One of the most valuable resources you can have in managing HIV is the relationship with your doctor or other healthcare provider. Finding a healthcare provider whom you trust and who is knowledgeable and experienced in HIV is an important first step. Once you have selected a healthcare provider who is right for you, he or she will help you set goals and evaluate options to develop a long-term approach in living with HIV.
Here are some suggestions to consider in selecting a healthcare provider:
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Primary doctor or specialist?
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.
Experience matters
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 Where to look for a doctor?
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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 physicians have more experience treating HIV disease.
Sharing common treatment beliefs
Some providers are conservative who prefer "tried and true" methods. Others are more aggressive and are willing to try new and experimental treatments. Some are optimistic by nature and focus on the hopeful or positive side when they talk about test results or future prospects. Others are only realistic and straightforward. Some providers are comfortable suggesting "complementary and alternative" therapies such as massage or acupuncture. Others stick strictly to Western medicine. The more comfortable you are with their approach to HIV treatments, the easier it will be for you to get the kind of health care you want. Talk to providers and their patients before you make your choice.
Doctor/patient relationship
Many patients do better when they take an active role in planning their own health care. 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.
Help your doctor help you
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Treatment Questionnaire
 You can assist your healthcare provider in customizing the best treatment plan for you and your lifestyle by filling out this questionnaire and bringing it with you on your next visit.
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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 medications. Some people don't mind taking a lot of pills. Other people would rather take as few 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 can make a difference for your health care. So can your sexual practices and use of recreational drugs. It's better to have a healthcare provider who really knows you instead of holding back information.
Availability
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.
