Browse top Infectious Disease Specialists
Frequently asked questions

How can I make a same-day appointment with a doctor for Infection Consultation?

On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a doctor for Infection Consultation, book an appointment, and see the doctor within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of doctors for Infection Consultation in your area who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.


How can I find a doctor for Infection Consultation who takes my insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for doctors for Infection Consultation who take your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.


How can I book an appointment online with a doctor for Infection Consultation?

Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find doctors for Infection Consultation and book appointments instantly. You can search for doctors for Infection Consultation or any other visit reason. Then, enter your desired appointment location and choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.


How can I find a female Infection Consultation doctor?

When you search for Infection Consultation doctors on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see doctors who match your preferences.


How can I find an Infection Consultation doctor who sees patients after hours?

On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Infection Consultation doctors with availability after 5 p.m.


How can I find a top-rated Infection Consultation doctor?

You can use Zocdoc to find Infection Consultation doctors who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.


How can I find a video visit with an Infection Consultation doctor online?

Infection Consultation doctors on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Infection Consultation doctors who offer video visits.


Are video visits with an Infection Consultation doctor online covered by my insurance?

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Infection Consultation doctors who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.


How can I find an Infection Consultation doctor who sees patients in the morning or evening?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Infection Consultation doctor who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.


How can I find an Infection Consultation doctor who sees patients during the weekend?

Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Infection Consultation doctors. Many Infection Consultation doctors offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.


What is an infectious disease specialist?

An infectious disease specialist, often called an infectious disease doctor, is a medical physician who diagnoses and treats complex infections caused by germs, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. 


When should I see an infectious disease doctor?

You should generally see an infectious disease doctor when you have a complex, persistent, severe, or hard-to-diagnose infection. Your primary care doctor will usually provide a referral when an infection falls outside their expertise or isn't responding to standard treatments.

Reasons to see an infectious disease doctor may include:

  • Persistent or recurrent fevers
  • Infections unresponsive to treatment
  • Travel-related illnesses
  • Compromised immune systems 
  • Chronic or severe infections, such as HIV
  • Hospital-acquired infections
  • Unexplained symptoms

If you identify any of these symptoms, use Zocdoc to find an infectious disease doctor near you and get the care you need.


What conditions do infectious disease specialists treat?

Infectious disease specialists treat a vast range of conditions caused by pathogens, from common illnesses that become severe or resistant to treatment to rare, emerging, and tropical diseases. Here are the main categories of conditions they manage:

  • Bacterial infections include severe cases like MRSA, C. difficile, pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and tuberculosis.
  • Viral infections are managed by primary care providers for chronic conditions like HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis (B and C), and acute cases like influenza, COVID-19, and West Nile virus.
  • Fungal infections treated range from mild cases to serious diseases affecting the lungs, blood, or brain, including Valley fever and aspergillosis.
  • Travel-related illnesses include infections acquired abroad, like dengue fever, typhoid, and malaria.
  • Hospital-acquired infections encompass those that develop in a hospital or post-surgery, including surgical wound infections and bloodstream infections.


What does an infectious disease doctor do?

Infectious disease specialists, also called "medical detectives," diagnose complex illnesses by reviewing patient histories, performing physical exams, and conducting lab tests. They work with other specialists to prevent and treat infections in vulnerable patients, and develop protocols for managing outbreaks and antibiotic use to combat drug resistance. 

During your visit, the specialist will review your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical exam, and possibly order blood tests or imaging scans to create a targeted treatment plan, potentially involving antibiotics or antivirals, in coordination with your primary care physician.


What types of tests or procedures do infectious disease specialists perform?

Infectious disease specialists use lab-based tests and procedures to identify pathogens and determine effective treatments, such as:

  • Blood cultures: A blood sample is tested in a special medium to detect bacteria or fungi, the primary method for diagnosing bloodstream infections (sepsis).
  • Body fluid and tissue cultures: Samples of urine, sputum, wound drainage, or tissue are collected to identify the specific germs causing infections.
  • Antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST): Once a bacterium is identified, it is tested against various antibiotics to determine effectiveness and resistance.
  • PCR testing: This molecular test detects the genetic material of pathogens quickly and is used for hard-to-grow germs and fast diagnoses of viruses like influenza and COVID-19.
  • Serology (antibody tests): These blood tests look for antibodies produced by the immune system, indicating current or past infections.
  • Gram stains: A rapid technique that stains a sample for microscopic examination, quickly classifying bacteria into Gram-positive or Gram-negative, aiding in antibiotic choice.
  • Spinal tap: This procedure collects cerebrospinal fluid for analysis in cases of suspected meningitis or encephalitis.
  • Imaging interpretation: They interpret X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to locate infection sites, such as in pneumonia or osteomyelitis.


How do I choose the best infectious disease specialist?

When selecting an infectious disease specialist, consider their experience with severe infections, whether they accept your insurance, online reviews, and their location. Zocdoc simplifies the process of comparing infectious disease specialists near you and scheduling an appointment that meets your needs.

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.

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