Physician Specialization and the Quality of Care for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

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Abstract
There is debate over the types of physicians who should treat patients with complex chronic medical conditions, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.1-7 These patients require specialized treatment, including the adjustment and management of complex medical regimens that might best be handled by specialist physicians.8 However, such patients often have other conditions. For example, persons with HIV infection often have hepatitis C infection, and increasing numbers of persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and body shape changes. In addition, they often require a wide range of medical and social services.9,10 General medicine physicians (“generalists”) may be best trained to ensure accessibility, coordination, continuity, and comprehensiveness of services.3,11-13