The relationship you have with your healthcare provider is very important. The two of you will need to work closely together to make informed decisions about your treatment, so finding a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and can trust is key. It is also important to find a healthcare provider who works with HIV/AIDS patients and is committed to staying up to date with the latest treatment advances.

Here are some questions to consider in selecting a healthcare provider:


There are several issues you may want to think about in selecting a healthcare provider to specifically oversee your HIV management. You might decide to have him or her be your "regular" healthcare provider for all of your health issues. You might use a different care provider for general health issues and use an HIV provider as a specialist. If your primary healthcare provider isn't an HIV specialist, be sure he or she regularly receives expert advice on HIV issues, especially treatment.


Many people with HIV/AIDS get their care from healthcare providers who are specialists in infectious diseases. However, especially now that people are living longer with HIV, it's important to deal with all of your health issues. You will get better HIV care from providers who have experience treating people at all stages of HIV disease. Be sure to ask how many patients with HIV they have treated, and how many they currently see. HIV patients do better when their healthcare providers have more experience treating HIV disease.


Many patients do better when they take an active role in planning their own healthcare. These patients do a lot of reading on their own and bring information with questions to their healthcare provider. They work together to make healthcare decisions. Other patients are more comfortable with the provider making important decisions. Decide how you want to work with your healthcare provider and see if that fits with the way the healthcare provider likes to work with patients.


Make sure that your healthcare provider has all the information needed to give the best advice about your treatment. This starts with your medical records, which may have to be transferred from another office. Tell your provider how you feel about using meds. Some people prefer a once-a-day regimen with as few pill as possible. Your healthcare provider should also know about other treatments you have used, are using or want to try, including non-prescription ones.

Be honest about your lifestyle. Your eating, sleeping and work patterns (including hours and amount of travel) can make a difference for your healthcare. This can be especially important in selecting an HIV regimen that best fits your lifestyle. So can your sexual practices and use of recreational drugs. This is not the time to worry about someone judging you or your behavior. It's better to have a healthcare provider who really knows you, instead of holding back information. This is one of the reasons why finding a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and can trust is so important.


The best healthcare provider won't do you any good if you can't get in to see them. Ask them (or their receptionist) how long it usually takes to get an appointment. Find out how well they usually stay on schedule during the day. The type of insurance you have could limit your choice of a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may not be on the list for your health maintenance organization (HMO) or insurance plan. Be sure to find out how you will be able to pay for their services.