Local care from real people — right here in Charleston. Confidential | HIPAA secure | LGBTQ+ affirming
How it works?
Schedule An Appointment
Answer some basic questions, create a profile, and schedule your appointment.
Doctor Consult
Brief visit (online or in person) with our providers to discuss if PrEP is appropriate for you.
Labs
Simple testing can be done either at home or at a local lab.
Free Delivery
Discreetly packaged prescriptions shipped to your home free OR picked up at Avita Pharmacy and refilled each month automatically, free of charge.
Follow-Up
Follow-up appointments every three months are even easier. You can check in with your Navigator anytime with questions.
No Paperwork
We’ll work with your insurance company and the various patient assistance programs to ensure you have no out-of-pocket costs. We do everything for you.
You deserve access to PrEP without the hassle. Most insurance plans cover it, and if yours doesn’t, Palmetto Community Care will help you enroll in assistance programs so you can avoid out-of-pocket costs. We handle the forms and support you throughout the process.
Already on PrEP? We make renewals easy, and we’ll help coordinate refills so staying protected fits your life.
No doctor’s office visits. No paperwork headaches. Just local care from real people who’ve got your back
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Tell me more about PrEP!
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – commonly known as PrEP – is for anyone who is HIV-negative and sexually active.
What is PrEP?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – commonly known as PrEP – is for anyone who is HIV-negative and sexually active. Since its introduction worldwide over a decade ago, PrEP has only improved with each passing year. So much so that different versions have been introduced, from pills to injectables, to accommodate anyone’s lifestyle and preference.
Is PrEP right for me?
If you are sexually active and HIV-negative, then yes! Being on PrEP will help give you peace of mind and will put you in control of your sexual health!
Who qualifies for the PrEP program?
- Age: Anyone age 16 years or older
- Location: Living in South Carolina
- Risk: Anyone who is sexually active or participates in high-risk behavior
Is PrEP free of charge?
Health insurance is a definite benefit and helps with participation, but the program includes services and inclusion for those who qualify but are uninsured. While Palmetto Community Care cannot guarantee that all uninsured PrEP program clients will be eligible, the goal is to find a way for as many people as possible to participate in this life-saving program.
Participants will be required to complete quarterly lab blood work (free or reduced cost for participants), meet with a doctor quarterly, and participate in continued adherence counseling with Palmetto Community Care prevention staff.
Should I come in person or is there a virtual option?
We’ve got both options! Contact us and we can help find out which is best for you!
Can’t make an in-person appointment? Learn about TelePrEP!
No doctor’s office visits. No paperwork headaches. Just local care from real people who’ve got your back
What is TelePrEP?
TelePrEP is a remote health service that allows you to start and maintain HIV prevention medication (PrEP) through virtual visits with experienced providers without needing to visit a clinic in person.
How does TelePrEP work?
The process includes:
- A virtual consultation with a provider from our medical center, Truesdale Medical Center.
- Lab testing done at a local lab or a home test kit
- A PrEP prescription sent to Avita Pharmacy, a mail-order pharmacy that will ship directly to your home in a discreet package or to your preferred location. You can also pick up your prescription at Avita Pharmacy, located at 5064 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, 29406.
- Follow-up testing and Tele-health visit every 3 months.
Who is eligible for TelePrEP?
South Carolina residents, over 16 years old, and insured. If you are under 18 or uninsured, please reach out to Palmetto Community Care at https://palmettocare.org/prevention/ for options.
Do I need an in-person visit to start PrEP?
No. Our programs allow you to complete the consultation virtually and have labs done at a partner location or via a mailed test kit.
What tests are required for TelePrEP?
Our at-home test kits include:
- HIV test
- Kidney function test
- STI screening
- Hepatitis B & C screening
- Pregnancy Test
How do the at-home tests work? Is there a video I can watch?
Absolutely! We have provided instructional videos and links to printer-friendly instructions along with each video. Just CLICK HERE for more resources.
What medications are available through TelePrEP?
TelePrEP can prescribe:
- Oral PrEP medications available include Descovy or Truvada
- DoxyPEP is also available for patients prescribed PrEP. DoxyPEP is an antibiotic taken within 72 hours of STI exposure that reduces your risk of getting an infection with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis.
- If Injectable PrEP is preferred, please CLICK HERE and contact us to schedule an in-office PrEP appointment.
Does insurance cover TelePrEP?
Yes. Most private insurance plans, Medicaid, and many public health programs cover PrEP medications and the required lab work. We will collect your insurance information and bill your insurance directly. If there is any remaining balance after insurance processes the claim, you will not be charged — there is no cost to you.
Is my information confidential?
Absolutely! We follow strict privacy laws (HIPAA) and use secure telehealth platforms to protect your personal and medical information.
What if I miss a dose of PrEP?
PrEP works best when it is taken every day as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. Missing multiple doses can lower your level of protection and increase your risk of HIV. If you miss more than one dose or have questions about your protection, please reach out for guidance so we can help you stay protected.
Can I use TelePrEP if I live in a rural area?
Yes! Our TelePrEP services are designed to expand access to care, including for patients in more rural or hard-to-reach areas, so you can connect with us from wherever you are.
Who would my medical providers be?
Your care will be provided by licensed medical professionals from Palmetto Community Care and Truesdale Medical Center who live and work in our community. Our providers are experienced in HIV prevention and sexual health care and remain consistent throughout your care whenever possible—so you can build a trusted relationship over time.
You can learn more about our providers and care team on our Meet Our Staff page.
What if I think I’ve been exposed to HIV or STIs?
If you’ve had a possible HIV or STI exposure in the last 72 hours, post-exposure medications can significantly reduce your risk of infection.
What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected.
When is PEP used?
PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles and works to prepare drugs, or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.
What about STIs? What is DoxyPEP?
DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a single dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex that can significantly reduce the risk of certain bacterial STIs — including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Who is DoxyPEP for?
DoxyPEP may be right for you if you’ve had recent unprotected sex and are concerned about STI exposure. It works best when taken as soon as possible — within 72 hours. Our team at Truesdale Medical Center can help you determine whether DoxyPEP is appropriate for your situation.
Need Help?
Please contact Truesdale Medical Center for additional assistance
What Others Are Saying
I’ve been on PrEP for 2 years, and I like that I can get tested regularly at TMC because of my history and activities. It’s a nonjudgmental environment. If I go to a regular doctor, it seems more judgmental. It gives me a sense of security from contracting HIV. I know some people don’t use protection while on prep, but I still use protection
– Ben
I have been on PrEP for more than two years, and I love that it is free at TMC, and the navigators help with my adherence and staying educated with my options. If everyone could be on PrEP, that would be world-changing
– Keith
I have been on PrEP for going on five years now. TMC and the providers are easy-going, easy to contact, and friendly. The navigators are just as nice, and while on it, I feel fine knowing I’m protecting myself
– Dominick
