A patient is often referred to an infectious disease (ID) specialist by a primary care doctor. The ID doctor will then review the case and may perform a physical examination depending, on the problem. Laboratory tests are often included to test blood and other bodily fluids to determine the cause(s) or your condition and to find the best course of treatment.

Some common reasons a person is referred to an infectious disease specialist:

• Illnesses that include strains of pneumonia
• Viral and bacterial meningitis
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria
• Bone and joint or soft tissue infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections
• Acute cases of influenza
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS

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