One key to living a long healthy life with HIV is finding the right HIV doctor for you. Being able to work with your doctor as part of your care team is essential in order to stay healthy. But there are so many HIV doctors out there, how do you find the right one for you?
These simple tips can help you find that doctor who is perfect for you:
- Learn as much about HIV as you can. The more you know about your disease, the better you will be able to choose an HIV doctor that is right for you. Also, the stronger HIV knowledge base you have the better you will able to participate in your care as a member of your health care team.
- Before choosing a doctor, assess your health care coverage. Will you have plenty of health care insurance? Will you need an HIV provider that has access to community resources that will help pay for your HIV care? Finally, does the doctor you choose require medical insurance to see you as a patient?
- Ask questions! The right questions can provide you with all you need to know about your prospective doctor.
- Find an HIV specialist. HIV care is complex and requires the expertise of a specialist to get the care you need.
Source: Milward, Greg. "Lessons I Learned from Dr. Cruise Control". 01 Sep 2006. The Body. 23 Dec 2006.
