HIV

Clinical Guidance

Primary Care Provider Recommendations

• Routine Universal Screening
  • HIV screening at least once in a lifetime for ages 13-64 – HIV Testing Guidelines | USPSTF.
  • Primary care providers are asked to make HIV testing part of their annual physical regardless of the patient’s age or risk factors – Integrating Routine HIV Screening Into Your Practice | CDC.
• Assess behavioral risk by routinely obtaining sexual histories and addressing risk reduction strategies.
  • Promote condom use and open conversation with sexual partners.
  • Sexual History Guide | CDC
• Provide education and support to patients regarding the availability and benefits of PrEP and nPEP (non-occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis).
  • PrEP | MDHHS
  • nPEP | AETC
  • PrEP & HIV Toolkit | GR LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium
• HIV screening should be performed on an opt-out basis as part of routine clinical care in all healthcare settings – Screening for HIV | CDC.

Support for Patients with New HIV Diagnosis

When a patient receives a preliminary positive HIV result, timely follow-up is critical. To reduce delays and improve outcomes, the Thomas Judd Care Center (TJCC) offers a program to support patients with a new HIV diagnosis and their primary care providers.

Munson’s Systemwide Process to Accelerate Care

1. Automatic Notification: Any reactive HIV test (i.e., preliminary positive) from a Munson lab is now automatically routed to TJCC.

2. Proactive Outreach: Once confirmatory results are available, TJCC contacts the ordering provider to offer immediate, compassionate support for the patient.

How TJCC Can Support You and Your Patients

Even before confirmation, TJCC can:

• Provide emotional support and HIV education

• Help patients manage fear, confusion, and stigma

• Begin building trust and engagement in care

Once an HIV diagnosis is confirmed, TJCC offers:

• Assistance with disclosure conversations

• Seamless linkage to HIV specialty care

• Partner testing and education

• Connections to insurance, housing, and other essential support services

Your Role

Continue sharing results in the way that works best for you. You can:

• Invite TJCC into the conversation early, or
• Refer the patient to TJCC afterward

Prefer not to initiate the conversation? TJCC can make the first contact on your behalf.

Need Support? We’re Here to Help

For expert guidance on HIV prevention, diagnosis, care coordination, and patient support, contact the Thomas Judd Care Center at 231-935-7548.

Educational Opportunities

• On-Demand CME | Screening for HIV Infection: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement (JAMA)

Reference Information

For additional clinical resources, refer to the HIV Resources compiled by Munson Healthcare Library Services.

Additional Guidance

For additional guidance related to the diagnosis and management of HIV, please contact the Thomas Judd Care Center at 231-935-7548.