PrEP Testing & Treatment
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV
PrEP Testing & Treatment
Take control of your prevention with PrEP, a daily pill that greatly reduces the risk of HIV infection. Harbor Health offers comprehensive PrEP services – from screening and prescriptions to follow-up care – so you can safely and conveniently get protected.
What is PrEP? Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication regimen for HIV-negative individuals that prevents HIV infection. When taken once daily as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective: it reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99%[10]. It’s like a birth control pill, but for HIV prevention – take it consistently and you’re protected. (Keep in mind PrEP doesn’t prevent other STDs or pregnancy, so you’ll still want to use condoms and routine testing for comprehensive safety.)
Who Should Consider PrEP? PrEP is recommended for anyone at increased risk of HIV, for example: – Individuals with an HIV-positive partner (especially if your partner’s virus is not fully suppressed). – Those who have multiple sexual partners, especially in communities with higher HIV rates. – Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly if condoms are not used consistently. – Transgender individuals who have sex without consistent condom use. – People who have recently had an STD – a past STI can be a flag that you’re at risk for HIV as well. – Individuals who engage in sex work. – People who inject drugs and share needles (PrEP also works for this route, though slightly less effectively – about 74% reduction in risk when taken consistently[10]).
If you’re unsure if PrEP is right for you, our provider will go through a detailed risk assessment with you. Our philosophy: if you’re worried about HIV or simply want that extra peace of mind, PrEP could be a great option. There’s no harm in asking about it.
How Our PrEP Service Works
1. Initial Evaluation: Schedule a telehealth appointment specifically for PrEP initiation. In this consult, Dr. Peck will review your health history, discuss your HIV risk, and explain the PrEP regimen. She’ll also answer any questions you have (e.g., side effects, how long to take it, etc.). PrEP is very safe for most people, but we ensure it’s appropriate on an individual basis. 2. Lab Tests Before Starting: If we proceed with PrEP, we’ll need some baseline lab work. This includes an HIV test (to confirm you’re HIV-negative before starting), kidney function tests, and possibly tests for hepatitis and other STIs. We’ll send you to LabCorp for a quick blood draw. These tests are required before starting PrEP and
then regularly while on PrEP (every 3 months for HIV and every 6-12 months for kidney check). 3. Prescription: Once your labs are clear, you’ll get a prescription for PrEP. The common PrEP medications are Truvada® (tenofovir/emtricitabine) or Descovy®, taken once daily. If you prefer the newer option of PrEP injections (given every 2 months), let’s discuss – that’s a newer modality and we’ll see if it’s accessible/appropriate for you. We typically start with daily pills as they are widely available and often covered by insurance. 4. Follow-Up and Refills: We will schedule follow-up every 3 months (usually via telehealth) while you’re on PrEP. This is to repeat your HIV test (PrEP users must get tested regularly to ensure you remain HIV-negative) and check in on any side effects or issues. We’ll also renew your prescription in 90-day increments. During these check-ins, we may also test for other STIs, and ensure your kidneys are staying healthy (PrEP can affect kidney function in some cases, though it’s uncommon – monitoring is key). 5. Support & Adherence: We know taking a pill every day can be an adjustment. Our team will provide tips for remembering doses and can send reminders if helpful. If you miss doses, no shame – just let us know; PrEP is forgiving if it’s most days. We’re here to help you succeed in staying protected. Any time you have questions (for example, if you think you might have been exposed to HIV or if you’re considering stopping PrEP), you can reach out via the portal.
We Work With you!
Insurance and Cost
Insurance and Cost: Good news – most insurance plans (and Medicaid) cover PrEP in full now, per federal guidelines (PrEP medication and related labs are considered preventive care)[11]. We will work with you to navigate coverage. If you’re uninsured, don’t panic: there are assistance programs and we’ll help you access PrEP at low or no cost if you qualify. Cost should not be a barrier to staying HIV-free.
Why PrEP Matters: The goal is to prevent HIV before exposure. Sadly, HIV is still an epidemic in many communities. Nearly 600,000 people in the US are on PrEP as of 2024, but an estimated 1.2 million could benefit from it[12][13]. That means many at-risk individuals still aren’t protected – often due to lack of awareness or access. Harbor Health aims to close that gap by making PrEP easy to access online, in a judgement-free setting. If you’ve been hesitant to talk to a doctor about PrEP, now you don’t have to do it face-to-face in a clinic – you can do it privately with us. We strongly believe in PrEP as a powerful tool to end new HIV infections and we’re here to help those who can benefit from it.
Already on PrEP? We can handle PrEP maintenance too! If you’ve been getting PrEP from another provider or clinic and want to switch to our telehealth service for convenience, we’re happy to take over your PrEP care. We’ll ensure continuity (no gaps in your medication). Just schedule a consult and provide us your previous records or lab results if available, and we’ll get you set up.