Infectious Disease
Infectious disease physicians are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of patients with a wide array of infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They provide care on an inpatient and outpatient basis, as well as continuing care for patients with an HIV infection. These specialists have particular insight into the use of antibiotics and their potential adverse effects, immunology (how the body fights infection), epidemiology (how infections spread), and infection control.
Infectious disease physicians also counsel healthy people before and after travel to countries where there is an increased risk of infections and diseases. We provide all appropriate vaccinations as well as prescriptions for medicine necessary for the prevention and treatment of illness abroad.
To learn more about research and academics in Infectious Disease, click here.
Find an infectious disease provider now.
The infectious disease division at the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University is devoted to patient care, teaching, and biomedical research in the areas of microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. We offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services and are committed to providing excellent medical care in a comfortable and convenient environment. Our specialists have expertise in infections that affect the sinuses, heart, brain, lungs, urinary tract, bowel, bones, and pelvic organs.
When to See an Infectious Disease Specialist
Not everyone who has an infectious disease needs an infectious disease specialist. Your primary care physician can take care of most infections, but sometimes, specialized expertise is needed to either diagnose or manage specific infectious diseases.
When a fever raises the suspicion that you may have an infection, when an infection is potentially serious, or when problems occur with treatment, it may be necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist. These medical professionals can provide special insight into tests that will be helpful in diagnosing and understanding the infection and preventing recurrent infections. They can often help determine what treatment you need, if any, and whether you should receive antibiotics. You may not require any treatment, but if you do, they may confer with your personal physician about which diagnostic testing and forms of treatment are best suited to your needs.
If you are hospitalized for an infection or acquire an infection while hospitalized, infectious disease specialists will follow-up and help direct your hospital care. In some cases, they may continue to see you after you go home from the hospital.
What to Expect When You Visit an Infectious Disease Specialist
Your provider will review your medical records, X-rays, and laboratory reports. They may perform a physical examination, depending on the type of problem. Laboratory studies are often necessary and may include blood studies and cultures of wounds or bodily fluids. Your provider may order blood serum studies for antibodies indicating the presence of unusual or uncommon diseases. These studies may help explain the results of studies that a general internist may already have done.
What Else You Need to Know
Infectious disease care is provided by Department of Medicine providers at the following locations:
- Infectious Disease Associates
- Onondaga County Health Department’s STD Center
- Upstate University Hospital
- Inclusive Health Services
Division of Infectious Disease
Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University
Phone Numbers:
ID Associates Clinic: (315) 464-9360
ID Associates Clinic Fax: (315) 464-9361
ID Division Office: (315) 464-5815
Division Fax: (315) 464-9150
Address:
Physician’s Office Building
725 Irving Ave., Suite 314
Syracuse, NY 13210
Once you have an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, you may want to create a list that includes:
- Detailed description of your symptoms
- Personal medical history (prior medical problems)
- Family history
- Current medications/supplements
- Any questions for the doctor
Please bring your identification and insurance cards with you. It is helpful to arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
Prescription renewals for established patients may be requested by calling your doctor’s office during regular office hours.
Before the prescription request can be reviewed, you will be required to clearly state:
- Your first and last name, date of birth, and daytime phone number
- Prescribing physician’s name
- Name of the medication and whether you are currently out of the medication
- Strength
- Dose
- Mailing address if the prescription is for a narcotic. Do you plan to pick up the prescription? If not, allow 24 hours for refill.
- Pharmacy name
- Pharmacy phone number
Patients may be required to schedule a follow-up appointment in order to continue receiving good medical care between prescription renewals.
Ramiro Gutierrez, MD – Medical Director @ Infectious Disease Associates
Michelle Scott, LPN – Practice Administrator @ Infectious Disease Division
Robin Drury, RN – Nurse Manager @ Infectious Disease Associates
Elizabeth Asiago-Reddy, MD - Medical Director @ Inclusive Health Services
Susan Brigham, RN – Nurse Manager @ Inclusive Health Services
Jessica York – Referral Coordinator @ Inclusive Health Services
Sarah Bowers, LCSW – Behavioral Health Team Leader @ Inclusive Health Services
To schedule an appointment, please call your infectious disease provider directly. You can also contact the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University at DeptMedicine@upstate.edu to find out more.
