7 Central St.

Providence, RI, 02907

+401-648-4700

during clinic hours

Hepatitis C Virus Care

7 Central St.

Providence, RI, 02907

+401-648-4700

during clinic hours

Hepatitis C Virus Care

You are at a Greater Risk for Hep C Than You Think

We’re here for testing and treatment.

It is estimated that 3.2 million Americans are chronically infected with Hepatitis C

More people die from HCV today than of HIV and 59 other infection diseases combined

Approximately 2% of Rhode Islanders have ever been infected with HCV. Of that 2%, 80% are at risk of developing chronic disease

Hepatitis C cases are increasing in the United States, particularly among young adults. If left untreated, Hep C can lead to severe health complications. The good news is that Hep C can be cured within 8-12 weeks if caught early and treated with antiviral medication.

You do not need to be a primary care patient to utilize our STI screening and treatment services.

What you need to know about Hepatitis C:

  • Hepatitis C is spread through direct contact with the blood of someone who is infected or through sex

  • Testing is the only way to know if you are infected

  • It is recommended that all adults and pregnant women get tested for Hep C.

  • People with ongoing risk factors should be tested regularly for Hep C.

  • There are currently no vaccines against Hep C

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Contraception

Take control of your sexual health today

Let us help you navigate your options.

Open Door Health can provide you with options for the emergency and daily prevention of unwanted pregnancy. Daily methods of contraception will be the most effective if having unprotected sex frequently. Come to the clinic to talk to one of our providers to make a choice that works best for you.

You do not have to be a primary care patient to utilize our contraceptive services.

Contraceptive Services Available:

Single-Use Contraceptives

Condoms and dental dams are available for free in our waiting area and restrooms throughout the clinic.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are a medicine with hormones. The pill is safe, affordable, and effective when used daily. Our clinicians can talk through your options and prescribe as needed.

Birth Control Vaginal Ring

The birth control ring is a safe and convenient birth control method that works well if you always use it correctly.

Injection Birth Control

Depo Provera is a common brand for a contraceptive injection that contains the hormone progestin and is given as an injection every three months. It is extremely effective and safe. 

Oral Emergency Contraception

Oral emergency contraception (such as Plan B One-Step) is available at Open Door Health, and should be used within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. 

Our team is here to help guide you through the options available to you. Call us today: 401-648-4700

PrEP & PEP

HIV prevention is within your reach. Let us help guide you through your options

56% of new HIV cases in RI were among gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.

PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed.

PrEP

Short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, PrEP is a medication that is highly effective at preventing HIV infection. Open Door Health is proud to operate one of the state’s largest PrEP programs, helping to lead the effort to prevent new HIV infections. 

Your risk factors of HIV infection should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional such as our team. Call us today to discuss what makes the most sense for you. 

Daily PrEP

PrEP is most commonly prescribed as a once-daily medication. When taken as prescribed, PrEP helps stop the HIV virus from replicating in your body, creating a defense against HIV infection. PrEP is both safe and effective; reducing the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%. 

You should consider daily PrEP if you:

  • Engage in or want to engage in non-monogamous sex with a partner/partners who doesn’t know their HIV status

  • Have had an STI in the last six months or last year

  • Inject substances and share injection equipment

PrEP “On Demand” (2:1:1 PrEP)

PrEP on-demand, often referred to as 2-1-1 PrEP, is an alternative option for people who do not wish to take PrEP daily. This approach requires you take two pills within the 2-to-24 hour period before you plan to have sex followed by one pill 24 hours after the first two pills, and one more pill 24 hours after the third pill. 

It may be the right option for you if you don’t want to take a pill everyday. If cost is your concern, contact our team who will help you navigate coverage option. 

Paying for PrEP

Our team is here to help you navigate the insurance and payment challenges; don’t let insurance or payment be the thing that stops you from taking PrEP.

PEP

PEP, short for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a way to stop HIV infection after a possible exposure. Our team can prescribe you PEP if necessary. You must start taking PEP within 72 hours after the exposure; do not delay calling our office to speak to a provider if you are at risk.

You should consider PEP if:

  • You had unprotected sex with someone who is living with HIV

  • You had unprotected sex with someone who’s HIV status is unknown

  • A condom broke during sex

  • You shared a syringe with someone to inject drugs or hormones

HIV Care

Don’t go through treatment alone.

Our team of HIV treatment experts are here for you.

“21% of individuals newly diagnosed with HIV in Rhode Island also had an AIDS diagnosis.”

Don’t wait until HIV becomes AIDS. Get tested today.

“In 2019, gay and bisexual men who have sex with men had almost 3 times as many cases of HIV when compared to females, male heterosexuals, and PWID, combined.”

We are proud to offer the latest in HIV care and treatment. Open Door Health will provide HIV care to anyone living with HIV in a safe and affirming way. Ryan White services available at Open Door Health include HIV screening, education, and linkage to treatment and care. HIV care and treatment is provided as part of our primary care services. Our goal is to de-stigmatize HIV and help all people with HIV to live a normal and healthy life.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV but have never been tested, we would be happy to help you navigate the process.

Call us at 401-648-4700 today to schedule an appointment for HIV treatment.

What to know about HIV/AIDS

  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

  • HIV/AIDS is spread through sexual contact, sharing needles to inject drugs, and during pregnancy or through breastfeeding.

  • With proper treatment and advances in medicine, HIV rarely advances to AIDS

Why get treated for HIV/AIDS?

  • HIV treatment reduces the amount of virus in the blood

  • Taking your HIV medicine as prescribed prevents drug resistance

  • HIV treatment prevents the transmission of HIV to others

What does U=U Mean?

  • People who are on antiretroviral therapy and have an “undetectable” viral load have a normal life expectancy and are “untransmittable” (U=U), which means they cannot transmit HIV to their partners.

What HIV Treatment Services are Offered at ODH?

  • We offer both antiretroviral therapy and navigation services to people living with HIV. We can also help connect you to community resources and primary care support.

STI Screening

Start with a test. We handle the rest

Offering quick, easy, & comprehensive screening for STIs.

At Open Door Health, we operate the state’s only express STI clinic, getting you in and out the door as quickly as possible all while offering comprehensive and thorough testing. 


Leave any awkward feelings outside when you walk into Open Door Health. We offer honest, sex-positive, and supportive conversations about your sexual health. And if you think your candid questions or talking about your weekend’s hookup will make us uncomfortable, think again; we’ve heard (and seen) it all. Open Door Health was built on the idea that good, basic healthcare must include routine sexual health screenings and sensible prevention options.

You do not need to be a primary care patient to utilize our STI screening and treatment services.

Rates of gonorrhea have tripled in RI since 2011

Chlamydia cases have increased 14% in RI in the last 10 years

During a routine STI screening at Open Door Health, you will be offered testing for STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV.

Worried about testing positive for an STI?

Don’t stress; our team is qualified and ready to guide you through treatment options should you test positive for an STI. Don’t let the worry stop you from coming in to get tested; the sooner we can identify an STI, the better. Plus, receiving negative test results will give you the peace of mind you need.

Our goal is to provide the best possible care to as many people as possible. Whenever possible, we encourage you to call to make an appointment.

Same-Day Appointments: Walk-ins are available on a limited first-come, first serve basis. We will make every effort to accommodate walk-in appointments. We currently are experiencing staffing shortages and there is unprecedented high demand for our services. If we can’t see you immediately, we will prioritize you for the next available appointment, which may be the same day or within a few days. If you have an urgent or acute need, we will make every effort to see you or refer you to another clinic.

Please make an appointment: Due to the very high demand for our services, we cannot guarantee to see you for a walk-in visit. We strongly encourage you to make an appointment whenever possible.

Advance Call Recommendation: If you have an urgent need or are traveling to visit us, we recommend calling ahead to see if we can accommodate you without an appointment.

You should consider coming in for STI screening if you:

  • Have never been tested for STIs

  • Have had sex with multiple or anonymous partners in the past 3-6 months

Let our team assess your unique risk factors and recommend how often you should be screened for STIs.

Medical Assistant (MA)

Position Title:  Medical Assistant (MA)

Reports to: Clinical Manager

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond. RIPHI oversees public health programs, conducts translational and policy research, and trains students and public health practitioners. 

In recent years, RIPHI’s programs have attracted local and national media attention as well as local and national awards for public health innovation. RIPHI owns and operates Open Door Health, the state’s first and only LGBTQ+ community clinic; Open Door Health provides primary care, sexual health care, family planning services, and gender affirming care to Rhode Island’s diverse community. Open Door Health also hosts the state’s only Express STI Clinic, where patients can walk in and receive timely STI screening services. RIPHI also hosts a Ryan White HIV treatment and care program at Open Door Health. 

In addition, RIPHI operates Food on the Move, one of the largest mobile produce programs in the country. RIPHI leads Nourish Rhode Island, a coalition advocating for SNAP incentives in grocery stores to promote healthy eating among SNAP recipients. RIPHI also led a statewide campaign for a sugary drinks tax in 2021. This campaign garnered over 55 earned media pieces and attracted nationwide attention. 

RIPHI leads a citywide clinical collaborative to promote COVID-19 testing and vaccination equity among the city’s largest safety net health centers. In coming years, RIPHI will also support innovations in harm reduction centers as the state legalizes harm reduction services and safe injection sites. 

RIPHI’s rapid and currently growing portfolio also includes programs related to food insecurity, nutrition and active living, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce HIV transmission, geographically focused health interventions, and other efforts to reduce health disparities. To learn more about RIPHI, visit www.riphi.org.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision by the Nurse Manager, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Medical Assistant will perform clinical and administrative tasks that reflect the age-specific needs of the geriatric, adult, and adolescent patient.  The Medical Assistant will foster patient centered, gender affirming care in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute and Open Door Health. 

Responsibilities:

Administrative Duties:

  • Answering patient phone calls                                   
  • Greeting patients entering for care
  • Screening for COVID-19        
  • Maintenance of waiting room cleanliness 
  • Maintaining patient records by obtaining, recording, and updating personal information
  • Scanning and processing of medical documents and patient records                      
  • Scheduling/rescheduling of patient appointments
  • Completing prior authorization requests and appeals
  • Facilitating patient referrals and coordination of care

Rooming/Patient Intake:

  • Warm welcome                                                           
  • Vital signs
  • Medication Review                                                     
  • Allergies
  • Past Medical History                                                   
  • Social History
  • Other intake elements as directed
  • Cleaning room and equipment between patient appointments

Perform Point of Care Testing as ordered:

  • EKG                                                                            
  • Height/Weight
  • Pregnancy Tests                                                         
  • HIV/HCV Orasure
  • Binax NOW COVID-19                                               
  • HbA1C
  • Other Point Of Care Tests as indicated

Laboratory Specimen Collection:

  • Phlebotomy as needed
  • Instructing patients on self-collection of urine, oral, and rectal specimen collection

General guiding principles:

  • Protects and preserves the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality
  • Consistently applies the values of Open Door Health, providing gender affirming care and improving the health status of the Community through the provision of customer-friendly, high-value medical services.  
  • Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established policies, procedures, and objectives.

Requirements:

  • Equivalent to high school graduate and completion of formal training program including phlebotomy, electrocardiogram and required current certification in the state of Rhode Island to perform all duties as described.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the lifespan with consideration of human development stages, cultural patterns, and gender identity.
  • 1+ years of related experience.  Prior experience in phlebotomy, electrocardiography, and patient interaction/assessment/vitals. 
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • BLS certification
  • Able to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Fluent in the provision of culturally congruent services

Other:

  • Experience providing culturally congruent and affirming care to sexual and gender minorities and racial and ethnic minorities is highly desirable
  • Bi-lingual/bi-cultural Spanish or/and Portuguese is preferred

Work Type:

Full-time

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Healthcare environment such as physicians’ offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises.  Works with medical equipment and has direct patient contact.  Any potential hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions including safety equipment and protective clothing. 

Open Door Health is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, expression or preference, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, socio-economic status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter explaining qualifications and experience to [email protected].

Nurse Practitioner

Position Title: Nurse Practitioner

Reports to: Clinic Manager

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond. RIPHI oversees public health programs, conducts translational and policy research, and trains students and public health practitioners.

In recent years, RIPHI’s programs have attracted local and national media attention as well as local and national awards for public health innovation. RIPHI owns and operates Open Door Health, the state’s first and only LGBTQ+ clinic; Open Door Health provides primary care, sexual health care, family planning services, and gender affirming care to Rhode Island’s diverse community. Open Door Health also hosts the state’s only Express STI Clinic, where patients can walk in and receive STI screening services in 30 minutes or less. RIPHI hosts a large Ryan White HIV treatment and care program at Open Door Health.

In addition, RIPHI operates Food on the Move, one of the largest mobile produce programs in the country. RIPHI leads Nourish Rhode Island, a coalition advocating for SNAP incentives in grocery stores to promote healthy eating among SNAP recipients. During the 2022 legislation session, the NOURISH RI coalition secured an $11.5 million state appropriation for the Department of Human Services to fund a statewide Retail SNAP Incentive Program.

RIPHI leads a citywide clinical collaborative to promote COVID-19 testing and vaccination equity among the city’s largest safety net health centers. In coming years, RIPHI will also support innovations in harm reduction centers as the state legalizes harm reduction services and safe injection sites. RIPHI’s rapid and currently growing portfolio also includes programs related to food insecurity, nutrition and active living, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce HIV transmission, geographically focused health interventions, and other efforts to reduce health disparities.

To learn more about RIPHI, visit www.riphi.org.

Position Summary:

The Nurse Practitioner provides diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and follow-up under the supervision of the Medical Director of Open Door Health. The Nurse Practioner is responsible for providing culturally congruent primary, gender and sexual health care, including screening patients for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They will be responsible for patient care management across the healthcare continuum including preventative and acute care through discharge.

Responsibilities:

● Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to patients and families according to established collaborative protocols and standards of care.

● Performs physical examinations and provides preventive health measures within prescribed guidelines and appropriate to patient needs.

● Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate lab and diagnostic tests to assess patient’s clinical problems and health care needs.

● Based on outcome of diagnostic, lab, and physical assessment findings, arranges for appropriate plan of care and follow-ups.

● Records pertinent patient care findings in the EMR

● Maintains interdisciplinary approach to planning and communicating patient care information by discussing patient data with appropriate physicians and other healthcare professionals.

● Evaluates outcomes of patient care and makes necessary revisions in the care plan.

● Seeks and provides consultative services as required.

● Through patient education and counseling, incorporates the concepts of health maintenance, prevention, and promotion into daily practice.

● Demonstrates awareness of community resources and assists staff, patients, and families to effectively utilize them.

● Identifies own learning needs and assumes responsibility for maintaining current knowledge and competency in the clinical practice area.

● Consistently participates in the quality assessment/improvement program for the services provided.

● Utilizes quality improvement data and research findings to enhance patient care.

● Participates in patient care research at a level consistent with educational background and experience.

Requirements:

● Completion of an accredited educational program with current, non-probationary advanced practice licensure as a Nurse Practitioner in the State of Rhode Island

● Prefered 2 years of outpatient clinical experience and current Board Certification as an FNP or AGNP

● Registered with the state of Rhode Island and DEA

● Current BLS and ACLS Certification.

● Knowledge of various treatment approaches, including evidence-based therapies to provide care to patients with consideration of health equity, cultural patterns, and gender diversity;

● Experience and/or interest in LGBTQ+ issues;

● Experience and/or interest providing culturally congruent care to LGBTQ+ communities and other sexual and gender minorities;

● Strong written and oral communication skills and excellent time management;

● Ability to work with a team and independently in a fast-paced environment;

● Strong attention to detail and highly organized;

● Passion for community-based research and reducing health disparities;

● Experience and comfort in issues related to substance use, harm reduction, homelessness, chronic and/or infectious disease, and/or mental health;

● Bi-lingual/bi-cultural in Spanish and/or Portuguese is highly desired

● Professional and analytical skills to plan and provide patient care and monitor the care management process;

● Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences including professional staff, patients, community, media, and other service agencies;

● Interpersonal skills to allay anxiety, elicit cooperation, and provide education to patients/families, and to effectively function as a member of the healthcare team to coordinate and discuss patient care activities.

Work Type:

Full-time, 40 hours / week

Work Environment:

Normal patient care environment with possible exposure to infectious diseases. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions.

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute embraces skilled, innovative personnel who are committed to working in and living out RIPHI’s values and mission. Personal, professional, and other lived experiences are invaluable resources that root RIPHI in the communities we serve. It is RIPHI’s mission to provide an affirming environment in which to empowermstaff from all cultures, backgrounds, and identities so we may provide the highest quality services possible.

Open Door Health physician salaries are not tied to RVU targets or volume. We provide full occurrence-based malpractice (no tail coverage required). We offer excellent benefits including generous paid time off, health and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan and C.M.E. stipends.

Open Door Health participates in the federal loan repayment program. Providers can apply to receive loan forgiveness.

Rhode Island Public Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, expression or preference, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, socioeconomic status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter explaining qualifications and experience to [email protected].

Research Assistant

Position Title: Research Assistant 

Reports to: Project Director

Organization Information:

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote community health and eliminate health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond. RIPHI oversees public health programs, conducts translational and policy research, and trains students and public health practitioners. Our rapid and currently growing portfolio includes programs related to food insecurity, nutrition and active living, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce HIV transmission, geographically focused health interventions, and other efforts to reduce health disparities. To learn more about RIPHI, visit www.riphi.org.

Open Door Health is an initiative of RIPHI. Open Door Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered primary and sexual health care to all Rhode Islanders, with a focus on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, and communities of color.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision of the Project Director, the Research Assistant will support Open Door Health’s research and data infrastructures across programs. The Research Assistant will primarily work on research studies related to LGBTQ+ health disparities, mental health, and interventions aimed at increasing access to health services, but may also assist with other projects at Open Door Health related to clinical flow and grant reporting.

Responsibilities:

Assist with program evaluation and research:

  • Conduct retrospective chart reviews
  • Recruit participants for research studies via both passive and active recruitment methods
  • Abide by all confidentiality and HIPAA-related principles to enroll participants into the study and collect their personal information 
  • Administer semi-structured surveys related to physical and mental health
  • Comprehensively conduct informed consent processes with research participants and explain the research processes
  • Develop and program surveys using Qualtrics and/or REDCap
  • Perform data cleaning and management in order to ensure continuous quality improvement
  • Work with participants to optimize study retention rates
  • Track participants progression throughout the study timeline and conduct follow-up visits as necessary
  • Contribute to data reporting structures, dashboards, and summaries
  • Meet with the research staff on a regular basis

Provide general administrative and programmatic support: 

  • Contribute to grant applications and reports 
  • Detailed note taking at external and internal meetings
  • Develop participant recruitment documents 
  • Coordinate meeting invitations, calendar management, and travel logistics 
  • Streamline and support institutional processes
  • Provide on-site support of direct service programming
  • Draft communications including data briefs, informational brochures, presentations and other external facing documents

Assist with other duties and responsibilities across programs and research efforts as assigned by the Project Director

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, or other biomedical field, master’s degree preferred
  • Strong attention to detail and highly organized
  • Passion for community-based research and reducing health disparities is required
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PPT) and Adobe Acrobat
  • Experience working with REDCap preferred
  • Strong written and oral communication skills 
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Ability to work with a team and independently 
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment
  • Experience and comfort in issues related to substance use, harm reduction, homelessness, chronic and/or infectious disease, mental health, and/or bilingual/bicultural and LGBTQ+ communities

Work Type:

  • Full-time

Work Environment:

  • Hybrid model: Remote work with occasional on-site work as required

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute embraces skilled, innovative personnel who are committed to working in and living out RIPHI’s values and mission. Personal, professional, and other lived experiences are invaluable resources that root RIPHI in the communities we serve. It is RIPHI’s mission to provide an affirming environment in which to empower staff from all cultures, backgrounds, and identities so we may provide the highest quality services possible.

Rhode Island Public Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, expression or preference, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, socio-economic status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter explaining qualifications and experience to [email protected].

FAQ-Insurance & Costs Q3

What is the cost of services?

The cost of services depends on your insurance status and your insurance plan. Before booking an appointment, find out what your plan covers. If you do not have insurance, or in you have trouble paying out of pocket costs, call 401-648-4700 to speak to our team about our financial assistance program and sliding fee discount program.

Open Door Health provides care to all uninsured patients to receive medically necessary and important public health services. The amount a patient pays is based on the federal income levels. Each year the federal government sets a Federal Poverty Line (FPL) and new income levels that qualify patients for discounted care. The income levels are based on a patient’s gross income (how much money you make each year before taxes are taken out).

Request a callback

After completing this form, we’ll give you a call to learn more about your needs and connect you to the right provider.

We Offer:

  • Primary Care
  • Gender Affirming Care
  • Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Preventive HIV Care
  • HIV Care and Treatment
  • Youth Services

Connect with our clinical team quickly and safely via telemedicine.

or call 401-648-4700

"Went there for primary care and felt comfortable talking to my doctor about things I wouldn't have talked about with former PCP. Friendly and professional."