DevotedDoc Scales National Telehealth Infrastructure to Address Urgent HIV Prevention Gaps; Prioritizes Same-Day PrEP and Emergency PEP Access

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports approximately 32,000 new HIV infections annually, the need for decentralized, high-access care has never been more critical. DevotedDOc’s model removes traditional geographic and logistical hurdles, providing a streamlined pathway for individuals to consult with an online PrEP/PEP doctor (TelePrep) and receive life medication without the delays inherent in traditional clinic settings.  

Physician-Led Infrastructure for HIV Prevention 

Founded by Dr. Matthew Berrios, DevotedDOc operates on a foundation of clinical excellence and rapid treatment access. Unlike traditional care models where patients may wait weeks for initial screenings, DevotedDOc leverages telehealth infectious disease care to facilitate same-day PEP prescriptions. 

“Our mission is to eliminate the 'window of vulnerability' that occurs between a patient’s decision to seek protection and their first dose of medication,” said Dr. Matthew Berrios, Founder of DevotedDOc. “By providing immediate access to a licensed physician and coordinating remote laboratory testing, we ensure that clinical standards are met with the speed that public health crises require. We are not just a service; we are the infrastructure necessary to close the gap between HIV testing and effective prevention.” 

Emergency Response: Telehealth PEP within the 72-Hour Window 

The CDC mandates that PEP treatment online or in-person must begin within 72 hours of a potential exposure to be effective. DevotedDOc’s high-velocity model is specifically designed for these medical emergencies, offering immediate virtual evaluations for individuals who may have been exposed through sexual contact or shared injection equipment. 

“When it comes to PEP, every hour counts,” Dr. Berrios added. “The virus can establish a permanent infection within 24 to 36 hours. Our platform is built to handle rapid access HIV care, ensuring that patients can receive an emergency 28-day antiretroviral regimen the same day they seek help, regardless of their proximity to a physical infectious disease clinic.” 

Strategic Regional Expansion and Access 

DevotedDOc’s expansion targets regions with the highest HIV prevalence and incidence rates in the country: 

• Florida (Miami-Dade County):

   Miami-Dade consistently reports the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the state. Recent data indicates that approximately 1 in 93 residents are living with HIV. 

• Texas (Harris County/Houston):

   The HIV prevalence rate in Harris County is 759.2 per 100,000 population, significantly exceeding both state and national averages. 

• Georgia:

   The state currently ranks second-highest in the nation for new HIV diagnoses when adjusted for population, with a diagnosis rate of 22 per 100,000. 

• California (Los Angeles County):

   With an estimated 1,300 new HIV infections annually and an incidence rate of 14.2 per 100,000, LA County remains a primary focus for DevotedDOc’s HIV prevention telemedicine services. 

Collaborative Leadership: 

The scaling of DevotedDOc’s national initiative is supported by Detective Mike Alvarez, MPA, who brings a public safety and community-centric perspective. Together, the leadership team has built a model capable of supporting high-volume care while maintaining the personalized touch of a physician-led practice in a private setting.  

“The challenge of the current epidemic is not just medical—it is a system-wide access issue,” said Mike Alvarez, VP of Corrections and Public Relations at DevotedDOc. “We have engineered our operations to support massive scaling across the Southern U.S. and West Coast, ensuring that our logistics, from HIV testing online to medication delivery, can keep pace with the urgent needs of the populations we serve.” 

Public Health Impact and Underserved Populations 

DevotedDOc actively collaborates with community organizations and nonprofits to reach high-risk and underserved populations, including justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community. Research indicates that the prevalence of HIV in carceral settings is approximately 1.1%, nearly three times the rate of the general population. DevotedDOc provides a stable clinical bridge for re-entry populations, ensuring continuity of care and access to medication through enrollment in patient assistance programs. 

Future Expansion 

DevotedDOc remains committed to its trajectory of national scaling, focusing on "provider and pharmacy deserts" and jurisdictions where social stigma continues to hinder in-person care. By maintaining a status-neutral approach to testing and care, DevotedDOc is helping to normalize HIV prevention as a standard part of routine healthcare. 

References and CDC Guidelines

DevotedDOc’s protocols strictly adhere to the latest federal guidelines: 

• CDC PrEP Guidelines: According to the CDC, PrEP is 99% effective in preventing sexual transmission when taken as prescribed. 

• CDC PEP Guidance: Post-exposure prophylaxis must be initiated within 72 hours of exposure. 

• EHE Initiative: Federal goals aim to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. 

 

About DevotedDOc 

DevotedDOc is a physician-led, telehealth-first medical organization specializing in infectious disease care and HIV prevention. By prioritizing same-day access, remote laboratory coordination, and long-term continuity of care, DevotedDOc provides the clinical infrastructure necessary to end the HIV epidemic in the United States.

For more information, visit www.devoteddoc.com.