HITEQ Center / Thursday, February 6, 2020 / Categories: Telehealth, Priority Topics, Ending the HIV Epidemic TelePrEP Using telehealth to expand access to PrEP According to the Rural health Information Hub, the risk of contracting HIV can be greatly reduced through Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), but the medication must be taken every day and patients need follow-up appointments every 3 months. Some patients often don't have access to it due to stigma, distance from the nearest specialist, and a shortage of primary care providers willing to prescribe and monitor PrEP. TelePrEP programs can connect health center patients with a provider who can determine if PrEP is appropraite for the patient and prescribe PrEP as appropriate, through telemedine. This approach to extending services in a way that addresses barriers to care experienced by certain populations. A number of resources below profile telePrEP opportunities and approaches, click through the Resource Links to learn more. Print 18135 Tags: telehealthEnding the HIV EpidemicHIV preventiontelePrEP Resource Links Telehealth Models for PrEPFrom CBA Center and National Coalition of STD Directors, published in 2018 Innovation Case Study: TelePrEP in IowaFrom Rural Health Information Hub, published in 2018 Strategies and Benefits of PrEP TelehealthFrom CBA Center and National Coalition of STD Directors, published in 2018 Expanding HIV Prevention Efforts and Treatment through TelehealthHRSA Telehealth Learning Series, December 2019 Making Connections: A Guide to Starting a Rural Health Care Telemedicine ProgramFrom Aids United, May 2021 Related Resources Leveraging Telehealth Technologies To Improve Access in Rural Areas CISA Services: Federal Cybersecurity Resources for Telehealth HITEQ Highlights: Engaging Partners and Technology to Support Care of Justice-Involved Patients Closing the PrEP Care Gap with TelePrEP HITEQ Highlights: Crossing The Chasm of Innovation - One FQHC's Journey to Operationalize its Telehealth Strategy