![Healthcare Providers Healthcare Providers](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/global-hero/healthcare-providers.jpg?auto=format)
![Healthcare Providers Healthcare Providers](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/global-hero/healthcare-providers-mobile.jpg?auto=format)
The phrase "healthcare providers," refers to healthcare team members in addition to ASO case managers and social workers.
If you are HIV-positive, find a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with as soon as possible.
Healthcare providers include:
![Doctors Doctors](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-1.jpg?auto=format)
DOCTORS
Doctors are healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice medicine.
![Physician Assistants Physician Assistants](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-2.jpg?auto=format)
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Physician assistants can diagnose and treat illnesses under the supervision of doctors.
![Nurse Practitioners Nurse Practitioners](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-3.jpg?auto=format)
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Nurse practitioners are nurses with specialized graduate education, who can diagnose and treat illnesses.
![Nurses Nurses](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-4.jpg?auto=format)
NURSES
Nurses provide and coordinate care for patients.
![Psychologists / Psychiatrists Psychologists / Psychiatrists](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-5.jpg?auto=format)
PSYCHOLOGISTS /
PSYCHIATRISTS
There are many kinds of mental health providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and certified social workers.
![Pharmacists Pharmacists](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-6.jpg?auto=format)
PHARMACISTS
Pharmacists provide prescription medicines to patients and can help explain what medications are and how they should be used.
![Dietitians Dietitians](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-7.jpg?auto=format)
DIETITIANS
Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition who help people practice good eating habits.
![Dentists Dentists](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-8.jpg?auto=format)
DENTISTS
Dentists are doctors who take care of people’s teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth, and teach people about dental health.
![specialists](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-9.jpg?auto=format)
SPECIALISTS
Specialists are healthcare providers who focus on specific types of health problems. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist to treat a specific condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
![](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/black-white/hp-1_black.jpg?auto=format)
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![](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/black-white/hp-3_black.jpg?auto=format)
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![](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/black-white/hp-8_black.jpg?auto=format)
![](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/black-white/hp-7_black.jpg?auto=format)
![](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/black-white/hp-9_black.jpg?auto=format)
![](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/your-team/healthcare-providers/providers/hp-1.jpg?auto=format)
DOCTORS
Doctors are healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice medicine.
PREPARING FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE APPOINTMENTS
TAKE a list of any medications you’re on
TAKE a list of any side effects you are experiencing
TAKE information about any major changes in your life
TAKE a list of any questions you want to ask
TAKE a loved one or friend for support and company
BEING OPEN WITH
YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
![Being Open with your Healthcare Team Video Being Open with your Healthcare Team Video](https://i-cf65.gskstatic.com/content/dam/cf-viiv/a-positive-life/video-images/side-by-side-healthcare-providers-right.jpg?auto=format)
GETTING THERE
One of the most important things you can do for your healthcare appointments is to be there.
- Write down your appointments on a calendar or set reminders on your phone.
- Be on time. Leave yourself enough time to get to your appointment so you get the maximum time with your healthcare provider.
- Remember that you’re doing a great thing for yourself!
Find HIV resources in your area.
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