The initial assessment of the HIV-infected patient.

The initial assessment of the patient with HIV disease requires clinical staging, identification of HIV-related and nonrelated illness, discussion of specific psychosocial issues, initiation of the process of patient education, and initiation of a sustained partnership between patient and clinician. The clinical content of the assessment depends on knowledgeable history-taking, focused physical examination, and specific laboratory tests. Partnering increases the likelihood of early recognition of important signs and symptoms and the institution of appropriate therapeutic measures. Successful and satisfying clinician-patient relationships help produce better patient outcomes.