Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication regimen taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent the acquisition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This preventive therapy uses antiretroviral medications to establish protective levels in the bloodstream, significantly reducing the risk of infection if an exposure occurs. Because PrEP is a powerful public health tool, many people seek convenient access, often wondering if an urgent care facility can provide the initial prescription. This article explores the requirements for obtaining PrEP through urgent care and outlines the necessary steps for long-term maintenance.
Urgent Care Access and Initial PrEP Requirements
The ability to obtain an initial PrEP prescription from an urgent care center depends on the facility’s capabilities and protocols. Clinics with on-site laboratory services or established procedures for quick lab turnaround are the most likely to initiate PrEP therapy. While the provider must be licensed to prescribe the medication, the primary barrier is mandatory baseline testing.
The most important requirement before starting PrEP is confirming the patient is HIV-negative, which prevents the development of drug resistance. This requires a combined HIV antibody/antigen test (fourth-generation test). If the patient shows signs of acute HIV infection, the provider must order an HIV RNA test and may withhold the prescription until results are confirmed negative.
Assessing kidney function is also required, as common oral PrEP medications are filtered through the kidneys. The provider must order a serum creatinine test to calculate the estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl). For example, one common PrEP medication is contraindicated if a person’s CrCl is below 60 mL/min.
The urgent care facility must also be able to order screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, which are part of the baseline requirement. If the urgent care can meet all these testing and medical screening requirements, they can typically issue a prescription for a short-term supply, often a 30-day starter pack. If the facility cannot perform or quickly process these tests, they cannot safely prescribe PrEP and must refer the patient elsewhere.
The Necessity of Ongoing PrEP Monitoring
While an urgent care center can provide the initial PrEP prescription, their episodic nature makes them unsuitable for long-term maintenance. PrEP requires continuity of care and frequent follow-up to ensure the medication works safely and effectively. Patients on PrEP must return for monitoring quarterly for repeat HIV testing.
This quarterly testing is crucial to confirm the patient remains HIV-negative before a prescription refill can be issued. Follow-up visits also involve repeat STI screening from all exposure sites, including pharyngeal, rectal, and genital swabs, and a serology test for syphilis. Providers use these visits to assess adherence to the daily regimen and monitor for side effects.
Kidney function must be monitored at least every six months, or more frequently if the patient has risk factors for renal impairment. Urgent care centers are designed for transactional, immediate health needs and are not structured to manage this regimented, long-term monitoring schedule. Therefore, patients who begin PrEP at urgent care should plan to transition to a dedicated primary care provider or specialist for ongoing care after receiving the initial supply.
Other Accessible Options for Obtaining PrEP
For individuals seeking a reliable, long-term source for PrEP, several accessible alternatives offer the necessary continuity of care. Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) are an excellent option because they manage a patient’s health holistically, including the required quarterly monitoring and lab work. Establishing care with a PCP ensures all health concerns are addressed within a consistent, ongoing relationship.
Specialized sexual health clinics, often community-based centers, are another effective resource for PrEP access. These clinics have extensive experience with testing protocols and may offer comprehensive support services, including financial assistance programs. They are specifically designed for the frequent monitoring and counseling that PrEP requires.
Telehealth and mail-order services have also become a convenient and discreet option for starting and maintaining PrEP. These licensed platforms offer virtual consultations and can facilitate at-home testing kits for the required lab work. Once approved, the medication is often delivered directly to the patient’s door, simplifying the process of obtaining refills and managing quarterly follow-ups.