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Implement Comprehensive Women’s Health Care for HIV-Infected Women:
Increase Patient Access and Convenience to Gynecological (GYN) Care

Women across socioeconomic and cultural spectrums juggle increasingly complex lives to care for their children and families, to work, and to maintain health.  Frequently, health — particularly their own — is not the most pressing concern for women. For this reason, increasing the convenience of access to health care is crucial. Many programs use the suggestions below to maximize the likelihood of women getting their annual gynecological (GYN) exams.


Tips
  • Make GYN care available on a same-day or walk-in basis.
  • Coordinate GYN care with other clinic appointments so that patients do not have to make a special trip to obtain GYN services. For example, incorporate GYN care into routine HIV primary care visits, and/or provide GYN care at the initial visit or during the return visit for blood test results and medical evaluation.
  • Enhance accessibility by:
    • Offering transportation or bus/subway fare to and from GYN services.
    • Providing case management escorts to and from appointments as needed.
  • Increase availability through evening clinic for GYN exams.