How to join the Gold Star Network

Step one: Visit your nearest Gold Star Network Clinic

• If you are worried that you might be infected with HIV, visit any Gold Star Network clinic nearest to you for an HIV test. Only you and your doctor will know of the results.
• If you have tested HIV positive as a result of visiting a VCT site, attending a workplace VCT outreach, after a screening test for insurance or travel purposes or following a diagnosis made when you fell sick visit your nearest Gold Star Network clinic

Step Two: Register with the Gold Star Network provider

• Your Gold Star Network provider will ask that you register with the HIV care and treatment program.  You will need to indicate how you will meet the costs of the services so that the provider can choose for you the most affordable options available.

Step Three: Comply with the schedule for assessments and monitoring

• In addition to clinical assessments and other laboratory tests, your Gold Star Network doctor will carry out CD4 tests to determine whether you need to start treatment sooner or later. All through the planned care, interventions are offered that are consistent with findings from monitoring and laboratory tests so that your health is maximally optimized.

Step Four: Adhere to treatments and nutrients provided

• The Gold Star Network doctor is specially trained to review your medical details and determine the most appropriate treatment for your HIV/AIDS condition. In addition nutritional supplementation may be necessary.
• If you need to start ARV treatment as early as possible, your Gold Star Network doctor will prescribe quality affordable drugs. These drugs can be collected from specially prepared pharmacies, or delivered to your doctor depending on your preference.
• If your CD4 results show that you do not need to be on treatment soon, your Gold Star Network doctor will schedule follow up appointments to monitor your condition so as to determine when to start treatment. Your Gold Star Network doctor will also refer you for counseling support so that you can remain healthy for longer before you start ART

Step Five: Ensure you have adequate financing and regularly review your financing options so as to continue to meet the costs of scheduled services

• Payment for services will depend on what arrangement you have with your employer or health insurance provider. If you are paying for yourself, you will arrange this with your Gold Star Network doctor. If your financing situation changes, you need to inform your provider. Gold Star Network providers are able to refer you to the public sector treatment program where you will be able to access ARV drugs at no cost.