Medical care
Medical care is provided by physicians who specialize in sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infections. Our ideal is to have a regular doctor for every patient. Because the ITM is also a training centre, some of the physicians may work with residents or assistants. It is your right to refuse this.
Psychosocial support
Social nurses can provide emotional and psychosocial support. They can also give administrative assistance and answer questions about problems deriving from the HIV infection.
Treatment support
The HIV treatment consultant will provide you with basic information about HIV and your treatment, and will assist you with taking the drugs.
Sexologist support
Some sexual problems may require the support of a sexologist. If you feel you need this support, discuss it with your physician or social nurse.
Psychological support
Our psychologist can help you with psychological problems. Ask for a referral from your social nurse or physician.
Medication: approval and prescriptions
Your physician will provide you with the prescriptions you need until your next visit. In most cases, a medical examination is required every three or four months.
In exceptional cases, you can order additional prescriptions via the Reception if you run out of prescriptions for your HIV drugs. You can pick them up the next day, between 9 am and 5 pm (except Tuesday afternoons), or they can be mailed to you. For any other drugs, contact your family physician.
Approvals for reimbursement of HIV inhibitors are valid for at least twelve months. Your treating physician must apply for the approval, and its extension, on time (this can be done up to three months beforehand).
Laboratory
Blood tests can be taken at the lab any time between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on working days. You do not need an appointment but you do have to bring a requisition form from your physician. Please, report to the Reception upon arrival. The blood tests results can be discussed with your own physician at the Institute.
The ITM conducts research
To improve the care of HIV-infected people over the long term, the ITM is also involved in scientific research. This is why we will ask you for your permission to collect your medical data in an anonymous databank.
Your physician may also ask you to participate in certain studies. He/she will explain the study, what is expected of you, and the possible benefits and risks of any experimental treatment. You always have the right to refuse.
Reception
You will be welcomed at the Reception of the HIV-STD Clinic. Always bring your social security card (SIS card) for registration. Then take a seat in the waiting room until the physician or nurse comes to get you.
Appointments
You always need an appointment for an examination. You can make an appointment during business hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) by calling 03 247 64 65 or by going to the Reception in person, preferably a few weeks beforehand.
Please do not call the physician or other staff members directly. They, and their patients, prefer not to be interrupted during appointments.
If you unexpectedly have to miss an appointment, please cancel it without delay and at the latest the day before. This will free up a slot for another patient. If you fail to notify us repeatedly, you will be charged for the missed appointments.
For urgent problems you can see the physician on call any working day, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., as long as you call beforehand.
The entire team is unavailable on Tuesday afternoons after 2 p.m. (except for real emergencies) when it meets to discuss medical and organizational issues.
After 5 p.m. or on weekends, you can always get help by going to the Emergency Department (tel. 03 821 30 00 or 03 821 51 58) at the University Hospital in Antwerp (UZA). State clearly that you are under the care of the ITM.
Family physician
Always indicate the name of your family physician. We would like to keep him/her informed.
Every patient should have a regular family physician. If you have not found one, ask the social nurse for help.
Registering with the Aids Rehabilitation Centre (ARC)
Once a year you will be asked to sign rehabilitation forms by our ITM physician. These will be forwarded to your health insurer's advising physician. The health insurer will then send the proof of registration to you and your treating physician. These forms are treated with complete confidentiality by our centre and the health insurer's advising physician. By signing them, you will be able to use the services of the multidisciplinary team.
Payment
After every consultation, we will send the invoice to the address you indicated. At your request, we will send all correspondence in blank envelopes (without the ITM logo).
If you do not have a residential address in Belgium or would rather not receive mail at home, you must pay right after your appointment at the Reception desk of the Clinic. You can pay with cash or a bank card.
Address
B-2000 Antwerp
Tel. 03 247 64 65
Directions to ITM
At the ARC Antwerp, we also collaborate for consultations and admissions with: