HIV Testing at McKinley Health Center
- Anonymous vs. Confidential -

WHAT AN ANONYMOUS HIV TEST MEANS FOR YOU AT MCKINLEY:

• Your name is not used during the testing process; instead, an anonymous number is used to identify you and to attach you to your results.
• Test results are not documented in the student’s medical chart.
• If you are HIV+, it is your decision to access healthcare to help with the HIV illness.
• If and when you do access health care, your HIV status gets documented into a medical chart (either here at McKinley or with the private doctor you see).
• Your HIV appointment cannot be done during a routine medical visit. Anonymous testing for HIV is separate from STI testing (chlamydia, etc.) and requires a separate appointment.
• Results must be given in person, a week following the initial testing visit (i.e., not over the phone).

WHAT AN HIV TEST MEANS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE:

• For people who have a non-anonymous test (i.e., documented in one’s health record), an insurance company can decide not to insure someone (pick them up) based on past HIV testing, regardless if the results are negative or positive.
• Insurance companies have access to medical records, with your permission and have the ability to access HIV information and diagnoses, with your written consent, especially if they are asked to cover prescriptions for HIV related ailments.
• Insurance companies cannot legally drop someone from their insurance based on HIV diagnoses.
• New HIPAA laws make it more difficult for health insurance companies to access both current and past health information.

WHAT A CONFIDENTIAL (DOCUMENTED) HIV TEST MEANS FOR YOU AT McKINLEY:

• Confidential testing is done through a medical provider at McKinley.
• Test results are documented in the student’s medical chart.
• If you are HIV+ it is your choice to seek further health care for HIV illness.
• Some students need documentation of their HIV status for such things as ROTC or overseas traveling.
• A student can schedule a confidential HIV test through the Immunization and Travel Clinic; request one through their primary provider, or through a medical clinic.
• As with other medical information contained in your medical chart, HIV information is kept confidential, meaning - no one can see this information without a specific written release, signed by you, unless you are under 18 years of age.
• Test results are available on the patient call-back system (i.e., over the phone).

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