Working with your General Practitioner (GP)

In New Zealand only a specialist doctor can prescribe antiretroviral medications.  They will take the lead on your ongoing care and treatment of HIV.  However, from time to time everyone has health needs that arise that require a General Practitioner, rather than specialist care.  It’s important to note, many GPs (particularly those with practices outside cities and big towns) may have a very limited knowledge of HIV and will have seen very few HIV positive patients.

If you are having difficulty making an appointment to see your GP, emergency appointments will usually be available for people who need to be seen urgently. These are normally on a ‘first come, first served' basis, on the same day.

It’s important to disclose your HIV status to your GP.  If not, you may not receive the best possible care. For example, if you are taking antiretroviral medications, it's important to consider potential interactions with other medications.

Your medical records are confidential, and nobody can see them without your consent. If you are concerned about disclosing your status, explore whether staff at your HIV treatment centre, an NZAF centre or peer support organisation could help you.

Dental Care

If you’re HIV positive, you should make regular visits to your dentist. HIV positive people can be more prone to mouth and gum disorders such as oral thrush and bleeding gums, as a result of taking anti-retroviral medication. 

Your clinical nurse specialist, nearest NZAF Regional Centre or doctor might be able to help you find a dentist that is particularly skilled or interested in treating people with HIV. As with all healthcare workers, it’s a good idea to let dentists know if you have any serious medical conditions or are taking any medication. This will help them ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment. General hygiene precautions are enough to prevent the transmission of HIV during dental treatment.

It is illegal for a dentist (or any other health professional) to discriminate against you because of your health status, race, or sexuality.