Medical Care | Prevention Services | Support Services

Adults who are HIV+ and living in York, Lancaster or Chester counties can receive medical care at The Christopher Clinic. New clients can schedule their first appointment with the nurse after they meet with a Case Manager. This first appointment will include a review of medical and family history and a basic blood test. Lab tests that we usually do include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
2. Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) – this includes test of liver and kidney function, and blood sugar (glucose)
3. CD4 – testing of immune system function
4. Viral Load (VL) – the amount of detectable HIV virus in the blood
5. Hepatitis immunity – test for hepatitis A, B and C exposure or immunity
6. Syphilis test (a sexually transmitted disease)
7. Lipids – Cholesterol and triglycerides
8. Other tests and X-rays are ordered if needed

Clinic Information
The Christopher Clinic is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30am - 5:00pm and Friday from 8:30am - 4:00pm. We also see clients on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 5:00 - 7:00pm (by appointment only). We are closed for major holidays. The clinic can provide medical care for many medical and psychosocial problems.

The clinic staff includes:

• » A Medical Office Assistant, who draws blood and helps medical staff in the clinic.
• » A Registered Nurse, who takes clients calls about medication refills, illnesses and vaccines.
• » A Nurse Practitioner, who provides yearly physicals and regular medical care for illnesses or other conditions.
• » An Infectious Diseases Specialist Physician, who comes to the clinic twice per week to see clients.
• » A Medical Case Manager, who helps clients with medications, including help in obtaining medications and taking them correctly.
• » A Mental Health Counselor, who provides confidential on-site services.
• » A Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist, who comes to the clinic twice per month to provide clients with nutrition / diet education.

After-Hours Care
If you have a true emergency, you should call 9-1-1 and the operator will assist you.

If you call CCC and we are closed, you will be directed to call 803-985-4504 (Piedmont Medical Center). Tell the operator your name and number and that you need to speak with Dr. Charles. Dr. Charles will call you as soon as possible.

After-hours care and emergency services are not for routine medical care. Rashes, colds or conditions that have been present for a long time can be checked in the clinic during regular hours. The after-hours doctor can not give you your medications.

Payment
We serve all HIV+ clients without regard to ability to pay. All medical services, including lab work, clinic visits and vaccines, will be billed to any third party payer (Medicaid, Medicare or insurance), or the fee will be based on a sliding fee scale. A sliding fee scale is based on financial information that you must give us. This information will help us decide what services you can receive, including help with medication costs or other needs. The Christopher Clinic will help you get HIV medications and other required medicines.