Establishing HIV Primary Care - Callen-Lorde

Establishing HIV Primary Care

Staff at Callen-Lorde will guide you through the process of establishing HIV primary care. To be seen for HIV primary care, you must: 

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, NYC ID, etc.). A document issued by another country is acceptable 
  • Be living with HIV 
  • Bring your insurance card if you have one

If you are uninsured, we will help you gain coverage. Here’s what to bring: 

  • Proof of residency: Pay stubs or bank statement with your name and address (within the past 90 days), a Current Notice of Decision from Medicaid, a fuel/utility bill (within the past 90 days), a phone bill (within the past 90 days), or a rent receipt (within the past 90 days)
  • Proof of income: Types of income sources include: salary/wages (FT or PT), self-employment, unemployment, worker’s compensation, public assistance, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSD (Social Security Disability), Social Security retirement, pension, veteran’s benefits, alimony/child support, interest/dividends/royalties, rental property, other (specify), no income and living off savings 
  • Paystubs for the past 30 days (must show the year-to-date earnings) 

If you cannot get a pay stub, send us a letter from your employer showing your gross annual pay and a copy of your most recent income tax return. If married, provide partners paystubs if partner is working.

Here is the New York State Department of Health’s ADAP application.  

If you already have proof of your HIV status, please bring it with you. The following documents will count as proof of status: 

  • A signed letter from a provider on letterhead stating the patient is living with HIV 
  • Lab work that indicates a viral load over 5,000 
  • Lab work that indicates a positive/reactive 4th generation confirmatory test

If you don’t have proof of HIV status, we can help you acquire it. 

What to Expect When You Establish HIV Primary Care 

You will meet with Callen-Lorde’s clinical team to go over your medical history and establish your HIV status if you don’t have documentation of it. You may receive a rapid HIV test (fingerstick). A case manager will meet with you to discuss your insurance coverage, if you have it, or to help you apply to state programs that will cover the cost of your care and medication. We also have insurance navigators who can help you acquire insurance if you qualify for it. 

Expect your first visit to take at least 45-60 minutes, including lab work and a blood draw.  You’ll receive HIV counseling, education, and support to answer any questions about medical treatment and medication adherence support. We will address any sexual health questions and offer STI screening. As you move through care, we can also refer you to clinical trials and provide counseling and psychotherapy.

Appointments are available at all 3 of our Brooklyn,  Bronx and Chelsea locations. Walk-in appointments are available for more urgent concerns.