Ohio: Experts Agree that Routine HIV Testing Is Positive, but Not Sure of Practicality

Ohio health officials welcomed CDC's recommendations for routine HIV testing, but they expressed reservations about funding. "I understand the philosophy of it," said Bill Hardy, executive director of AIDS Resource Center (ARC) Ohio in Dayton. "But is it practical, will there be sufficient funds to pay for it, and how will the public pay for it?"

The Combined Health District of Montgomery County and some local doctors report charging $25 for a traditional HIV test, with rapid-result swab tests costing more.

"It's a cost issue," said Health Commissioner Allene Mares. "We're not able to offer HIV/AIDS testing to everyone."

"By identifying people earlier through a screening program, we'll allow them to access life-extending therapy, and also through prevention services, learn how to avoid transmitting HIV infection to others," said Dr. Timothy Mastro, acting director of CDC's division of HIV/AIDS prevention.

Dr. Robert L. Brandt Jr., a Dayton-area HIV/AIDS specialist, said he thinks the guidelines will help reduce stigma for testing. By putting HIV testing in the mainstream, he said, it would become routine and most insurance companies would probably cover it.

CDC's recommendations have been endorsed by the American Medical Association, which urged physicians to comply.

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