Ask Your Doctor

The questions below are intended to help you start a discussion with your healthcare provider about HIV drug resistance.

1. What are my current viral load and T-cell counts?
2. (If you have not yet begun an antiretroviral regimen:) Do my current viral load and T-cell counts indicate that I should begin antiretroviral treatment? If so, would a genotypic assay be helpful in determining which drugs to use?
3. (If you are actively taking antiretroviral medications:) Do my current viral load and T-cell counts indicate that my current treatment regimen is still effective, or does the virus appear to be developing resistance? If the virus is becoming drug-resistant, would a genotypic, phenotypic or combination test help in changing the regimen?
4. (If your healthcare provider changes the combination of medications in your regimen:) Which medications are we changing and why? What side effects are the new medications likely to have?
5. Are HIV resistance tests covered by my insurance? Will I be responsible for any co-payments?