PrEP
PrEP for HIV Prevention in the Bronx, NY
PrEP is a prescription medicine that people who are HIV-negative take to stay that way — taken as prescribed, it reduces the chance of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. If you're sexually active and want to take HIV off your list of worries, PrEP is for you, and getting it starts with one appointment.
Who this is for
- Anyone who is HIV-negative and wants strong, ongoing protection against HIV
- People whose partner is living with HIV
- Men who have sex with men, and anyone with more than one sexual partner
- Transgender and nonbinary people who want prevention care without judgment
- People who don't use condoms consistently, for any reason
- Anyone who has recently needed emergency HIV medication (PEP) and wants ongoing protection
- People who inject drugs or share injection equipment
What happens at the visit
A confidential conversation
Dr. Albert Slezinger asks about your health and your sex life in a plain, matter-of-fact way. There is no lecture and no judgment here — the questions exist only to make sure PrEP is prescribed safely.
Baseline testing
Before you start, we confirm you're HIV-negative and check kidney function, hepatitis B status and screen for other sexually transmitted infections. This bloodwork is done at the office.
Your prescription
Once results are back and PrEP is right for you, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy of your choice, and your doctor explains how to take it and what to expect in the first weeks.
Follow-up every three months
PrEP care is a routine every three months: an HIV test, STI screening, a kidney check as needed, and your refill. These visits are short.
Support between visits
If you have side effects, lose your insurance, change pharmacies or stop and want to restart, call the office. Staying on PrEP is the goal, and the practice will help you work around whatever gets in the way.
Ready when you are
Calling is the fastest way to be seen. Our staff answers in English or Spanish.
Care from an AAHIVM-credentialed physician
Dr. Albert Slezinger, MD holds the AAHIVM credential from the American Academy of HIV Medicine — the national body that credentials clinicians with demonstrated experience in HIV care. HIV prevention and treatment are a core part of his practice, not an occasional add-on.
That matters for a medicine you take every day. You get someone who follows this field closely, in a neighborhood office on Southern Boulevard, instead of traveling to a specialty center across the borough.
Confidentiality
Your visit and your results are part of your protected medical record. Nobody is told you're on PrEP, and staff discuss your care with you privately.
If you have concerns about a family member or a partner seeing insurance paperwork, say so at your visit — tell the doctor and we'll talk through your options.
PrEP is not the same as PEP
PrEP is taken before exposure, on an ongoing basis, to prevent HIV. PEP is emergency medication started within 72 hours after a possible exposure.
If you think you were exposed to HIV in the last three days, don't wait for an appointment — call (917) 801-0954 right away or go to the nearest emergency room, because PEP is time-sensitive.
What to bring
- Photo ID and insurance card, if you have one
- The name and address of the pharmacy you want to use
- A list of any medications you take
- Dates of your most recent HIV or STI testing, if you know them
- Any questions about side effects, cost or confidentiality — ask all of them
Insurance and cost
Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans cover PrEP and the lab work that goes with it. New York State also has assistance programs for people who are uninsured or underinsured.
We accept Medicaid and most managed Medicaid plans, along with many commercial plans. Coverage rules change often, so call (917) 801-0954 with your card in hand and our staff will confirm what your plan covers before your visit.
Self-pay patients are welcome. Ask our front desk what a visit will involve when you call so there are no surprises.
See the full list of plans we accept
Frequently asked questions
- How well does PrEP actually work?
- Taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. It works best when you take it consistently, which is exactly what the three-month check-ins are there to support.
- Does PrEP protect me from other STIs?
- No — PrEP only prevents HIV. That's part of why we screen for other sexually transmitted infections at every follow-up, and why condoms still have a role.
- Will anyone find out I'm on PrEP?
- Your care is confidential and protected by federal privacy law. If insurance paperwork is a concern for you, tell your doctor at the visit and we'll discuss your options.
- What are the side effects?
- Most people have none. Some have mild nausea or headache in the first weeks that settles down. Your kidney function is monitored as part of routine follow-up.
- How soon does PrEP start protecting me?
- Protection builds after you start taking it — your doctor will tell you exactly how long to wait based on the medication you're prescribed and how you'll be using it.
- Can I stop PrEP later?
- Yes. PrEP isn't forever. Talk to your doctor before stopping so it's done safely, and know you can restart any time your situation changes.
Related services
This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with your physician about your own health. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.
Appointments
Call about prep.
Our staff can help you in English or Spanish.
