Frequently
Asked Questions
Who is the ID CARE Patient?
ID specialists diagnose and treat conditions resulting
from all types of infections, including those caused by germs such
as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. These microscopic organisms
penetrate the body's natural barriers and multiply, creating symptoms
ranging from sore throat and fever (as in the case of strep throat)
to more serious and even deadly problems (such as AIDS or meningitis).
ID specialists also see patients to determine whether the symptoms
are due to an infection or not. Most commonly, the patient has a
fever.
Some ID specialists serve as primary care physicians, treating most
illnesses and coordinating their patients' overall care.
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When to contact ID CARE?
Not all infectious diseases require you to see 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. The specialized training
and diagnostic tools of an ID specialist can help determine the
cause of your infection and the best approach 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 help protect travelers
from disease.
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Types of tests?
Infectious diseases specialists are like medical detectives.
They examine difficult cases, looking for clues to identify the
culprit and solve the problem. If you are in the hospital or ICU
with a severe illness, you may be too ill to be aware of your ID
specialist’s visits, constant attention and care. Much of their
work is done behind the scenes. ID specialists make a diagnosis
and coordinate a plan to treat your disease. They will 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.
ID specialists often order laboratory tests to examine samples of
blood or other body fluids or cultures from wounds. A blood serum
analysis can help the ID specialist detect antibodies that indicate
what type of infection you have. Often these advanced studies can
further explain the results of earlier tests, helping to pinpoint
the problem.
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Risk reduction?
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.
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Treatments?
Treatments consist of medicines—usually antibiotics—to
help battle the infection and prevent it from returning. These medicines
may be given to you orally (in the form of pills or liquids) or
administered directly into your veins, via an IV tube. Some ID specialists
have IV antibiotic therapy available in their offices, which decreases
the likelihood that the patient will need to be hospitalized. ID
specialists do not perform surgical procedures.
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Required Information?
Be sure to give your ID specialist all medical records
related to your condition, including X-rays, laboratory reports
and immunization records. Often your personal physician will forward
this information to the specialist before your scheduled appointment.
You should also provide the ID specialist with a complete list of
all medications you are taking and any allergies you have. This
list should include over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications
as well. Also, be sure to tell the ID specialist if you are taking
birth control pills; since some antibiotics may interfere with the
effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
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