Steven M. Pounders, M.D. to Start Saturday PrEP Clinic
Steven M. Pounders, M.D., P.L.L.C. is internal medicine and adult primary care practice founded in September of 1989 by Dr. Steven M. Pounders in Dallas, Texas.
The office specializes in treating patients with HIV, hepatitis, and other infections, as well as acting as primary care for adults.
PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a new a prevention approach for HIV-negative individuals to use anti-HIV medications to reduce their risk of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus.
The FDA approved Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir) made by Gilead Sciences, Inc. for preventative use on July 16, 2012. The tablet needs to be taken once a day, every day to provide effective prevention.
The office of Steven M. Pounders, M.D., P.L.L.C. will be starting a Saturday PrEP clinic beginning on September 8, 2018 to help give patients who are at high risk of being exposed to HIV infection access to the preventive medication. The office normally operates Monday through Friday, but has decided to open up for PrEP patients only on Saturdays to increase availability of the treatment to those who have a hard time getting off work during the week.
Dr. Steven M. Pounders was at the forefront of battling the AIDS crisis here in Dallas in the late 80s and early 90s, and remains passionate about the treatment and prevention of HIV. “With 1.1 million people in the United States alone at risk for sexually acquiring HIV, it is especially important to educate high-risk groups about the benefits of PrEP in addition to consistent condom use,” says Dr. Pounders. The PrEP clinic has been in the planning stages for a year as the office expanded in size and practice, and is finally ready for launch.
Starting on Saturday, September 8, 2018, the clinic will run on Saturdays from 9:00am until 1:00pm. Patients will be able to have their labs and three month follow-ups done in a quick 15-30 minute appointment. The purpose of these follow-ups is to monitor bone and kidney health (as Truvada can potentially cause bone density loss and kidney disease), and to routinely check for STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
Dr. Pounders is excited to offer this preventive treatment in a friendly, private environment for those who may not otherwise have access to the drug. Patients will have the option to bill their visits through their insurance, or to take advantage of special cash pricing meant for those with high deductible plans, catastrophic-only insurance, or no insurance.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. representatives provide the office with educational materials to give to patients, as well as co-pay assistance cards to help manage the cost of the drug. The office staff will also assist patients with prior-authorizations required by certain insurance companies before the prescription can be filled by pharmacies.
The office of Steven M. Pounders, M.D., P.L.L.C. operates in the heart of the Uptown and Oak Lawn neighborhoods as an internal medicine and adult primary care practice. It was started in September of 1989 and is currently at 3500 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75219. There are five providers at the office including Steven M. Pounders, M.D., Chad Nyland, D.O., D. Trew Deckard, PA-C, MHS, AAHIVS, Cameron Wyatt, APRN, FNP-C, and Chad Crager, APRN, FNP-C. The office also employs four front office staff members, six certified medical assistants, and has a constant rotation of students, interns, and externs.
Media Contact: Ty Larson <br>
Phone: 214-520-8833 x 200 <br>
Email: [email protected]
