Your First Appointment
Services at Southwest CARE Center are provided for individuals who have tested positive for HIV. Medical and Social Work services are available at low or no cost based upon individual needs and circumstances. The first appointment at SCC will involve meeting with a Social Worker and then with a Nurse; the duration of this appointment is usually about two hours. The intake is designed to provide support and education, as well as address client questions and concerns. The front office staff will schedule new client appointments after gathering preliminary information over the phone. As a courtesy, clients will be contacted by a social worker prior to the first appointment to briefly go over the intake process. Upon arrival new clients are greeted by the front office staff where initial paperwork is completed by the client.
During the Social Work appointment new clients will complete enrollment paperwork and identify needs related to health insurance, access to medications, and other client services. This first meeting with the social worker provides the client with an opportunity to learn about services, determine eligibility for programs, ask questions, and for the client and social worker to get to know each other.
The Nurse intake will immediately follow meeting with the Social Worker. This appointment involves gathering detailed information regarding medical history and current medical information, as well as providing comprehensive treatment education. At the end of the nursing intake, the client will set an appointment with a physician at the front desk. The first appointment with a physician is usually set for two weeks after the intake appointment which will ensure that any ordered tests have been completed and the results received. The physician will discuss the lab results and recommend a treatment approach. At that time, the client has an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and gain an understanding of the treatment plan.
If a client is going to begin taking new medications, he or she will meet with a nurse following their appointment with the physician. The nurse will provide information about how to take the medications, possible side effects, and develop a support plan.
In summary, a new client would:
The staff at the Center works as a team to provide the best possible care. The medical and social work staff meet with the client and each other to plan and coordinate care for each individual. It is our goal to do everything we can to make clients feel welcome and comfortable. Beginning and continuing treatment can be challenging. We hope that new and current clients feel supported and satisfied with their care at Southwest CARE Center.
The Nurse intake will immediately follow meeting with the Social Worker. This appointment involves gathering detailed information regarding medical history and current medical information, as well as providing comprehensive treatment education. At the end of the nursing intake, the client will set an appointment with a physician at the front desk. The first appointment with a physician is usually set for two weeks after the intake appointment which will ensure that any ordered tests have been completed and the results received. The physician will discuss the lab results and recommend a treatment approach. At that time, the client has an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and gain an understanding of the treatment plan.
If a client is going to begin taking new medications, he or she will meet with a nurse following their appointment with the physician. The nurse will provide information about how to take the medications, possible side effects, and develop a support plan.
In summary, a new client would:
- Call (505) 989-8200 or toll free (888) 320-8200 for intake appointment
- Arrive at Center for scheduled appointment and complete front desk paperwork, including the Notice of Privacy Practices
- Meet with social worker for one hour
- Meet with nurse for one hour
- Schedule physician appointment
- Get lab work done
The staff at the Center works as a team to provide the best possible care. The medical and social work staff meet with the client and each other to plan and coordinate care for each individual. It is our goal to do everything we can to make clients feel welcome and comfortable. Beginning and continuing treatment can be challenging. We hope that new and current clients feel supported and satisfied with their care at Southwest CARE Center.
