Page 15 - Delaware Medical Journal - November 2015
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PUBLIC HEALTH
Persons Lving with Diagnosed or Undiagnosed HIV infection
HIV Care Continum Outcomes, 2012 — United States and Puerto Rico
Diagnosed
2012
Received medical care
Prescribed ART
Viral Suppression
FIGURE 1
Persons Living
with Diagnosed or Undiagnosed HIV Infection, HIV Care Continuum Outcomes, 2012.9
NATIONAL HIV SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM: Estimated number of persons aged ≥13 years living with diagnosed or undiagnosed HIV infection (prevalence) in the United States at the end of 2012. The estimated number of persons with diagnosed HIV infection was calculated as part of the overall prevalence estimate. MEDICAL MONITORING PROJECT: Estimated number of persons aged ≥18 years who received HIV medical care during January to April of 2012, were prescribed ART, or whose most recent VL in the previous year was undetectable or <200 copies/mL—United States and Puerto Rico.
have been great strides in HIV treatment and public education since the early 1980s, helping patients realize their risks for HIV infection continues to be a challenge for health care professionals.
Many studies show that when people infected with HIV are
to the immune system has occurred, their HIV can be well- managed. Linking those with HIV to medical intervention as soon as possible in the disease process is vital to reduce morbidity and Studies show that people who are aware they have HIV also change their behavior to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others.3
However, studies also show that many people are tested and
from available life-extending treatment. Among those initially diagnosed with HIV infection during 2010, one-third (32 percent) were diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months, indicating they were likely infected for many years without knowing it. These late diagnoses represent missed opportunities for treatment, prevention, and reduction of the spread of HIV.1
With one in eight people living with HIV in the US being unaware of their infection, access to HIV testing will help to identify those who have HIV and hopefully improve their chances to be connected to care and treatment. The Affordable Care including HIV screening, without additional cost sharing, such
as copays or deductibles.4,5 individual, small group, large group, and self-insured private plans and also coverage purchased through the Insurance Market Place. Medicare and Medicaid also cover HIV screening. By removing the cost barriers, more patients can be screened.
The CDC recommends routine opt-out HIV screening for all adults aged 13-64 in health care settings.6 Governor Markell signed Senate Bill 162 into law in 2012, which provides for routine HIV opt-out testing. The bill implements the CDC recommendation that HIV testing should be part of the routine testing. Health care providers in a clinical setting can perform HIV testing as a routine part of care, no longer necessitating a separate, signed consent, but covered by the general consent for medical care in the clinical practice. As with other tests, patients
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