Frequently Asked Questions
What are ID specialists?
Infectious Disease Specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses caused by microorganisms.
ID Specialists are like medical detectives. They examine difficult cases, looking for clues to identify the culprit and solve the problem.
Your ID Physician Has 9-10 Years of Specialized Education & Training:
4 years of medical school
3 years training as a doctor of Internal Medicine
2-3 years specialized training in Infectious Diseases
Most ID specialists who treat patients are board certified. They have passed a certification examination by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.
ID specialists see patients to determine whether their symptoms are due to an infection. Patients often see ID specialists due to a fever.
Some ID specialists serve as primary care physicians, for example, for people with HIV/AIDS, treating most illnesses and coordinating their patients’ overall care.
In all of these cases, the specialized training and diagnostic tools of the ID specialist can help determine the cause of your infection and the best approach to treatment.
How can I decrease my risk of coming down with an infectious disease?
One of the best strategies for preventing infectious diseases is immunization. Make sure you and your children receive all recommended vaccinations.
Ask your doctor for advice about other things you and your family can do to prevent infectious diseases.
When do I need an ID specialist?
Many common infections can be treated by your personal physician. Your doctor might refer you to an ID specialist in cases where an infection is difficult to diagnose, is accompanied by a high fever, or does not respond to treatment.
ID specialists also see healthy people who plan to travel to foreign countries or locations where infection risk is higher. In these cases, ID specialists can help determine whether special immunizations or other preventive measures are necessary to protect travelers from disease.
What are the typical procedures performed by an ID specialist?
ID specialists review your medical data, including X-rays and laboratory reports such as blood work and culture data. They also may perform a physical exam to help determine the cause of the problem.
What tests do ID specialists order?
ID specialists often order laboratory tests to examine samples of blood, other body fluids or tissue for evidence of microorganisms by growing them in cultures. A blood serum analysis can help the ID specialist detect antibodies that indicate what type of infection you have. Other tests detect DNA of microorganisms in the sample of blood, body fluid or tissue. These advanced tests can further explain the results of earlier tests, helping to pinpoint the problem.
What types of treatment are provided by ID specialists?
Treatment consists of medicines — usually antibiotics — to help battle the infection and prevent it from returning. These medicines may be given to you by mouth (in the form of pills or liquids) or administered directly into your veins, via an IV tube. Many ID specialists have IV antibiotic therapy available in their offices, which decreases the likelihood that you will need to be hospitalized.
What information should you give your ID specialist?
All medical records related to your condition: X-rays, laboratory reports and immunization records. Often your personal physician will forward this information to the specialist before your scheduled appointment.
A list of all medications you take: This list should include over-the-counter and prescription medications
A list of any allergies you have.
Let the ID specialist know if you are taking birth control pills. Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
How does my ID specialist work with other medical professionals?
The ID specialist works with your personal physician to determine which diagnostic tests are appropriate. If treatment is necessary, your doctor and the ID specialist will work together to develop a treatment plan best suited to your needs. Often you will be asked to return to the ID specialist for a follow-up visit. This allows the specialist to check on your progress, confirm that the infection is gone and help prevent it from coming back. If you acquire an infection while in the hospital, the ID specialist will work with other hospital physicians to help direct your care. The specialist also might provide follow-up care after you go home.
Where can I get more information about the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases?
Your doctor is your best source of information. In addition, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), a professional organization of ID physicians, scientists, and other infectious diseases experts, can help point you in the direction of resources and additional information.
Visit IDSA’s website: www.idsociety.org.
The HIV Medicine Association of IDSA, representing physicians and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, can help provide you with information on HIV/ AIDS resources.
Visit HIVMA’s website: www.hivma.org.