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| Chattanooga CARES opened a primary care clinic in December of 2003. The clinic provides medical services to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The clinic is staffed by the Medical Director Dr. Jay Sizemore (infectious Disease Specialist) and the Clinical Director, Dr. Laura Cooley. The Clinic’s support staff includes a Registered Nurse, Terry Lawman, Phlebotomist/Medical Assistant, Megan Slaton, Office Manager, Sandra Stockman, Nurse Care Coordinator/Adherence Counselor, Michael Lott and Patient Health Coordinator/Receptionist, Kathy Young. |
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Primary Health CarePrimary Health Care services include the following: complete physicals, pap smears, acute and chronic health care, education, immunizations, laboratory testing, referrals and consultations. Infectious DiseaseThe clinic provides Infectious Disease diagnoses and treatment five days a week. Mental Health CounselingMental Health Services include screening, assessment and therapy to HIV positive individuals and addresses a wide variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, living with HIV and abuse. Other services include crisis intervention, family and relationship counseling, life skills training, self-esteem building, career counseling and bereavement support. Referrals to appropriate community resources can be made for psychiatric care and other types of in and out patient treatment. Adherence CounselingAdherence counseling is a requirement for all Ryan White Title III clinics. The adherence counselor meets with each patient at least three times to evaluate readiness to start or change HIV medications. Education is provided concerning HIV and medications, methods to assist with adherence are discussed and tools such as pill boxes are provided. Each patient is assessed and provided with individualized assistance with possible adherence difficulties. Ongoing education is provided to evaluate patient’s understanding of resistance issues, treatment of possible side effects, drug interactions and the importance of medical follow-up. Referrals are made to community resources and other multidisciplinary team members. Nutritional ServicesNutritional services are available by referral to a registered dietician to provide current and relevant nutrition information for our patients. As part of the medical management, nutritional assessments allow the registered dietician to help formulate a plan. This plan of care can help the patient to better meet their specific nutritional needs. The registered dietician can provide information on many areas of nutrition including diabetes control, lowering high cholesterol, weight loss, weight gain and food safety. Medical Care ManagerThe medical care manager assists patients in need of HIV medications, infectious disease coverage, health insurance coverage, dental services and nutritional services. Patients are evaluated to see if they are eligible to receive services. All services are provided on a sliding fee scale for all individuals. The medical care manager can be contacted directly at 648-9907. |
