Managing HIV/AIDS for AMS members
The Scheme offers a confidential management programme for HIV/AIDS
- Members on Value Care Plan register with PrimeCure,
- Members on Standard and Managed Care Plan register with the Scheme’s designated service provider, One Health Managed Care (OHMC).
Both management programmes include medication and other related treatment expenses and require the member to adhere to the disease management protocols for best results and funding.
The member’s status is kept confidential at all times.
HIV/AIDS - what’s new?
In 2016 the Minister of Health introduced the new guideline of ‘test and treat’ - starting treatment if a patient tests HIV positive, irrespective of how advanced the disease is as measured in the CD4 count. Early treatment for HIV/AIDS has a dual benefit of improving the health of individuals living with HIV, and by lowering their viral load, reducing the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Staying with the aim of reducing the risk of new HIV infections, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatment is offered by the Scheme to be used during periods of perceived high risk of HIV acquisition.
Prevalence in South Africa
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) estimated the following in 2015:
Good news: South Africa’s HIV prevalence rate has stabilised over the past six years and the rate of new infections has decreased, indicating that the country’s prevention efforts are beginning to take effect.
The stigma of living with HIV/AIDS
Unfortunately, HIV-related stigma and discrimination remain a reality. Some people are still shunned by family, peers and the wider community, while others face poor treatment in healthcare, workplace and educational settings, leading to emotional damage. This prevents people from getting tested and using available services effectively for their health management. The WHO cites fear of stigma and discrimination as the main reason why people are reluctant to get tested, disclose their HIV status and take antiretroviral drugs. The Scheme recognises this problem and goes the extra mile to ensure confidentiality at all times, appointing dedicated and specialised teams to manage HIV/AIDS and offering the distribution of your medication in a confidential manner.
What to do if you test HIV positive
Value Care Plan members: Call Prime Cure on 0861 665 665. You will be registered on the programme and provided with all the information you will need. You will receive your treatment and medication through the PrimeCure network.
Standard and Managed Care Plan members: Call One Health Managed Care (OHMC) on 0860 143 258 or e-mail to anglo@onehealth.co.za to register. A case manager will explain the disease management programme and send application forms to you and/or your doctor. Once registered, you will receive a letter explaining the programme and your benefits. If you are registered on the programme, you would have been informed that Dis-Chem Direct (Optipharm) is now the preferred provider of ARVs for AMS members. OHMC will forward a treatment authorisation letter with your prescription to Dis-Chem Direct every six months. Contact Dis-Chem Direct (Optipharm) on 0860 90 60 90 or e-mail to info@optipharm.co.za with any medication delivery enquiries.
If you are HIV negative but might have been exposed to the HI Virus
Value Care Plan members: Visit your Prime Cure Network GP as soon as possible after the incident. Your doctor will explain the Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment. After obtaining authorisation you will get medication from contracted pharmacies.
Standard and Managed Care Plan members: Visit your doctor/nearest casualty as soon as possible after the incident. An HIV Elisa test must be done – results will be reviewed and confirmed with a second test. Initiate a Triple Therapy ARV regime x 1 month as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of exposure. Call OHMC on 071 786 4520 (08h00 to 22h00) for emergency authorisation of treatment. The PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) follow-up process will be explained to you by OHMC.
* MediBrief articles are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your medical concerns.