Primary Care Issues for HIV-Infected Patients

HIV primary care is determined by the intersection of the unique aspects of the infection and its treatment, the unique aspects of the populations affected by HIV, and the challenges of disease prevention and health maintenance in the general population. Any primary care provider may be called on to care for a patient living with HIV, and it is incumbent on all medical providers to become proficient in the management of this complex infection. This proficiency includes an awareness of local resources for referral, including medical and surgical specialists, mental health providers, and social service organizations. Given the complexity of HIV care in the twenty-first century and the potential for involvement of multiple consultants, the role of primary care provider is perhaps more critical for the HIV-infected patient than for the average patient.