Primary care management of persons infected with HIV

The bottom line

The prognosis of people living with HIV infection continues to improve because of new classes of treatment therapies. HIV infection has become a chronic illness, with which patients can live a long life if they take an active role in their treatment. For this reason, the primary care provider has a vital role in the management of HIV-infected persons. At each visit, the primary care provider should discuss the person’s HIV infection and emphasize the importance of adherence to ART, follow-up visits, and overall participation in their care.

References

Aberg J.A., et al. Primary Care Guidelines for the Management of Persons Infected With HIV: 2013 Update by the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. IDSA Guidelines 2013, 1-30.

Moyer, V., et al. Screening for HIV: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Ann. Int. Med., April 30, 2013, 1-10.

Dr. Skolnik is associate director of the family medicine residency program at Abington (Pa.) Memorial Hospital and professor of family and community medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia. Dr. Baranck is a second-year resident and will be one of next year’s chief residents in the Family Medicine Residency Program at Abington Memorial Hospital.