[The HIV patient in the family physician's practice]

The family physician plays a crucial role in the diagnosis as well as in the medical care of the HIV patient. In making the diagnosis, he is the first contact person and, in the case of symptomatic patients, should immediately establish contact with an HIV treatment center. The therapy and care of the immunocompetent asymptomatic HIV patient can be primarily carried out in the family practice. The complexity of the antiviral therapy requires an experienced HIV specialist. The co-attending family doctor should supervise the patient locally especially when the specialized treatment practice is far away and, when serious side effects occur, maintain close telephone contact to the specialists. Knowledge of the interactions of the antiviral combination therapy with other medications is also important. Prerequisite for a successful HIV therapy is the collaboration between the HIV specialist and the family physician.