Once you have decided on a provider or have been assigned to one that was recommended by the case manager, you can begin working with him or her to achieve the best treatment for you. This includes:

• Trust: trust that your provider has the best interest in you. Your provider expects you to be honest with her or him so that you and your provider can make the best treatment decisions for you. This includes being truthful about: sexual history and sexual acts you engage in; past and current drug use; past and current alcohol use; past and current health issues; and anything that may impact the medical treatment you may be prescribed to take.
• Commonalities: one method of establishing a good personal rapport with your provider is to find common interests (sports, entertainment, cultural events; share something about your culture that she or he could learn from, etc.)
• Accessibility: not only should your provider be accessible; you should provide the most current information where you can be contacted (telephone, mailing address, reliable place for messages to be forwarded to you). This will be helpful when you need to reminded of your appointments, follow-up to your visits, opportunities for you to participate in, etc.
• Continuity of care: establish yourself with one HIV health care provider if possible; however, there may be times your health care provider may require you to see other health professionals who specialize in certain fields. In some cases, your provider will suggest changing treatment methods to address the changes and needs of your current treatment. This may require you to see another health care professional.
• Work together: taking an active role in your treatment means asking questions, expressing your concerns, learning from and sharing with others, and learning about current research or updates on new developments. At the same time, your provider might have to make hard decisions for you and in your best interest.
• Communication: your provider should communicate with you in the language that you feel most comfortable with and best understand. Ask for clarifications or to elaborate when you do not understand what your provider is telling you. At the same time, you should share your thoughts, questions, fears, and feelings on your treatment, including the effect of the medications you are taking.
• Satisfaction: if you are not satisfied with your treatment or provider, you may have the option of changing providers or treatment.

Adapted from Adherence Issues from the HIV Insite website and www.aids.org Fact Sheet.