Why do doctor's ask how you contracted HIV?

[PeteNYNJ]

Hello All

Recently, I had to see a gastro doctor regarding some stomach issues I have been having.  The doctor was taking a history and I told him I was HIV+.  He asked "How did you contract HIV?".  I told him "Unprotected Sex".  He asked "Was it with a man or a woman?".  I said "A man, but why does that matter?".  He really didn't give me a straight answer.

I have had numerous doctors ask me how I contracted HIV?  Is there a reason for this?  Are they just curious?

I understand when they ask how long, if you are on meds, do you see an ID doctor.

Maybe some of our friends in the medical field could answer this question.

Pete

[Ann]

Hi Pete,

It's none of the gastro's business how you contracted hv. He's just being nosy. In my experience, many medical people use their position to ask what many others who know our status would love to ask - but are simply too polite to do so. Nosy, nosy, nosy.

Ann

[antibody]

they want to know what type of risk you are. what are your odds.

[BT65]

they want to know what type of risk you are. what are your odds.

Other than the doctor treating for HIV (for statistics purpose), it's no one else's business.  I agree with Ann, they're being nosey.  Tell them some wild story and see how they react (sex with monkey etc.).

[Dachshund]

I've never had an ID doc ask me how I contracted the virus. I've had the same ID doc for over ten years now and like clockwork the only thing he asks each and every visit is,"do you use street drugs?"

[PeteNYNJ]

The ONLY two doctor's who have not questioned me about it have been my ID doctor (who is also my GP) and my dermatologist.

Every single other has asked...including hospital staff. 

I should say "I got it from you...don't you remember?"

Yes, I love the "street drugs" line.  I always answer "no, I would never do drugs I just found laying in the street".

[Miss Philicia]

I've never had a single doctor ask me how I contacted HIV, and for a span of about 4 years in NYC I must have gone to see almost a dozen different specialists, all of which were dutifully informed of my HIV on intake forms.  Now, I can see any ID doctor asking the question not out of any moral judgement but to assess how sexually active you are so that a discussion of other STDs can be engaged.

Furthermore, if you do recreational drugs and the doctor asks you about this why lie?  They've all dealt with this issue before.  If you state that you do a hit of ecstasy every 3 months they're not going to bat an eye.

[PeteNYNJ]

Philly

Most of the doctor's who asked were in NJ, so maybe they are more curious there?

As for drugs - If I did do drugs, I wouldnt lie. I already told him I drank like a fish.  I just find the "street drugs" line so 70s.  A bit outdated too since all the younger kids seem to be experimenting with what they are finding in Mom and Dad's medicine cabinet.

[GSOgymrat]

I work in healthcare and don't know of any reason why anyone other than an ID doctor would need to know how you were infected. The questions I ask of HIV+ people that I don't ask everyone else when I am doing a psych assessment are:

When were you diagnosed?
Are you prescribed HIV medications and are you compliant?
When were your last CD4 and viral load tests and do you remember what the values?

If you were initially diagnosed or in a clinical trial that might want to know how you were infected. I agree with Ann that it sounds like you have nosy doctors.

[LordBerners]

I've never been asked.

[Basquo]

I've seen a lot of finger-pointing about route of transmission here in the forums, so I wouldn't put it past a curious healthcare provider. Admittedly, I can't remember if I've ever been asked, but up until this moment if I had been asked I would probably have thought they need to know if I'm shooting drugs or need to be tested for other STDs on a frequent basis. Ann's right about it not being any of the gastro's concern, but if it were a colorectal surgeon he might be concerned about, um, tearing some stitches or something.

I do have a problem with healthcare providers who prove their own ignorance or bias in documentation. I analyzed a chart once where a doctor dictated "HIV+ secondary to homosexuality." What a dumbass. 

[jennynyc7]

I had a similar experience in the ER, but with a twist. The nurse (who was male) and the Dr (who was from India)..not that that matters...anyway..... when I told each of them my status, they seemed ...what's the word.....inquisitive maybe. They were very respectful but asked many questions. They acted as though they wanted me to educate them. They couldn't understand how a young business woman-type could contract it. It's like I was the first person like that they had ever encountered.  I had went out to smoke at one point and the nurse came out and sat with me on the bench and was like.."do you mind talking about it?....He wanted to know how, what when and where. I really didn't mind because, well, I don't mind talking to people about it, especially if they present to me in a respectful way as they did. He kept making sure throughout the conversation that I was cool discussing it with him, and I truely was. Now another time I went to my regular Dr (who I hadn't seen in about 10yrs) for a sinus infection and when I disclosed to him I knew immediately that he was scared. He straight up told me he didn't feel comfortable treating me without my ID Dr's authorization. He also said I would have to disclose to the phlebotomist as well. Which I didn't mind, but it is crap. So, yeah. strange stuff.

[RapidRod]

I have only been asked by my ID doctor and all it was drugs, sex or occupational exposure? I love giving them the spill. "Hell I don't know I liked both."

[Moffie65]

When ever a male doctor askes me this question; I look at their crotch, and comment "You  have a big enough penis, go fuck yourself".

[David_CA]

On my first appointment with my ID Dr., he asked me how I became infected.  It didn't bother me at all.  He also asked if I was gay.  He's been treating HIV+ people for many years and has numerous gay patients, so I didn't take it offensively.  He's always very friendly and doesn't seem to have any sort of negative feelings about how I was infected, that I'm gay, etc.  In fact, twice a year, when he's marking off all the particular tests for the lab (so they'll know how much blood to draw, etc), he mentions something about an STD screen and checks off those, too.  I'm glad he does, as it keeps me from having to ask him to do these tests.  I guess I could get all upset thinking I'm being stereotyped as a slutty gay guy by his suggesting these tests, but, ultimately, my health is more important.

[RapidRod]

On my first appointment with my ID Dr., he asked me how I became infected.  It didn't bother me at all.  He also asked if I was gay.  He's been treating HIV+ people for many years and has numerous gay patients, so I didn't take it offensively.  He's always very friendly and doesn't seem to have any sort of negative feelings about how I was infected, that I'm gay, etc.  In fact, twice a year, when he's marking off all the particular tests for the lab (so they'll know how much blood to draw, etc), he mentions something about an STD screen and checks off those, too.  I'm glad he does, as it keeps me from having to ask him to do these tests.  I guess I could get all upset thinking I'm being stereotyped as a slutty gay guy by his suggesting these tests, but, ultimately, my health is more important.

David, you're not?

[Miss Philicia]

Don't you need more than one STD screen per year?

[HopeandCope]

My son told the Doc when he asked that he got HIV from having raw monkey sex with puppies.

[David_CA]

Quote from: David_NC on Today at 05:36:58 pm
On my first appointment with my ID Dr., he asked me how I became infected.  It didn't bother me at all.  He also asked if I was gay.  He's been treating HIV+ people for many years and has numerous gay patients, so I didn't take it offensively.  He's always very friendly and doesn't seem to have any sort of negative feelings about how I was infected, that I'm gay, etc.  In fact, twice a year, when he's marking off all the particular tests for the lab (so they'll know how much blood to draw, etc), he mentions something about an STD screen and checks off those, too.  I'm glad he does, as it keeps me from having to ask him to do these tests.  I guess I could get all upset thinking I'm being stereotyped as a slutty gay guy by his suggesting these tests, but, ultimately, my health is more important.

David, you're not?

No, I'm not the least bit upset! 

[J.R.E.]

Admittedly, I can't remember if I've ever been asked, but up until this moment if I had been asked I would probably have thought they need to know if I'm shooting drugs or need to be tested for other STDs on a frequent basis.  

My doctor never asked me how I became infected. I also believe I was asked that question 23 plus years ago , at the health department. I volunteered that info. But I agree with the above. It may give the doctor a little more insight into the individual, and perhaps more and/or frequent testing for STD's etc.., and the possibility of knowing about  an addiction problem. I've never had any other specialist ask me that question. However, I have had conversations with my Eye doctor, annually, when it comes to current t-cell count and viral load, I also have the t-cell question and viral load question asked, when I see my dermatologist.


Ray


EDITED to add a little more

[AlanBama]

Pete, Ann is right, it was just plain old nosiness.   There is no reason for the doctor (other than ID) to ask how you became infected.   The last one to ask me that was some dental hygenist, in '01 or '02; I told her "they think it was Mother to child transmission".    Let her stew on that awhile (I was 45 at the time)

[YaKaMein]

Being in medical education [not a physician], questions about modes of infection would not be necessary to diagnose or treat a patient in a specialist consultation or ER situation. Certainly, there are exceptions; ID, Peds or Psych come to mind but mostly for histories of a new patient that a physician plans to follow.  In a general/family practice setting, one could inquire but again as part of a new patient's hx. Otherwise, it's just plain intrusive!

Standards of care suggest regular routine STD screening of anyone who is sexually active, regardless of HIV status, like pregnancy tests for all females. The goal of a thorough medical interview including sexual history, social/behavioral assessment, etc is to provide better comprehensive care specific to a patient, pure and simple.

[Ann]

Ann's right about it not being any of the gastro's concern, but if it were a colorectal surgeon he might be concerned about, um, tearing some stitches or something.
 

In that scenario, it's still none of the doctor's business how one contracted hiv. The correct question would be - "do you engage in receptive anal intercourse?"

No, scratch that. The shouldn't have to ask the question at all. They should cover all bases and simply say - "IF you engage in receptive anal intercourse, you may want to wait until I've given you the all-clear (or wait x amount of days), just to make sure you don't cause damage to the surgical site."

Ann

[minismom]

Pete, because stupid people say stupid things when they think your life is their business.  I've been asked more about how Mim contracted the virus here (in the forums) than anywhere else.  Most folks just assume and I've gotten the short end of it from nurses in particular. 

No one has asked her, yet, and I'll have to come up with a good line for her.  "Monkey sex" from an 8 1/2yr old might get me arrested.

Good luck with your gastro issues.  I hope they can be resolved soon.

Mum

[rondrond]

Pete,

When asked, I looked at them and said, "I was a bartender, I partied, had sex and did drugs...take your pick."

[BT65]

I was told the reason the ID doctor asks is for statistics purposes (how states and the CDC keep track of which group of people HIV is growing the fastest in).  The same probably holds true with a health department. 

[red_Dragon888]

just give them the usual pat answer:
1) i don't know
2) why do you care
3) i would tell but then i would have to kill you

[vivyt]

I have only been to 2 new doctors since my diagnosis in 2007. Both asked. I think the reason was similar to Jenny's. They just seem so surprsed, espcially after filling out alll the health history paperwork and seeing nothing expect the HIV. They do seem just more curious and surprised.

[littlefire]

I got asked that question once by a nurse who was meant to draw blood for tests. I told her if she doesn't know how HIV is contracted, I don't want her anywhere near me with a needle, I got up and walked out. She doesn't work at that clinic any more

[red_Dragon888]

I got asked that question once by a nurse who was meant to draw blood for tests. I told her if she doesn't know how HIV is contracted, I don't want her anywhere near me with a needle, I got up and walked out. She doesn't work at that clinic any more

lol

[MarcoPoz]

A few years ago I went into the ER for what I thought was a heart attack (scary as hell, ya know?) and while I'm being worked on, this nurse comes up to me and asked me "Tell me how this happend to you".  SO I began explaining the pain in my chest.  She stopped me and said "No, I mean your HIV".  I had asked them to call my ID doc when I got there and this ER is part of my medical 'system"--shared records etc.

I looked at the nurse in disbelief.  I'm one of those guys who goes to schools and does talks about how I got HIV and why they should stay safe, etc etc.

So I looked at the nurse, looked at all the tubes and cords running from my body, and said "If you don't mind, I'm pretty fucking busy right now.  Come back later for story time".  Another nurse working on me snorted (laughing) and walked away.

After they had me boarded in the ER and chilled out (turned out to be vaso-spasms--no heart attack!) the nurse came back to me.  She said she was sorry.  I told her that I got infected sharing a public toilet seat with Haitians and Heroin users and we all got bit by the same Gay mosquito :-) (A nod the the 4H's of the '80's)

She didn't laugh.  So I told her my story.  When I finished.  I asked her why she thought she could even ask me that questions and if she could understand what a vulnerable and confusing place she put me in.

She apologized again.  They obviously still don't teach patient 'care' at teaching hospitals ;-)

[red_Dragon888]

A few years ago I went into the ER for what I thought was a heart attack (scary as hell, ya know?) and while I'm being worked on, this nurse comes up to me and asked me "Tell me how this happend to you". ....
She apologized again.  They obviously still don't teach patient 'care' at teaching hospitals ;-)

lol

good one. 

[LTSurviver]

In my 22 years of being positive, I have realized one thing:

People ask so they can judge you.  Period.

They want to fit you into the two narrow categories they have made up for PWAs.  "Innocent victim" and "Dirty, nasty, irresponsible people that deserve it."

That may sound jaded and bitter.  I'm told again and again that people are just curious.  Bullcrap.  I know better. 

[David_CA]

In my 22 years of being positive, I have realized one thing:

People ask so they can judge you.  Period.

They want to fit you into the two narrow categories they have made up for PWAs.  "Innocent victim" and "Dirty, nasty, irresponsible people that deserve it."

That may sound jaded and bitter.  I'm told again and again that people are just curious.  Bullcrap.  I know better. 

I wouldn't say that description fits most any who've have asked me, fortunately. 

[RapidRod]

In my 22 years of being positive, I have realized one thing:

People ask so they can judge you.  Period.

They want to fit you into the two narrow categories they have made up for PWAs.  "Innocent victim" and "Dirty, nasty, irresponsible people that deserve it."

That may sound jaded and bitter.  I'm told again and again that people are just curious.  Bullcrap.  I know better. 

Never have I felt like I was being treated as second class citizen nor have I felt that my care was less than what would be afforded to those that don't have HIV/AIDS.

[YaKaMein]

If one is ever asked a mode of transmission question when it's plainly intrusive [most would be], just opt NOT to answer it. Or, use some great responses posted here; I plan to. Patients have the right to refuse to answer any question or choose to volunteer information without repercussions to health care. I do it often.

[LTSurviver]

Like I said, maybe I'm jaded from the way I was treated 20 years ago, but from my experience, most people who ask and already know the modes of transmission are doing so to categorize you.

I am not saying all or most will treat you differently, but for what other reason is there to ask?  Honestly?  Ask most people outside the PWA/GLBT communities and they still have those two catigories for PWAs.  Even the media is guilty of it in the past.

[next2u]

shiznit. my normal doc was booked today so i had to go in for a scabies test (read related post). while there dr fuckface walked in, looked at my massive chart and proceeded to ask me questions. after i was cleared of scabies i asked him about the other lab results from my last panel. he notices that im hiv poz, starts asking me a slew of uneducated questions and generally pisses me off. yes i have an id doc, of course i know my numbers, yes i take up it the ass. and he's marking all this shit down like he's taking notes for some high school biology course. to add insult to injury i got a hold of the notes in his hands and it turns out the fucker before him sized me up to be the painted whore from biblical times. like, wow. i want to have them expunge that shit from my medical records (the DETAILS of my last sexual encounter). i didnt know the fucker was taking it for dictation, that lil bastard had a great memory. the entire conversation happened under the guise of colloquial conversation (has high risk anal sex with multiple partners...)

dont piss on my back and tell me its raining...

[next2u]

they ask because they don't have anything better to ask or say. like, how are you? or, its great you came in today, lets get this taken care of. (sorry, still bitter)

[red_Dragon888]

... to forgive, divine.

[mecch]

Many reasons why a doctor or anyone might ask this question.  You need to decide how you want to answer it, or not answer it, and how to feel about the asker. 

[Seadickrun]

All four ID's I have had have asked me this question.  It always catches me off guard because the first thing I think is that they don't know how HIV is transmitted.  I resist the temptation to tell them to read that freaking chart in front of them if they have any questions about my life and just say, "I have no idea".  Then they ask me if I use intravenous drugs.  That one offends me because I'm vain as hell and certainly don't look like some meth head.  I just smile and tell them that I'm phobic about needles and that they will have a hard time getting me into the lab for a blood draw.  You know its bad when your pharmacist tells you that your doctor won't give you any more meds until you go get another blood draw:)

[Jeff64]

Hi,
I switched to Kaiser-Permanente and will be meeting my new GP in a month.
I am going to have to to go through all these stupid questions with him before I get a referral to a new ID doc.

I had been with my old GP for years. We had a great relationship...could tell him anything. Now it is is going to be like a first date all over again.

Jeff

[Seadickrun]

I had been with my old GP for years. We had a great relationship...could tell him anything. Now it is is going to be like a first date all over again.

Jeff

My ex wife taught me something valuable about first dates.  She said she always judged a guy by how he treated her on the first date since she believed people were always on their best behavior when they first went out.  She felt it always went downhill from there so if the first date wasn't all that she saw no reason to hope for better. 

p.s. Jeff, I love your online persona photo:)

[LTSurviver]

One thing that has made me very happy with my current ID clinic and my resent hospital stay is that not a single person has asked.  They've asked valid heathcare questions like if I take drugs and/or am sexually active and that's it.  Not even the orderlies at the hospital asked.  Usually that question is more likely to come from the students, nurses or orderlies.

It wasn't that way years ago.  I guess training has gotten better over the years.

Another thing that made me happy is that there were no bio-hazard warnings on my door at the hospital like there were years ago, though I was given a private room... but why look a gift horse in the mouth, right??? 

[red_Dragon888]

One thing that has made me very happy with my current ID clinic and my resent hospital stay is that not a single person has asked.  They've asked valid heathcare questions like if I take drugs and/or am sexually active and that's it.  Not even the orderlies at the hospital asked.  Usually that question is more likely to come from the students, nurses or orderlies.

It wasn't that way years ago.  I guess training has gotten better over the years.

Another thing that made me happy is that there were no bio-hazard warnings on my door at the hospital like there were years ago, though I was given a private room... but why look a gift horse in the mouth, right??? 

Yeah, that is an idea.  To get the medical people to read this and see the reactions.

[milker]

- How did you contract HIV?
- With your son, at the local bathhouse, why?

Milker (who's never been asked by medical staff)

[red_Dragon888]

- How did you contract HIV?
- With your son, at the local bathhouse, why?

Milker (who's never been asked by medical staff)

rofl 

[planonstaying]

 A Nurse asked me once I just said I got it like she gets a cold from another human being.  If she wasn't embarrassed she should of been

[YaKaMein]

... so many health care UNprofessionals ...