Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication greatly lowers your chances for HIV. This safe drug usually requires an in-person appointment with a health care provider. But if you qualify, you can use Mount Sinai’s TelePrEP with virtual appointments. You may want more information about this service. Here are answers to the most common questions.

Who is eligible for TelePrEP services?
TelePrEP services are available to adults ages 18+ living in New York City who are seeking PrEP. Find out if you’re eligible by taking this questionnaire.

*We strongly suggest calling your insurance company to ensure that the Mount Sinai clinics listed below are in network for your plan, and that PrEP will be a covered service.

What does the TelePrEP process look like?
First, you will find out if you’re eligible.

If you are eligible, you can follow the scheduling link to choose an appointment date and time, and enter your contact and insurance information. You will need to create a MyMountSinai portal account before your appointment, if you don’t already have one. https://mychart.mountsinai.org/MyChart/Authentication/Login You will be contacted by TelePrEP staff. Please know that you can also reach out to us with any questions at teleprep@mountsinai.org.

Next, you’ll have your first telehealth visit with your TelePrEP provider, via the MyMountSinai portal. After your first visit, check your email and MyMountSinai to schedule your first lab draw appointment. If you face any issues, you can reach out to our TelePrEP team for assistance. Please aim to complete your lab work within one week of your first TelePrEP visit to avoid delays in getting your PrEP medication.

Once lab tests are processed (which usually takes a week), your TelePrEP provider will prescribe three months' worth of PrEP medication. After 70 days, you'll receive a MyMountSinai message to schedule your lab tests and TelePrEP follow-up appointment. Moving forward, please complete your lab appointments before scheduling your follow-up TelePrEP appointment to ensure timely refills and uninterrupted access to PrEP.

What will my TelePrEP provider ask me?
Discussions typically cover the medication's purpose, how it works, and what the benefits are. We will also talk  about your sexual health practices and individual needs. Additional topics may include  testing for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, kidney function, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We will be happy to answer any questions you have.

*Due to insurance guidelines, TelePrEP appointments are limited to PrEP. Other health concerns should be addressed by your primary care provider (If you need a primary care provider, we are happy to help with that, too; contact teleprep@mountsinai.org to schedule). 

What should I know about insurance and costs before starting PrEP?
Prior to scheduling, please speak with your insurance company to find out:

1. If you’re in network with the Mount Sinai clinics listed below
2. If PrEP is a covered service for you without cost-sharing
3. If your insurer has specific requirements about how PrEP should be billed. If they do, please request the instructions and send them to us at teleprep@mountsinai.org. We will do our best to help or find you another referral for PrEP.

Will I receive care from the same provider for all TelePrEP appointments?
We have multiple medical providers who handle TelePrEP visits, so you may be cared for by different people at your quarterly follow-ups. If you prefer to see the same at each visit, we can arrange that; please email us at teleprep@mountsinai.org

Where can I have my TelePrEP lab work done?
Currently, all lab tests must be drawn at the one of these Mount Sinai TelePrEP sites. However, efforts are underway to expand lab capacity to include Labcorp labs. The locations are:

Samuels Practice
Mount Sinai West
1000 10th Avenue, Suite 2T
New York, NY  10019
212-523-6500

Peter Krueger Practice
Mount Sinai Beth Israel
275 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
212-420-2620

Jack Martin Fund Center
Mount Sinai Morningside–Harlem Health Center
158 West 124th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10027
332-243-0100

How will I get my PrEP medicine?
We recommend using Mount Sinai Specialty Pharmacies, as they’re linked with TelePrEP services. They can supply copay cards, handle prior authorizations, and provide convenient delivery services. We can help with pharmacy patient assistance programs if you do not have prescription coverage. Alternatively, you can update your MyMountSinai portal with your preferred pharmacy.

How can I communicate with my provider?
You can use the MyMountSinai portal to contact providers, who aim to respond within 24-48 hours. You are also welcome to contact teleprep@mountsinai.org with nonmedical questions about appointments or refills.