What is the difference between a Clinical Microbiology and an Infectious Disease doctor?

A Clinical Microbiology specializes in identifying the germs that cause diseases through lab tests, while an Infectious Disease doctor primarily focuses on treating patients with those infections using medication and other therapies.

Do I need a referral to see a Clinical Microbiology?

Often, yes. Many patients are referred to Clinical Microbiology by their primary care doctor or another specialist to help diagnose complex or persistent infections.

What kind of samples do they test?

Clinical Microbiology teams test a wide range of samples including blood, urine, tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids to identify infectious agents.

How long does it take to get test results back?

The time for test results varies widely depending on the specific test and organism being sought. Some rapid tests yield results in hours, while others, like cultures, can take days or even weeks.

Can a Clinical Microbiology prescribe medication?

While their primary role is diagnostics, some Clinical Microbiologists are also licensed physicians who can prescribe, but often they work in conjunction with your treating doctor who handles the medical management.

Are Clinical Microbiologists involved in public health?

Yes, they play a crucial role in public health by tracking outbreaks, monitoring antibiotic resistance, and developing strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within communities and hospitals.

Find a Clinical Microbiology Near You

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When you're not feeling well, understanding what's causing your symptoms is the first step toward getting better. Sometimes, tiny invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are to blame. That's where a Clinical Microbiology specialist comes in. These dedicated doctors and scientists are experts in identifying and studying these microscopic organisms that can cause infections.

They work behind the scenes and often directly with your doctor to figure out exactly what kind of germ is making you sick. By accurately identifying the culprit, Clinical Microbiology helps ensure you receive the right treatment quickly, avoiding unnecessary medications and helping you recover faster. Whether it's a persistent infection, unusual symptoms, or a condition that isn't responding to typical treatments, finding a Clinical Microbiology can be a vital part of your healthcare journey to diagnosis and recovery. Use our directory to find a nearby expert who can help.

Conditions treated

Bacterial infections
Viral infections
Fungal infections
Parasitic infections
Sepsis
MRSA
C. diff infection
Lyme disease
Urinary tract infections
Pneumonia

Common procedures

Culture testing
PCR testing
Antimicrobial sensitivity
Microscopy
Infection identification
Disease surveillance

When to see a clinical microbiology

You have a persistent infection that won't go away.
Your doctor suspects a rare or unusual infection.
You're experiencing unexplained fever or inflammation.
Initial treatments for an infection aren't working.
You need help understanding complex lab results.
You have symptoms after travel to certain regions.

First visit

At your first visit, a Clinical Microbiology may review your medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and examine any relevant lab results your doctor has already ordered. They will then determine if further specialized testing is needed to identify the exact cause of your infection.

Typical cost

An out-of-pocket consultation with a Clinical Microbiology can vary greatly, often ranging from $150 to $400 or more before insurance. The cost of lab tests is often billed separately.

Insurance

Most health insurance plans typically cover consultations and diagnostic tests ordered by a Clinical Microbiology, subject to your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance.