Talking with your healthcare provider

HIV+ patients sometimes have difficulty talking openly with their healthcare providers. They may be anxious about getting lab results or embarrassed to discuss personal issues. Some patients don't feel they should question their healthcare providers. Caregivers may experience the same feelings.

It is important to remember that healthcare providers are partners with patients. The goal of healthcare providers is to work with patients to make sure they stay healthy and get the best treatment possible. Healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers need open and honest communication to achieve the best treatment results.

The best way to start a discussion is by asking questions. Depending upon whether a patient is newly diagnosed or has been HIV+ for a while, the types of questions he or she will need to ask may differ. This section provides a checklist of suggested questions for the newly diagnosed, patients who have been HIV+ for some time, and for caregivers.

Additional information on issues around living with HIV can be found at APositiveLife.com.