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Show the joining of the two practices, during 1994, approximately 600 patients with HIV/AIDS received primary care at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center (Kaempfer, 1995). The fflV/AIDS patients accounted for 2,385 visits to the Division of Infectious Diseases Clinic in 1994. The clinic had already seen 2,363 patient visits by June 30, 1995. In 1994, the Mountain States Regional Hemophilia Center, housed at the University of Utah, followed a total of 35 HIV positive hemophiliacs. Tim Odell, M.D. and Carol Osborn, M.D., at University Wasatch Clinics, followed 32 and 12 HIV patients respectively. The year 1995 has been fraught with problems in developing the clinical care clinic. Problems of space, adequate providers, ancillary services, and funding for such a large group of patients continues to be challenging. A high proportion of HIV/AIDS patients carry dual or multiple diagnoses (e.g., substance abuse and psychological problems). We are in the process of gathering data to further define our population for future study. We are continuing to attract clinical drug trials largely through the efforts of Dr. Spotswood Spruance. With such a large volume of potential study participants who quickly fill slots available for ongoing studies, there will be the possibility for an increase in numbers of studies. This could help to allay some care costs. In this era of health care reform, funding and other resources for this group of patients will continue to be future concerns. Hopefully by next report we will have more data to analyze (which may help to ensure quality and cost effective care). Part of this care data must relate to our ability to separate costs for HIV/AIDS from the multiple dual diagnoses in this very marginalized population. Notes 1. George Usher (Personal Communication). Bureau of HIV/AIDS, Utah Department of Health. References Bureau of HIV/AIDS. (1995a). Total AIDS Cases Utah and United States and Reported HIV Infections for Utah. Utah Department of Health. Bureau of HIV/AIDS. (1995b). HIV/AIDS in Utah 3 (1). Utah Department of Health. Kaempfer, S.K. (1995). Second Annual Report HIV/AIDS Clinical Services, University of Utah Health Sciences Center. About the Authors Dr. Kristen Ries received her M.D. and postgraduate training at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She has been caring for people with HIV since her arrival in Utah in 1981. Currently, she is Professor of Medicine and Director of Clinical Service, Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Utah. C. Maggie Snyder, PAC, practiced as an R.N. on the Infectious Disease Unit at Holy Cross Hospital. In 1990, she completed her PA. program at the University of Utah and joined Dr. Ries in caring for people HIV. Utah's Health: An Annual Review 1995 25 |