Georgia Medical Monitoring Project
Information for Providers
Providers of HIV care are essential to the success of the Medical Monitoring Project. The MMP has great potential to shape the future of HIV care, treatment, prevention and support services. Maximizing participation of selected providers and their patients will increase the likelihood of obtaining information that is truly representative of patients in care for HIV, in Georgia and across the US.
The GAMMP assure the project is not burdensome to providers or participating patients by being responsible for all data collection activities so as not to disrupt providers, their staff, or services to their patients. All personal and health care information collected during the project is secure and confidential.
FAQ For Providers
Q: How are providers and patients chosen?
A: Providers and patients are chosen randomly using scientific methods, without names or other identifying information.
Q: What is my role as a provider if selected?
A: To assist the GAMMP, staff gather the information they need to facilitate patient participation in the interview, and encourage patients to participate. By participating, you are representing providers like you who were not selected.
Q: As a provider, do I still play a role even if my facility is not selected during the sampling process?
A: Yes, providing your estimated patient load to the health department is an important contribution to the MMP even if you are not selected. Providers may play a role in future years of the project, as a new sample of providers will be selected annually.
Q: For providers who participate, how much of their time will be involved?
A: GAMMP staff will conduct all data collection activities so that your staff and services to your patients will not be disrupted.
Q: How can I be certain that patients' privacy will be maintained?
A: GAMMP takes vast measures to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality is maintained. Patient, provider and facility names will not be transmitted to the CDC. Data is stored securely and project staff are trained in security and confidentiality.
Q: As a provider, will my participation be in compliance with HIPAA?
A: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 permits health care providers to disclose protected health information to public health authorities for the purposes of preventing or controlling disease, for example, as part of this public health surveillance project.
Q: Can patients decline or withdraw from participating?
A: Yes, patients may decline or change their minds about participating at any time. However, patients selected represent other patients in care, so their participation is important.
Q: Will patients be compensated for their time?
A: Yes, there will be compensation for patients who participate.