Certification as an Infectious Diseases Speclialist requires years of 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 difficult certification examination by the American Board of Internal  Medicine in both internal medicine and infectious diseases.

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 their symptoms are due infection. Most commonly, the patient has a fever.

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.

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. These advanced tests can further explain the results of earlier tests, helping to pinpoint the problem.

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 intravenous (IV) catheter. Many ID specialists have IV antibiotic therapy available in their offices, which decreases the likelihood that you will need to be hospitalized.

No — we do not provide outpatient IV infusions in our office. We coordinate with home infusion or infusion centers when OPAT is needed.

Generally, your doctor will request a consultation with an infectious disease (ID) specialist due to the complicated nature of your illness. For your health and safety, you should follow your doctor’s instructions to make this appointment.

We require you to obtain either a referral or a consultation request from your doctor detailing the reason for the consultation. We also must receive copies of your medical records pertaining to your appointment (any labs, x-rays, or office notes). Without this information, your appointment will be re-scheduled. We do not accept self referred patients.

Some insurance plans require you to obtain a PRE-AUTHORIZATION prior to being seen by an ID specialist. This should be obtained before you make your appointment at Infectious Diseases Associates of North Florida, PA. Our office can assist in some cases to obtain this pre-authorization.

• 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.