GPS, STDS AND LIFE-INSURANCE

We sought to ascertain general practitioners' (GPs) views on their pat ients' attendances at genitourinary medicine (GUM) departments regardi ng methods of referral, record keeping and supplying of information to insurance companies. A questionnaire was sent to 429 local GPs of who m 294 (68%) responded. A written means of referral was less likely for HIV than for sexually transmitted disease (STD) (P < 0.001), and in t urn less Likely for STD than for other genital problems (P < 0.02). Th e percentage of GPs who did not keep a record of referrals were: For H IV testing-29%; STDs-13%; and for other genital problems-8%. Whilst 48 % of GPs did not feel obliged to divulge lifestyle information on a pa tient, 21% would feel it necessary to confirm that a patient had suffe red from an STD if the 'source' on a cytology smear was shown to be th at of a GUM department. Only 23 GPs (8%) felt they had sufficient know ledge as to the use to which the information they supplied to insuranc e companies was put. Many GPs acknowledged that their practice, with r eference to patient attendance at a GUM department, was influenced by life insurance considerations. Bearing in mind the current policy of T he Association of British Insurers which recommends that all applicant s for life insurance be asked to declare any previous STD and counsell ing/testing for HIV, we make several suggestions which may aid GPs in this difficult area.