 Questions
to Ask When Choosing an
HIV Care Provider
Because you will probably see your
HIV care provider frequently for many years, you will want to have
confidence in the quality of care and feel comfortable with your
relationship with that care provider.
Here are some questions
(and the answers from EVMS
Infectious Diseases Division)
that you may want to ask your provider at your first appointment.
How many HIV patients have you
treated?
Each of the C3ID physicians and nurse
practitioners specialize in HIV care and carry an active caseload of
100-175 HIV+ patients. Studies suggest that caring for a
significant number of HIV patients is important to quality HIV care.
How do you keep up with new
methods of treatment for HIV?
All providers at C3ID attend at least
two national HIV conferences annually in addition to reading medical
journals and weekly Internet reviews including the latest Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on HIV care.
Will I be able to get an
appointment quickly, if I need one?
Yes, patients may call our triage
nurse during normal business hours and, if there is an urgent need, she
can usually schedule an appointment within 24 hours with your doctor
or, if necessary, one of the other C3ID providers. C3ID patients at any
of the community health centers may be seen at the EVMS campus
site or one of the other outlying sites where C3ID provides
care.
Are calls referred to another
physician if you are on vacation? If so, who?
Yes, one of the five C3ID Infectious
Disease physicians is always available to cover any urgent patient
needs related to your HIV care.
Can I reach a physician after
office hours?
At C3ID, one of our Infectious
Disease physicians is always on call after hours, weekends and
holidays for urgent care needs through the answering service.
Patients may call (757) 446-8920.
Will you refer me to specialists
when necessary?
Yes. C3ID's association with EVMS,
the largest multi-specialty group in Hampton Roads, provides patients
with ready access to expert sub-specialty physicians for consultation
and referral. In addition, C3ID physicians often refer to many
specialists outside of the EVMS network.
If I lose my insurance or become
Medicare or Medicaid eligible, will you continue to see me?
Yes. Patients who lose their
insurance coverage are generally eligible to receive HIV care under
the Ryan White program. In
addition, C3ID accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most Medicaid HMO
products like Sentara Family Care and HealthKeepers Plus.
Do you work with a hospital?
If so, which one?
All of the C3ID physicians have
admitting privileges at Sentara Norfolk General and Bon Secours DePaul
Hospitals.
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