We see everyday as healthcare providers how the HIV epidemic becomes more prominent. SInce the begining in the 1980's thousands of people have lost their lives to this epidemic. The numbers keep rising specially in Africa where screening and treatment are a matter of luxury. With this in hand we beging to question wether HIV screening should be part of a normal physical examination. The reality is that many americans do not know they have the HIV virus do to lack of screening.
The U.S Ceters for Disease COntrol and Prevention announced the recommendation to make HIV testing a standard testing for all americans as they aim to prevent further spread of the disease and prompt needed care for the estimated 250,000 americans who have AIDS but do not know. It has been found that nearly half of the new HIV infections are discovered when doctors try to diagnose another illness and turn out to have the virus. I believe that earlier screening will allow people access to life expanding therapy, and also through prevention education, learn how to avoid the transmittion of the HIV infection.
Although this is only the beginning is a very important step in the prevention and treatment of the disease, Is a very good sign that we understand that testing should not be only for high risk groups but for every sexually active individual. Although the implementation will be challanging, requiring alot of money for testing counseling, and testing.
Identififying more HIV patients however, will place an added burden on public health programs that pay for such care, some of which are facing potential cuts under a proposal before Congress. However, more diagnosis may help win more funding, people's awareness and responsability for this expanding killer.
There is also the matter of cost. Some healthcare economists say that universal screening for HIV is a t least as cost effective as test that detect diabetes, breast cancer, and other chroninc conditions because if the virus is caught early, medicines can give patienta long, productive life. However, there are others under the impression that it will add more to the already burden health system.
I will assume that many of our fellow physicians will question wether is necessary to expand testing behond high risk individuals. However, it is the beginning for the prevention and extintion of the disease. Also, a more routine testing would avoid the problem of patients not acknowledging their risky behaviors.