How We Work in the Infectious Disease Program

Your infectious disease care team

Several physicians from different medical specialties may be involved in the treatment of your child at the same time. This multidisciplinary team approach is particularly important in managing symptoms of infectious diseases, especially as some symptoms are chronic and change in severity over time.

Pediatric infectious disease physician

While your pediatrician or primary care physician may treat and/or diagnose your child's disease, he/she may refer you on to a specialist for more specialized treatment of certain aspects of the disease. The pediatric infectious disease physicians at Children’s Hospital Colorado specialize in treating children, including those with unique, serious or special conditions.

Physician assistant

A physician assistant, or PA, is a licensed professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a doctor or surgeon. A physician assistant typically conducts exams and assists in diagnosing and treating patients.

Nurses

• Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) 
  A pediatric nurse practitioner is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of children. A PNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment and follow-up.
• Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
  A family nurse practitioner is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of the entire family. A FNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment and follow-up.
• Clinical nurse specialists
  A clinical nurse specialist is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a healthcare specialty area, such as cystic fibrosis. Clinical nurse specialists see patients in clinic for follow up, assessment and treatment.