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Questions for the Doctor   Questions for the Doctor

HIV Testing: Questions for the doctor

Questions for the Doctor

HIV Testing: Questions for the doctor 

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. If you have HIV, early treatment can help you live a longer, healthier life. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

If you get tested at a doctor’s office or clinic, you can ask for a confidential test. The test results will be shared only with people allowed to see your medical records. Some clinics offer anonymous HIV testing. This means that you don’t have to give your name.

HIV testing is covered under the Affordable Care Act for people at risk for HIV. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get tested at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance provider.

What do I ask the doctor?

Visiting the doctor can be stressful. It helps to have questions written down before your appointment. Take this list of questions with you the next time you visit the doctor or health clinic.

  • Should I get tested for HIV?
  • What puts me at risk for HIV?
  • How will you test me for HIV?
  • Who will see my test results?
  • How long will it take to get my test results?
  • How will I find out my results?
  • If I am HIV-positive, what will happen next?
  • If I am HIV-negative, how do I protect myself from HIV?
  • If I am HIV-negative, when do I need to get tested again?
  • If I am HIV-negative, does my sex partner still need to get tested for HIV?
  • Should I get tested for any other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
  • Do you offer counseling on HIV prevention and AIDS? If you don’t, can you recommend a place that does?

For more information about HIV testing, visit:

Content last updated on: July 31, 2012 Content Review by