HIV Testing and Counseling

Provider Type

  • Physicians
  • Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
  • Hospitals
  • Ancillary

Participating providers provide confidential HIV testing, counseling and follow-up services for Medi-Cal members. Providers must provide information about HIV testing, treatment options and additional testing needed, and advise members of their right to decline testing. If a member declines HIV testing, the provider must document this information in their medical records.

When a member requests confidential HIV testing, counseling or follow-up services, the provider or staff person with authority and license to do so, must administer pre-test counseling services, obtain a complete history and physical (if indicated), and order the requisite lab work. The provider must follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for pre- and post-testing counseling.

Medi-Cal members may also obtain confidential or anonymous HIV testing and counseling services from a local health department (LHD), community-based organization testing site, or a non-participating family planning provider. The member's primary care physician must perform follow-up services.