STATUS MATTERS:
Rapid and Routine HIV Testing
Rapid Testing
WHAT TEST DO YOU USE?
OraQuick® Advance is a rapid HIV test. It uses the same type of technology found in other tests, but the results are available in 20 minutes.
HOW IS THE TEST GIVEN?
OraQuick® Advance requires only a single drop of blood. A small lancet (a needle) is used to prick the fingertip to obtain the sample for the test.
HOW ACCURATE IS THE TEST?
OraQuick® Advance is considered to be 99.6% accurate.
HOW LONG WILL THE TEST TAKE
The test itself only takes 20 minutes to process. Depending on what type of appointment you schedule, your appointment will last between 40 minutes to 1 hour.
IS TESTING CONFIDENTIAL OR ANONYMOUS?
All testing at Callen-Lorde is confidential. Under the New York State Department of Health guidelines, we must report anyone who tests positive for HIV. This is done confidentially, as with other sexually transmitted infections; information is not shared with any other outside source like insurance, employers, landlords, family, etc. Anonymous testing is only available through the health department. For an anonymous testing location, ask the front desk staff or call 1-800- TALK-HIV.
Routine Testing
WHAT IS ROUTINE TESTING?
Medical research now recommends that all person with even low risk for HIV infection get tested on an annual basis. Early identification of HIV means that treatment is likely to be more effective and keep you healthier. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest making HIV testing a part of routine lab screening like any other blood work that is done during an annual physical exam.
WILL I HAVE TO GET AN HIV TEST?
No. Patients do not have to have an HIV test, but will be offered an HIV test during most routine medical visits for your convenience. Callen-Lorde will also continue to have HIV Counseling & Testing appointments and patients can opt to test through those appointments (ask your provider or the front desk staff for an appointment).
WHAT IF I TEST POSITIVE FOR HIV?
If you test positive for HIV at Callen-Lorde, we will offer you medical, case coordination, and mental health services to help keep you healthy.
DO CONFIDENTIAL HIV TEST RESULTS HAVE TO BE INCLUDED IN MY MEDICAL RECORD?
Yes. New York State Code, Rules and Regulations (Title X, Part 63) requires that confidential HIV-related information be recorded in the medical record and be easily accessible to provide proper care and treatment.
Billing and Payment for Testing
HOW MUCH WILL MY HIV TEST COST ME?
Callen-Lorde only charges $10 for HIV testing. If you have a health plan that we accept, we will bill your insurance for the HIV test. If you do not have health insurance or do not want us to bill your plan, you will also be asked to pay the $10 fee for the HIV test.
IF YOU BILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE WILL THEY KNOW THAT I HAVE HAD AN HIV TEST AND CAN THEY FIND OUT THE RESULT?
A health insurance company can ask for your medical records, which will include your HIV test result. However, there are many protections afforded people who are HIV+ (see below for more details). Insurance companies are aware that federal health official shave recommended that all people be routinely tested for HIV and they are expecting people to have these tests.
CAN PEOPLE WITH HIV INFECTION OR AIDS BE DENIED HEALTH INSURANCE, DISABILITY, OR LIFE INSURANCE?
In New York State, health insurance cannot be denied and a higher premium cannot be charged simply because the applicant has HIV. However, disability insurance and life insurance companies are allowed to ask applicants if they have been diagnosed or treated for AIDS or HIV-related illnesses; they can deny coverage or charge higher premiums for the policy if the person is infected. Insurance companies can also require and HIV test before issuing a policy.
IS HIV CONSIDERED A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION?
A person with HIV can be determined to have a pre-existing condition and may have a waiting period before their coverage begins. After the waiting period (usually 12 months), all HIV-related expenses should be covered. Interim health coverage through ADAP may be available during this time. For more information, call the New York State Insurance Department at 1-800-342-3736.
Our Approach
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center is sex positive.
We understand the importance of a full and satisfying
sex life. While trying to help you reduce your risks,
our counselors remain non-judgmental and supportive. Callen-Lorde
can meet your comprehensive health needs whether you are
HIV positive or negative and regardless of ability to
pay. We encourage everyone to obtain routine and preventive
health care, including HIV testing.
Callen-Lorde believes that rapid testing for HIV is an important
advance in prevention and early treatment of HIV disease.
We are committed to offering HIV testing in a supportive
and professional manner for our community.
Getting your Results
Negative (or non-reactive). This
means that the test has come back negative for antibodies
to HIV. This is a definitive test result. NOTE:
If you have had any possible exposure to HIV in the last
three months, it is recommended that you repeat the testing
process in three months. However, if you have flu-like
symptoms that lead you to believe you might have acute
HIV infection, talk to your counselor or provider about
further testing. If you feel you need more time to talk
about your sexual behavior or would like to speak with
a therapist about any concerns, your counselor will discuss
the options available to you at Callen-Lorde. You may
also consider scheduling an appointment for a screening
for other sexually transmitted infections.
Preliminary Positive (or reactive).
This means that you are very likely to be infected with
HIV. However, you will need to have blood drawn for a test
to confirm your positive result. This test is called a
Western Blot. Your blood will be drawn on the same day
as your rapid test and the counselor will schedule an appointment
in approximatley 10 days for you to receive these confirmatory
test results. You can spend additional time as needed with
your counselor discussing what your positive test result
means and what you may want to do next, including registering
for primary care at Callen-Lorde.
Inconclusive. This
happens rarely, but means that for some reason, the test
is unable to give a definite positive or negative result.
You will need additional testing or re-testing in a few
weeks.
