Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology
HIV / AIDS Clinic
AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV interferes with the body’s ability to effectively fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease. The virus and the infection itself are known as HIV. The term acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is used to mean the later stages of an HIV infection.
UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester has been treating patients with HIV infection since the 1980s. Our medical providers offer consultation and/or primary care services for people living with HIV or AIDS, with great attention given to cultural and linguistic differences. In addition, specialists at UMass Memorial hospitals also offer a wide range of treatment of other infectious diseases.
HIV/AIDS Patient Care
UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is the largest medical provider in Central Massachusetts for patients with HIV/AIDS. Staff – the majority of whom have over a decade of experience working in the field – offers consultation and/or primary care for people living with HIV or AIDS.
Our multidisciplinary team offers a wide array of services that are available to all our HIV patients, either directly or through referral, including:
- Primary care
- Medication adherence
- Mental health
- Psychiatry
- Substance abuse counseling
- Care and treatment for HIV/hepatitis C co-infection
- Women’s services
- Nutrition
- Oral health
- Soboxone
HIV/AIDS care on the Memorial Campus serves as the tertiary and high risk perinatology center for Central Massachusetts and surrounding communities. Because early detection and treatment of HIV can dramatically reduce the chance of an infant being born infected with HIV, UMass Memorial recommends that all pregnant women be tested for the HIV disease as a routine part of prenatal care. For more information, please call 508-334-6164.
Care is provided in a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate manner and assistance can be provided for patients who prefer to speak in their native language.
Our case management staff can assist patients with health insurance eligibility and enrollment, as well as make referrals to other supportive services such as AIDS service organizations, housing programs and immigration assistance.
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