Question
Do I need to tell other doctors that I am a HIV positive?
14 January 2011. Related: All topics, Disclosure.
When is it nessasary to inform a doctor that I am a HIV positive when referred to specialist services?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
It is your decision when and if you wish to disclose your status to a doctor that you are referred to. Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages to disclosing your status. If you decide not to disclose then you should be aware that any drugs prescribed will not be checked for interactions with your HIV treatment. Similarly, doctors or dentists who are not aware of someone’s status will not be looking out for any HIV-related conditions. If they are informed of your status they may be more vigilant in their monitoring of your health.
Once you disclose to your GP or dentist or any other specialist that you are HIV positive  then it will be permanently on your records. You need to think of the implications of this, especially if you are not openly HIV positive, when deciding whether or not you should disclose your HIV status.
For more information you may want to see this similar question or this page on should I disclose?’.
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