Checkpoint Basel

Checkpoint Basel is a sexual health service for men and trans people who have sex with men. Its work focuses on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, combining medical care, psychological services and prevention. The location page also lists trans counselling. Its offer therefore includes both examinations and conversations about sexual health and prevention.[2][1]

The Friends of Dorothy prevention team regularly visits commercial venues, parties, saunas and meeting places in queer Basel. Its counselling also extends to digital spaces, particularly Grindr and Planetromeo. The team shares information and prevention materials in these settings. Where needed, it can connect people with other specialist services and partner organisations.[12]

HIV testing is available through rapid tests and laboratory tests. The centre gives a turnaround of about twenty minutes for a rapid result and around three days for a laboratory result. Its HIV page specifically offers anonymous counselling. STI testing includes syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, with individual and combined options distinguished in the price list.[7][3]

The PrEP service includes advice before starting and the necessary routine checks afterwards. PrEP means using medication preventively to protect against HIV. That protection does not extend to other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis.[2][8]

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are explicitly available at the centre. For people unsure of their vaccination status, the service describes a blood test to check it. The laboratory findings can identify gaps in vaccination protection, which can then be addressed with booster vaccinations.[9]

Other counselling topics include substance use during sex and coming out. Chemsex support includes people who feel their substance use is problematic or becoming so. The centre promises to handle that contact confidentially. Coming-out support consists of counselling, information and contacts.[10][11]

The published price list gives CHF 70 for a rapid HIV test and CHF 100 for laboratory testing for HIV and syphilis. Laboratory testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis together is listed at CHF 155. Combining that panel with a rapid HIV test brings the listed price to CHF 175.[3]

PrEP Start is listed at CHF 244 and PrEP Follow up at CHF 204, each excluding the medical consultation. A medical consultation without tests is listed separately at CHF 60. The price list includes counselling with a healthcare professional and delivery of results by text message.[3]

These self-pay prices apply to cash and card payments and cannot be submitted to health insurance. The payment methods listed are cash, Twint, debit cards and credit cards. People experiencing financial difficulties can request a price reduction.[3]

For laboratory billing to health insurance, the prices page specifies Swiss analysis tariffs and invoices issued directly by the laboratory. PrEP has a separate local restriction: the location page says insurance billing is not yet possible at Checkpoint Basel. For vaccinations, the centre states that basic health insurance covers costs in certain cases.[3][1][9]

Walk-in visits are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm, without advance booking. Last admission is earlier, at 8.20 pm. Medical consultations have a separately listed session on Tuesdays from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.[4]

Listed closures cover Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, 1 May, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, 1 August and the period from 21 December to 1 January. The contact page directs visitors to the News section for special opening hours.[4]

The premises are on the fourth floor at Clarastrasse 4, 4058 Basel, with lift access. For use of the step-free access or questions about accessibility, the centre gives checkpoint@ahbb.ch as its email contact. Telephone enquiries can also be made during opening hours on +41 61 685 95 58.[4]