We respect your dignity as an individual. When you come to the Lax Center you will be seen by a provider experienced in HIV care. Your total healthcare emphasizes monitoring of your HIV disease with close attention paid to the immune system. Our experienced providers will also help you manage your high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, depression and any other problems where a primary care provider is needed. For example, we also offer screening for sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis, vaccinations, cholesterol monitoring, overall health monitoring such as pap smears and breast exams, gender affirming hormone therapy and timely referrals to appropriate specialists.
The Lax Center also has a MDR Clinic (multi-drug resistance) for those who have exhausted first line treatment, and need assistance in finding alternatives for HIV. You do not have to be a Lax Center patient to access these sub-clinics. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call Julie Fort, nurse manager at 215-790-1788 ext. 117.
In almost all cases, no referral will be needed to see our providers. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and numerous private insurances. We also see people who have no insurance, so do not hesitate to call us if you are in this position. We also have found that many people are not aware of their eligibility for Medicaid or other patient assistance programs and our Client Services department will help you fill out the appropriate paperwork to obtain health coverage.
We also have well established referral networks for numerous other social services such as legal aid, substance abuse treatment and detoxification programs, and housing and food assistance programs. We also have programs on site to help with behavioral health and substance abuse needs: The Diana Baldwin Clinic provides mental health services and works as part of the Lax Center Treatment Team. The TREE Intensive Outpatient Program is the only HIV-specific substance abuse program in Philadelphia that accepts Medicaid. We welcome inquiries. There are Behavioral Health Consultants integrated in to all of our medical teams to help you address both your short term and long term health goals. Of course, as a patient at our center, you have to do your part. If you choose us as your provider, it is important that you keep your appointments, discuss your needs openly, and work with the members of our team in order for us to provide the best course of treatment for you.
Access to Research
This is an extremely hopeful time in the development of new therapeutic options for HIV infection. The Jonathan Lax Treatment Center assures that all of our clients have access to cutting-edge research studies, which, combined with state-of-the-art care, allows access to best possible therapeutic interventions available. Please speak to your provider about a study that may be appropriate for you.
Pharmacy Services
There is more to HIV care than simply prescribing pills to be taken every day. The team of providers at the Jonathan Lax Treatment Center understands the complexities that people living with HIV face. A pharmacist specializing in HIV care assists our clients in understanding prescribed medications and their side effects. Our pharmacist and medication adherence team help clients to sets up their pill boxes, provides medication refills and preauthorization for various prescribed medications when needed.
If you need a refill on your medication, please call your pharmacy to see if you have refills available for pick up. If you are out of refills, please ask your pharmacy to send us a refill request electronically. It is best to request refills during your medical appointments.
You should never be without your prescribed medications. If you are unable to get medications for any reason, you can call and talk to our on-site pharmacist.
