This information details what HIV is, how it reproduces, why antivirals work to stop it, and why they sometimes fail. You will also learn about drug resistance and why it is a significant obstacle to the long-term success of HIV therapy
In this new era of HIV treatment, it is important that you understand what drug resistance is, how physicians test for it, and what the results of drug resistance testing mean. The following information offers an in-depth discussion of drug resistance testing.
The following information offers an in-depth discussion of one type of drug resistance testing: phenotypic testing. You will learn what phenotypic testing is, how it differs from other resistance testing methods, and how it can help physicians design more effective treatment regimens.
The following information offers an in-depth discussion of genotypic drug resistance testing and an overview of Virtual Phenotyping. You will learn how the genetic makeup of HIV can be used to detect drug resistance, how genotypic testing differs from other resistance testing methods, and how it can help physicians begin to overcome the challenges of drug resistance.
Studies have shown that drug resistance testing can help optimize the selection of antiviral medications for initial treatment regimens and when planning new regimens following treatment failure.
Because resistance testing is becoming widely accepted as the standard of care for the selection of antiretroviral therapy, federal payers and private insurance companies are rapidly establishing reimbursement policies for PhenoSense HIV and GeneSeq HIV. Reimbursement is already available nationally from Medicare, and is available in multiple states from many private payers, Medicaid, and ADAP. There is legislation pending for reimbursement from Medicaid and ADAP in many of the states not currently offering coverage.
ÆGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.