FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about referrals, pharmacy setup, testing, documentation, and payment support for PrEP and PEP delivery in PrideScript.

A. Pharmacy readiness and operations

  • Use the online referral form whenever possible. It is the fastest option and helps the pharmacy team prepare for a same-day visit.

  • If a patient may have had an HIV exposure within the past 72 hours, it is urgent. Call the navigator line so the pharmacy can quickly assess for PEP.

  • No. California pharmacists can initiate PrEP and PEP when program requirements are met. Patients can start at the pharmacy after completing the required steps.

  • A private visit, a brief intake, rapid HIV testing, and same-day PrEP or PEP when eligible, plus clear next steps.

  • Yes. Patient interest alone is enough for referral.

  • Yes. Some sites offer additional services. Refer the patient, and the pharmacy will confirm what is available at that site.

B. Pharmacy readiness and operations

  • At least one PrEP-trained pharmacist, a private or semi-private space, a defined workflow, and HIV testing capability through CLIA-waived testing or a plan to obtain such capability.

  • Most sites plan for a short visit. Timing depends on the intake method, testing workflow, and staffing, but the model is designed for efficient same-day starts.

  • Yes. Many steps can be supported by trained staff, such as patient check-in, tablet intake support, and routing paperwork, while the pharmacist completes clinical assessment, counseling, and furnishing.

  • Yes. PrideScript provides posters, flyers, and pocket cards to help patients self-identify their interest and reduce the burden on staff to generate demand.

C. HIV testing, labs, and clinical safeguards

  • A documented negative HIV test is required before initiating PrEP. Sites may use CLIA-waived rapid testing or review a patient-provided test result completed within the allowed window.

  • The pharmacy follows confirmatory testing and linkage protocols and completes required public health reporting. PrideScript provides guidance and referral pathways to connect patients to care quickly.

  • Pharmacies can start PrEP with the required HIV test. Patients need follow-up labs through a provider for ongoing PrEP, such as kidney function and other tests based on the PrEP option and clinical context.

  • Some pharmacies can order labs under a collaborative practice agreement or an established referral pathway. PrideScript can help set up the approach that fits your site.

D. CLIA-waived testing in pharmacies

  • Yes, if the pharmacy will perform on-site point-of-care HIV tests. A CLIA Certificate of Waiver allows you to run waived tests when you meet the basic requirements.

  • Yes. PrideScript supports CLIA application steps, workflow design, staff training, documentation tools, and practical integration of testing into pharmacy operations.

  • In some situations, yes, including certain Medi-Cal pathways when the pharmacy is properly enrolled and billing requirements are met. Coverage and billing rules vary by payer and managed care arrangement.

E. Documentation, reporting, and privacy

  • Standardized documentation is required for clinical quality, legal compliance, and billing support. PrideScript provides templates aligned with the program workflow.

  • Yes. Positive results must be reported to the local county public health department using the required systems. Reporting is limited to required information and is used for public health follow-up and care linkage.

  • Tell patients that visits are private, information is protected, and any required reporting is limited and never disclosed to employers, schools, or immigration authorities.

F. Medication, furnishing, and follow-up

  • Trained pharmacists may dispense PrEP for a time-limited supply permitted by California law and dispense PEP as a full course when indicated. The program workflow supports same day dispensing when criteria are met.

  • No. Most sites start with oral PrEP and a reliable workflow. If a site later adds injectable options, PrideScript can help plan implementation and referral pathways.

  • Pharmacies provide clear next steps and support the transition to ongoing care. Community health workers can help with reminders, labs coordination, coverage navigation, and linking to a long term provider.

G. Billing and patient payment support

  • In most cases, yes. Coverage is commonly available through private insurance, Medi-Cal, and assistance programs, and PrideScript helps with navigation when cost issues arise.

  • California PrEP Assistance Program pathways may help, including coverage support for eligible uninsured patients and options for those who need confidentiality. PrideScript can help route patients to enrollment support.

  • The model is designed to avoid uncompensated care by combining medication coverage pathways, reimbursable clinical services when billing criteria are met, and high same-day initiation rates that support efficient staff time.

H. Support and troubleshooting

  • Use the PrideScript pharmacy support contact listed on the Contact page. For patient-specific clinical decisions, follow your pharmacy protocol and escalation pathway.

  • PrideScript can help with payer navigation, assistance program workflows, and troubleshooting when a claim or coverage step does not go as expected.

  • Yes. PrideScript supports readiness review, training completion, workflow setup, testing integration, and launch support.

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn’t answered here, the PrideScript team is available to help.

Contact Program Support