To find out additional information about PrEP, visit the Center for Disease website.
1Do I need a presscription for PrEP?
Yes. Before you start PrEP, you need to have a Tele-health visit with a provider and get lab testing. Then your Elm Care provider will order your PrEP medication.
2How fast can I get my PrEP?
After your tele-health visit, and your lab tests have been ordered, your prescription will be sent to one of our partner pharmacies. Your prescription will then be delivered within 24-48 business hours.
3How do I use the at-home testing kit?
"Once your provider orders a Lab Test through Elm Care, an at-home test kit will be mailed to you. Collection instructions will be in the kit. ELM CARE’s at-home testing kit allows you to perform the required labs for PrEP and test yourself for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The kit requires a simple urine sample, swab samples and a finger-prick blood test, which should all take 10 minutes or less to complete. There are detailed instructions in your kit. IMPORTANT: Write your date of birth (DOB) on each blood card. Run your finger under warm water for a minute, use an alcohol pad before pricking your finger. Let your blood drip onto the blood card and be sure to fill each circle completely. Let the blood card dry for 10 minutes before closing it and putting it in the bag. Fill the urine cup at least halfway, label the cup with your name and DOB. Screw the lid on tightly. The oral swab should be used for 20-30 seconds, in the back of the throat. The anal swab should go in about 2 inches and be rotated for 20-30 seconds."
4How quickly will I get my tes results?
Lab results are normally available within 2-3 business days after the lab has received your samples. Your provider will contact you to review your results.
5How do I get my PrEP medications?
Your PrEP medications will be delivered by a local courier.
6What if I test positive for HIV or an STI?
If you test positive for HIV or a sexually transmitted infection, your assigned provider will reach out to you directly with treatment options, and possibly to schedule an in-office follow up visit.
7Can I use any pharmacy?
Yes, but if you utilize one of our partner pharmacies, they will handle all the required paperwork to ensure you have little or no out-of-pocket costs.
8How much does PrEP medication cost?
PrEP is covered by most insurance companies, Medicaid and Medicare. If you don't have insurance or have been denied coverage for your PrEP medication or have a share of cost that is not affordable for you, then our pharmacy provider will work with you to minimize any out-of-pocket costs to you.
9Who are Elm Care's healthcare providers?
Our Trusted Providers are comprised of independent board-certified doctors (MD), nurse practitioners (NP), physician assistants (PA), and registered nurses (RN) licensed in California. As open-minded providers, sex positive, gender affiming Elm Care's Trusted Providers have experience in providing healthcare services to the LGBTQ+ community.
10Can I keep my current primary care provider?
Elm Care is not intended to replace your primary care physician. It's important to keep your primary care physician and any other physicians involved in your care up to date with the care you receive from Elm Care. If you like the service you are receiving from your Elm Care provider, and require a primary care provider, then ask your Elm Care provider how you can become a patient of their practice.