Faqs

Our office offers multiple services including, but not limited to: Rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing, Medical Care, Case Management, On-site lab services, and Transportation Services. Visit our Services page for more details!

Call, text, or email us! Messages received through our patient messaging app are answered during normal business hours by available team members. Our texting line is monitored consistently throughout the day to ensure all messages are answered as quickly as possible!

We offer TeleHealth appointments via our free patient messaging app! Getting set up only takes a few minutes and is compatible with Apple, Android, and/or laptops and tablets! Fill out our Contact form or call our office today for details!

We accept most major insurance plans including Florida Blue, Cigna, and Aetna but strongly recommend calling our office to confirm we are in network with your specific plan, as networks update on an annual basis.

If you have a co-pay or are self-pay, payment is due at the time of service, including any balances owed. We accept cash and credit/debit card payments. Many of our services are provided at no cost, but we offer affordable payment options if you qualify for our Sliding Fee Scale.

Our Sliding Fee Scale application is a way for uninsured patients to receive quality medical care at a lower cost. To qualify for these lower payments, you must complete the application and provide proof of taxable income such as your most recent W-2 or your last 3 paystubs prior to your visit. Once our office has reviewed your application and verified your income, you will be approved for the next 6 calendar months from the date of approval. To continue this discount once you’ve reached your 6 months, a new application must be completed with updated proof of income.

At our healthcare provider's office, we partner with trusted third-party laboratories to process your blood samples. These facilities are staffed by trained professionals who specialize in sample analysis and diagnostics. Once collected by our team, your sample is sent to the lab for analysis. Results will be available in our patient portal and may also be accessible in other authorized patient portals, such as those for hospitals if you've provided consent. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team.

We provide free condoms in our office as well as condom education. We can also provide you with additional local resources for free condoms if needed!

Our office accepts some major insurance plans. However, we offer a sliding scale discount based on income if you are uninsured. If you are unable to afford your office visit, you can apply here, and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Going for a primary care visit every year is a great way to stay in control of your health and ensure early detection of potential long-term health issues.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition in which the immune system is severely weakened, making the individual more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. (www.cdc.gov)

Many people with HIV may not experience any symptoms for years. However, some may develop flu-like symptoms shortly after infection, such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. As the virus progresses, symptoms may vary and can include weight loss, recurring fevers, night sweats, diarrhea, and skin rashes. It's important to note that the absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of HIV. (www.cdc.gov)

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is often described as “acute,” meaning a new infection, or “chronic,” meaning long-term infection. Acute Hepatitis C occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C can be a short-term illness, but acute infection leads to chronic infection for most people. Chronic Hepatitis C can be a lifelong infection if left untreated. Chronic Hepatitis C can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even death. Learn more at CDC.

Chronic Hepatitis C is a condition that develops gradually, and as a result, symptoms other than fatigue may not become apparent until several weeks or even months after infection. This delayed onset of symptoms is characteristic of Hepatitis C, making it important for individuals at risk of exposure to undergo regular testing and screening. Early detection is key to managing and treating Hepatitis C effectively, as it allows healthcare providers to intervene promptly and prevent potential complications associated with the infection. If you suspect you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C or are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and testing.

Today’s treatments for Hepatitis C are well-tolerated daily oral therapy that you take for a prescribed number of weeks. Once you have completed your treatment, blood work is ordered by the provider to check Sustained Viral Response (SVR) after 12 weeks. Learn more at CDC.

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an oral medication taken daily by people who do not have HIV to prevent contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP is available for all individuals regardless of gender or sexual preference and is highly effective when taken as prescribed. Contact our office today for more information!

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is taken after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected and must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , taking PrEP as directed reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 99 percent. For people who inject drugs, PrEP also reduces the risk of getting HIV by 74 percent when taken consistently.

While PrEP is highly effective at protecting you from HIV, it does not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is still strongly recommended to wear condoms when having sex.

If you have private medical insurance, PrEP may be covered, including deductibles and copays. Talk with your insurance provider for details. If you do not have private health insurance, we are happy to help you figure out the best way to get the medicine you need! Keep in mind that at Harmony Healthcare, we offer services and treatment regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay. We believe that healthcare should be available and accessible to everyone.

If taken within 72 hours after possible exposure, PEP is highly effective in preventing HIV.

We want to make your first experience with us as convenient as possible. Please call or message our office for other options if you cannot make your appointment.

Case management is offered based on individual needs. If you are experiencing hardships or could benefit from additional resources, please let your healthcare provider know so a Case Manager can reach out to you.

A case manager will primarily communicate with you using our secure, encrypted patient messaging app. If they can't reach you through the app, they will also communicate via phone or email.

At our STI testing clinic, appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome. Our team wants to make STI screening and testing as available and accessible as possible for our patients. If you would like to make an appointment, give us a call or book here.

Standard STI testing requires sending samples to a lab; results are typically available in 7-10 business days. For any rapid test, we will give you results in the office.

Regular STI testing is key to treating and preventing many infections. While STI testing should be a key component of sexual health, there may be a need to test more regularly depending on your sexual activity, medical history, symptoms, or doctor's recommendation.

Gender affirming care, also known as gender affirming therapy or gender affirming medical treatment, refers to a range of medical, psychological, and social interventions designed to support individuals in aligning their physical and emotional well-being with their gender identity. This care is specifically tailored to transgender and non-binary individuals who may experience distress or discomfort due to incongruence between their gender identity and their assigned sex at birth.

We offer a sliding scale program for patients who are uninsured, which helps cover office visits with our provider, screenings, lab work, and referrals to additional services at no cost to you. Once our healthcare provider has completed all necessary screenings to begin HRT, you will be provided with a prescription to take to the pharmacy. While access to the services our office provides does not require insurance, pharmacies and outside providers may require insurance to cover the cost of medications and/or additional care outside of our office.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment used in gender affirming care to help individuals develop secondary sexual characteristics that align with their gender identity. This may involve taking hormones like estrogen or testosterone, prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals.

Wellness exams are important because they allow for early detection of any changes or abnormalities in your body that could indicate a more serious health condition. Catching these conditions early can make treatment more effective and less invasive.

Cervical cancer screenings are recommended for people assigned female at birth by the age of 25 or once they are sexually active. After your wellness exam, you may require additional screenings; this can be discussed with your healthcare provider during your exam.

Our office accepts some major insurance plans. However, we offer a sliding scale discount based on income if you are uninsured. If you cannot afford your office visit, you can apply here, and a member of our team will reach out to you.