The UICHP provides primary care to HIV-infected clients through a multicenter network of primary care services, focusing on underserved communities. The UICHP uses a multidisciplinary approach to HIV disease management and a graded system of client management. Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic clients can receive services at any UICHP site, including the UICHP community-based sites. As their health status requires, clients can be referred to a physician-directed clinic for medical management, subspecialty referrals and, when necessary, hospitalization at UICMC. Clients keep the same provider team as they move through different levels of care. In response to the changing nature of the epidemic, the UICHP has placed an increased emphasis on making new therapies available to as many clients as possible. The UICHP also provides enhanced pharmaceutical education, nutritional and gynecological services to its clients. We provide linkages to substance abuse treatment, case management, and other service providers. (As part of our multidisciplinary care model, we have ongoing funding for mental health and dental care as well as treatment adherence.) We also ensure that our clients, who often live in areas of the city that are underserved by public transportation, can get to their appointments by providing transportation for primary and subspecialty care appointments. Our care providers work together in a multidisciplinary team to ensure client adherence to treatment regimens. Infectious disease-trained physicians and nurse clinicians provide medical management, with the help of nurses, licensed clinical social workers, clinical pharmacists, mental health providers, dentists, nutritionists, Patient Care Advocates/patient transporters, and support staff. Our project successfully integrates mental health services (available concurrently with primary care appointments) and substance abuse treatment (all clients are encouraged to seek treatment if appropriate, and we have linkages with treatment providers to ensure that clients seeking treatment can strike while the iron is hot.) Our EMA-wide network of linkages to other service providers enables us to provide a continuum of care to our clients, including access to home health/hospice, food, etc. We currently have a staff of about 50. |
Phone: (312) 996-6732
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