Infectious Disease

The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center Infectious Disease Department offers walk-ins and appointments for HIV/STD testing.

Services include
•Traditional serum testing
•HIV counseling, testing, and referral
•HIV education
•Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B immunizations
•Hepatitis screening
•Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B treatment

Recently diagnosed HIV patients or patients transferring their care need to schedule an appointment with a nurse (medical manager). The nurse performs a complete assessment, gathers the medical history, reviews current medications, and orders necessary lab work. The nurse and social worker also assesses the need for social services, substance abuse referrals, housing, and case management.

The patients primary care is established with a physician or a nurse practitioner. Future appointments include a nutrition visit, dental exam, ophthalmology, and any other specialty referral that is needed. Patients without medical insurance are assisted in completing necessary insurance applications and continue to receive medical care while awaiting approval.