Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
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Stigma related to HIV continues to be a reality that many people face, even though medical knowledge has advanced significantly in recent decades. Stigma can affect not only social life but also access to care and communication with healthcare professionals. It is important to understand what stigma is, how it manifests, and which practical strategies can help manage it, particularly when it comes to disclosing your health status during specialist medical visits,such as with a dentist or other specialists.
HIV-related stigma is a social phenomenon that can manifest as fear, prejudice, or discrimination toward a person living with HIV. It can stem from misinformation, deep-rooted biases, and misconceptions about transmission and the nature of the infection. Stigmatization can influence participation in health services and trust in healthcare institutions.
Past experiences of stigma may lead some people to hesitate in sharing important information with healthcare professionals. For example, fear of being judged may cause someone not to disclose their health status to a dentist or another specialist.
Sharing relevant clinical information—such as current therapy or medical conditions that may interfere with treatment— is not optional when it can affect the safety or effectiveness of care. Healthcare professionals need this information to avoid:
• Drug interactions
• Incompatible treatment choices
• Failing to implement all necessary protocols to ensure mutual safety
This type of communication concerns the quality and safety of care and is not related to social issues or value judgments.
It is helpful to plan in advance how to communicate relevant clinical information to a healthcare professional, especially if they are not regularly involved in HIV care. This may include:
• Briefly explaining your current therapy and why it is important for your overall well-being
• Reporting any known allergies or drug interactions
• Clearly asking how your condition may influence the specific treatment you are about to receive
Clear communication helps build trust and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
If you feel that stigma is affecting your care experience or daily life, it may be useful to speak with:
• A trusted physician
• A counselor or psychologist
• Support groups or patient associations
Engaging with people who have direct or professional experience can help you develop more effective coping strategies.
How we will try to contact you
We will call you from a national landline number that starts with:
0655170 [...]
It is very important to answer: we are trying to get in touch with you!
How you can contact APC Immuno
To contact APC Immuno directly, please call the following number:
0655170333
We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.
For any clinical need it is always better to speak directly with the APC Immuno Staff. o clarify doubts of organizational nature you can send an email to apcimmuno@inmi.it. Do not use the email for clinical questions! We might not answer your question immediately!
How you can contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis
To contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis directly call the number
0655170620
What to always bring with you
• Health Insurance Card
• Valid identification document
• Exemption card for pathology 020.042 or other valid exemption
⚠️ ATTENTION: If you do not have a health insurance card you will have to go with a valid identification document to the CUP for the issuance or renewal of theSTP/ENI and sign, if you meet the requirements, the certificate of indigence, which must be renewed every 6 months, like the STP/ENI. In this way you will be able to benefit from the X01 exemption. Afterwards, you will still have to go to your local ASL with the pathology certificate to obtain the pathology exemption.
Important note on consent to care and participation in research studies
Upon your arrival at Spallanzani you will be asked to sign a document regarding consent to care. It is possible that during a medical visit you will be asked to also sign further consents for participation in clinical and research studies.
Spallanzani, as a Research Institute,participates in numerous clinical studies.
Your possible support is precious to improve care pathways and contribute to the progress of HIV research.
Participation in studies is always voluntary, free, and independent from the care pathway. The Doctor will explain to you in a clear and simple way the contents of the proposed study, which is always approved by the Ethics Committee, guarantees privacy according to current regulations, and from which you can withdraw at any time.
Please contact the information desk: The Nursing Staff will assess the situation and, if necessary, help you schedule an appointment for a medical consultation.
You can access them through the Electronic Health Record (if you have SPID or CIE), or by using the link provided by the CUP staff when you undergo the blood draw.
Please email prenotazioni.spallanzani@inmi.it no later than two days before the scheduled date to reschedule the appointment.
Many procedures can be performed at our hospital. However, some must be scheduled through the Regional CUP number at 069939.
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