HIV Primary Care at the Positive Health Clinic

Testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can bring unexpected changes to your life.

At Allegheny Health Network (AHN), you won’t face these changes alone. Our Positive Health Clinic (PHC) uses a team approach to meet the medical, emotional, and practical needs of people living with HIV. We also provide advanced HIV testing and long term primary care based on your needs.

About human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

HIV is a condition that attacks your immune system, meaning you lose your ability to fight infections. Unlike other viruses that go away over time, the HIV virus will always be in your body. Good HIV care can help you stay healthy and lower your risk of developing complications, such as AIDS.

HIV does not discriminate; therefore it is important to get regular testing if you are sexually active, and especially if you have unprotected sex or if you share injection equipment as these are the main ways HIV can be spread from person to person.

Comprehensive and compassionate HIV testing, treatment, and primary care

You can get high quality health care for HIV whether you have insurance or not. We are a Ryan White Care Act-funded program, which means you can receive many of our specialized HIV care services regardless of your insurance coverage or ability to pay. Our social workers can provide detailed explanations about what benefits this funding covers and can also help you find affordable coverage if you do not have it.

With proper treatment, people living with HIV are living long and healthy lives thanks in part to new medications. In fact, according to the CDC, when taking medicine for HIV results in the level of HIV in your blood being very low or undetectable, HIV can’t be sexually transmitted. This is where Undetectable = Untransmittable or U=U comes from.

Additionally, specialized support services found at PHC can help you reclaim happiness and freedom from some of the challenges you may be facing, which attribute to your overall health as well.

At the Positive Health Clinic for HIV care, you’ll benefit from our:

• Experience: PHC has provided primary care to thousands of people with HIV for more than 20 years. AHN has many specialists in other areas of medicine that are experienced in caring for people with HIV and other health conditions like heart disease, surgery, and diabetes as well. Having everything in one network makes it easier to get the care you need. 
• Advanced testing and treatments: We offer the most effective HIV tests available to ensure a quick and precise diagnosis. We also use the latest medications (antiretroviral therapies, or ART) to slow the progression of HIV.
• Prompt HIV care: We are committed to getting patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV the care they need, as soon as possible, usually within 72 hours after they are diagnosed.
• Access to clinical trials: Our HIV specialists take part in research to find new ways to help people living with HIV. These optional trials are offered on-site and can give you access to new treatments before they become widely available. Read more about the AHN Research Institute.
• Personal approach: Our team members develop genuine, long-term relationships with the people we serve. Our patients often say they feel like our clinic is a second home where they feel safe and cared for. We have been a Patient Centered Medical Home since 2015, which means we use proven care practices and a team approach to coordinate all the tests and treatments you need. 
• Harm reduction philosophy: Change can be hard, but our team understands and is here to meet you where you are at and work with you to develop a plan consistent with your goals. For example, in regards to substance use, we understand that stopping substance use may not be possible or desired, but reducing harm related to use can be worked on with our team.
• Convenience: The clinic is open Monday through Friday, with evening hours at least once every month. Our providers also see patients monthly in nearby Aliquippa and weekly in Monroeville. We also have a mobile clinic unit that can be used to help reach people who struggle to get to our clinic. 
• Extensive support: HIV can affect your life in many ways. Our care team can also help you with financial, social, and wellness support. Whatever barrier you are faced with, we can help find a solution.  (See services offered section for a full list)

Our team approach to HIV care

It takes a village to effectively treat HIV — and our village is large. 

Our HIV care team includes specialists in:

• Infectious disease
• Nutrition services
• Nursing
• Peer advocate*
• Pharmacy
• Primary care
• Psychiatry and mental health (behavioral health) 
• Social work
• Substance use disorders
• Transgender care

Services we offer

HIV testing and prevention

If you think you have HIV, we can get you answers in as little as 20 minutes with rapid HIV testing.

If you are concerned about your partner's risk for HIV after unprotected sex or another exposure like syringe sharing, we offer partner testing. We can also refer patients to a program for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a daily HIV prevention medication for people who are HIV negative but at high risk for acquiring HIV. Our services also include counseling to help you understand what test results mean and the next steps in your care. We can also refer patients to a syringe access program to help prevent HIV transmission through injection equipment.

Lastly, if you think you have been exposed to HIV through sex or injection equipment, and it has been less than 72 hours since that event, post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP is available in all Allegheny Health Network Emergency Departments. PHC will follow up with you afterwards with next steps. PEP is HIV medication taken for 28 days to prevent HIV after a high risk exposure. 

HIV and general medical care

We offer:

• Rapid HIV diagnosis and treatment 
• Comprehensive HIV care, including primary care if desired
  
• Physician referrals for more specialized medical care when needed
• Medication and medication counseling
• Mental health assessment, counseling, and support, including on site psychiatry
• Substance use screening and treatment, including on-site, buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorders
• Gender-affirming care, including transgender health care, hormone replacement therapy, and coordination with gender affirming surgical programs
• Hepatitis C management and treatment
• Women's Health care including cervical cancer screening, contraception, and care through pregnancy. We also coordinate with specialists when needed
• High resolution anoscopy (HRA), advanced cancer screening for people at high risk of anal cancer
• Immunizations to prevent illnesses like the flu
• Nutrition support with a registered dietician
• Smoking cessation programs to help you quit smoking
• Referral to clinical trials for HIV and other disease

Other support services

We help you live your best life with a broad range of support services that include:

• Assistance with applications for medical insurance and benefit programs
• HIV wellness classes and support groups
• Patient advocacy and peer support
• Transportation assistance
• Housing Assistance Program (STRAP)
• Case management for nonmedical needs

Locations

Federal North Medical Building (near Allegheny General Hospital)
1307 Federal Street, Suite B110
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
GET DIRECTIONS

For information on HIV testing/HIV care: (412) 359-3360
If newly diagnosed with HIV or transferring HIV care: (412) 398-6768

Aliquippa Clinic (once a month- Mondays)
103 Pleasant Drive
Aliquippa, PA 15001
GET DIRECTIONS

For information on HIV testing/HIV care: (412) 359-3360
If newly diagnosed with HIV: (412) 398-6768

Forbes Family Medicine (once a week- Fridays)
2550 Mosside Boulevard, Suite 500
Monroeville, PA 15001
GET DIRECTIONS

For information on HIV testing/HIV care: (412) 457-1100 (ask for Positive Health Clinic scheduling)

Contact us

You can find out more about our HIV testing and care by contacting our clinic at (412) 359-3360 or via email at PHC@ahn.org. If you are newly diagnosed with HIV or need urgent HIV care, please call our RAPID line at (412) 398-6768.