Center-for-AIDS-Prevention-Studies-2x

      Center for AIDS Prevention Studies

      The Center for AIDS Prevention Studies supports collaborative HIV research by many types of experts, with the ultimate goal of ending the HIV epidemic.

    • UCSF-AIDS-Research-Institute-2x

      UCSF AIDS Research Institute

      The AIDS Research Institute encompasses more than 50 programs and laboratories, at both UCSF and other institutions. The institute brings together scientists from many disciplines to attack the AIDS epidemic from every angle.

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