Why does the law say that when someone gets an HIV test they have to get the results face to face?

Question

Even if the result is negative?
I got an HIV test and it was negative but my doctor made me actually come in for an appointment to get the results. They wouldnt give them to me over the phone even though they were negative. So I spent a few days freaking out thinking I had it.

It isnt right. I was freaking the hell out thinking I had it!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Because they can charge you for a doctor's visit. Simple.

Answer 2

Although there are many causes of major weight loss, you are correct to be concerned that your friend could have AIDS. You have already expressed to her your concern, but she is obviously self-destructive, and since she is avoiding finding out the results of her test, she is in denial that anything serious could be wrong. As long as she will listen to you, you can continue to tell her that you are concerned, but she will not heed your words until she is ready, and that may be too late. If you can get together with others who are concerned about her, you might try to arrange an intervention. There is often a link between promiscuous sexual activity and drug abuse. Do you know whether she is using or injecting any street drugs? It is easier to get HIV/AIDS from shared needles than it is through sexual contact, and severe staphylococcal skin infections are also common in IV drug users.

Answer 3

Is this in Australia? Wow, that's really interesting that it is a law.
In England (where I'm from) they give you the results over the phone, and when you ring up it is anonymous. You don't use your name, they give you a card to take home with an identity number that's personal to you - and you quote that number when you ring up.
Sorry, i know that i haven't answered your question, i just wanted to remark about the differences.
I empathise with you freaking out - i know what the waiting feels like!
I'm pleased for you that it was negative : )

Answer 4

It is generally to have a standard system set-up regardless if you are negative or positive! They will council you even if you are negative about safe sex practices. One should think about this if you are having to worry about HIV testing in the first place! Play it safe and wrap it up!

Answer 5

I think the idea behind the law is so people will have counseling right there available for them if they need it, and they won't tell negative people their results because then everybody who had to go in would know they were positive.

Answer 6

I am not sure what country or state you live in but this is common practice in New York State and is also recommended procedure by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Answer 7

The particular law depends on what state you live in. Please search for "HIV partner notification" and your state. Most physicians' offices will not, and should not, give ANY test results over the phone due to HIPAA rules.

Answer 8

It's because they don't know it's you. What if you would have had it and someone called in, pretending to be you and they got the information? The hospital would be sued! You can't give out personal health records like that unless you know JUST who you're talking to.

Answer 9

how do u know this is a lwa?-i didnt no it was, but i know they always say *** back n for them, but didnt think u really had to bc if u dnt *** back in and ur positive i know they will *** 2 u

Answer 10

for reasons of identity. you will not fear facing them or go crazy unless you've been practicing illicit sex and share needle with a junkie...