Infectious Diseases, Cellulitis, Wound Care, Travel Medicine, Marijuana Certifications and

Rabies Vaccination Program for Veterinary Healthcare Team!

COVID 19 Vaccinations

Our office will be administering COVID 19 Booster Vaccinations

Call 267-857-7313 to schedule your appointment.

Last week the FDA and CDC released updated recommendations in our fight against Coronavirus.

For people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems who were previously vaccinated with two doses with the mRNA vaccines of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, a third dose may be needed (at least 28 days after the second dose).

Per the CDC, people who fall into this category are people who have: Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system. Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome) Advanced or untreated HIV infection Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.

For people who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine should be used. If the mRNA vaccine is not available, either COVID-19 vaccine may be administered.

This latest recommendation from the CDC does not yet include guidance on additional vaccine doses on people who received the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 single dose vaccine.

If you are interested in receiving a third dose of the Moderna vaccine here at our office, please call 215-355-9634 to place your self on our list. We will begin scheduling on Friday, after it is approved by CDC.

Please bring your vaccination card with you.

For more information visit COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People.

CDC is expected to approve this booster vaccination on Friday, August 20, 2021. Once approved, we will begin vaccinating Saturday.

Stay tuned for updated information!

Column

The physicians and staff at Infectious Diseases, P.C. are experienced in diagnosing, treating and managing complex and difficult infectious diseases. We are passionate in providing quality care and dedicated to our patients. Our office offers consultative services, specializing in the care of patients with various illnesses caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, such as: Tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, Clostridium difficile, Methicillen-Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA), and Lyme Disease, as well as, other Tick-borne Diseases. Our physicians also treat infections of heart valves, joint replacements and other complicated infections of the skin and bone; such as Cellulitis and Osteomyelitls.

We provide outpatient therapies such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for patients with Clostridium difficile infection. Our physicians also manage patients on Intravenous Antibiotics, either at home, in our office infusion center or at an outpatient infusion center, depending on the patient's health insurance.

In addition, our team of specialists are experienced in the Management of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Management of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). We also perform screening tests for Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, B & C, HIV, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Anal Cancer.

We have a travel medicine clinic whereby we can make recommendations for vaccinations for your upcoming vacation plans and also, take care of any post-trip medical issues that arise.

Lastly, we have now been approved to certify patients for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania.

Announcements:

Congratulations to George A. Poporad, M.D. for his election to become a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

For more information, read his bio under "Meet Our Physicians".

COVID-19 INFORMATION:

We care about you, your family, our employees and the public.

We strive to obey the law and CDC guidelines. If you think we're falling short, please, ask to speak to the Practice Administrator.

Our office has reopened on March 1, 2021, to see patients who would like to be seen. We will also schedule you for a Telehealth appointment, if you want to have a Telehealth Appointment with one of our physicians. If you have any questions regarding your specific diagnosis and your ability to be seen in our office, please call us between 9 am-3pm.

Unfortunately, we will not be seeing patients from nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities in the office. These patients will have Telehealth appointments scheduled.

We will be asking you a list of questions regarding symptoms of COVID-19 when you call to schedule an appointment, again when we call you 2 days before your appointment when we call to confirm your appointment and; lastly, upon your arrival to our office. We will also be taking your temperature upon arrival to our office. If at any time, you have symptoms of COVID-19, or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, your appointment will be canceled.

We are practicing social distancing of 6 feet. Our medical assistants and physicians will be wearing masks, as is required by CDC. This is to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Upon arriving at our office for your appointment, STAY in your car and call our office to notify us that you have arrived. We will call you when your examination room is ready. You MUST wear a mask when entering our office.

You are NOT permitted to bring anyone into the office with you. Your driver MUST remain outside in their car until your appointment has been concluded. No spouses, visitors or children will be permitted to remain in our waiting room or to go into the examination room with you.

Telehealth Appointments

Call 215-355-9634 during our normal business hours to schedule your appointment. The Telehealth Appointments have been very successful and we have received positive feedback from our patients.

Requirements: You need a device (smart phone or computer) with a camera which is microphone enabled. We will need either your cell phone number or your email address to schedule your appointment.

You will need to pay your co-pay by credit or debit card. You will still need referrals, if one is required by your health insurance.

We ask that you refrain from coming to our office if you have symptoms of respiratory infection:

FEVER, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR LOSS OF SMELL OR TASTE

Keeping Safe During COVID-19

To keep yourself, your loved ones and others safe by:

wearing a mask

maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet

avoiding crowds

washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds

Vaccinations

We are encouraging everyone to be vaccinated!

The FDA has approved Pfizer, Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccines.

CDC has recommended that you get whichever vaccine

is available at the site where you can get vaccinated.

It is extremely important that everyone receives this vaccine!

This includes people who have already had COVID!

Every physician and employee at Infectious Diseases Associates, PC

has been vaccinated.

If you have any questions about receiving this vaccination, please ask your family doctor or ask one of our doctors, at the time of your appointment.

COVID ALERT PA App

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has an Exposure Notification System provided by Apple and Google.

Download the App

You can now add your phone to the fight against COVID-19 by going to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and downloading the free COVID Alert PA app to your smartphone. The app runs on iPhones that support iOS 13.5 and higher, and Android phones running Android 6.0 and higher.

COVID Alert PA is available in English, Spanish, German, and Traditional Chinese. Downloading the app is voluntary, but the more Pennsylvanians who adopt the app the more successful it will be at stopping COVID-19. People 13 years old and older are encouraged to add their phone to the fight. However if you are between the ages of 13 and 17, you must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to use the app.

Opt-in for Exposure Alerts

After you download COVID Alert PA to your smartphone, you can opt-in to receive alerts if you have had a potential exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Getting timely alerts can help you get advice on how to help yourself and protect others as well as determine when to get testing. It can help reduce your risk of unknowingly spreading the virus to your friends, family, and larger community.

COVID Alert PA works in Pennsylvania, and when you travel to other locations in the United States including:

Alabama
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Virginia
Wyoming
Washington

States piloting an exposure notification app with a limited population include:

Hawaii
Oregon
How Exposure Alerts Work
When someone receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, they will receive a call from the Department of Health, their county, or municipal health department within 24 to 72 hours. If the person has the COVID Alert PA app on their phone, they will be asked if they are willing to enter a 6-digit validation code in the app.
Once that person enters the 6-digit code, they will be given the option to share their random Bluetooth keys with other app users. Other app users’ phones routinely check if they have ever been in close contact (e.g., within six feet for fifteen minutes or more) with a phone that shared those same Bluetooth keys. If there is a match, the app will let them know they came in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. This is called an Exposure Alert.
The app never collects or reveals the identity of any person using the app, and never reveals who has been diagnosed as positive for COVID-19.
If you receive a positive test result for COVID-19 and do not receive a call from a public health official within 24 to 72 hours, you may call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) and inquire.
Symptom Tracking: Daily Health Check-in & PA COVID Updates
App users can help fight COVID-19 by opting to tell DOH through the app how you are feeling daily and whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms. If you do have symptoms, the app will give you information on what to do. This tool also helps you track your own symptoms within the app, and you’ll get public health information based on your responses.
The app will also give users easy access to the latest facts and figures about COVID-19 in Pennsylvania from the PA Department of Health’s data dashboard.

Your Privacy is Secure

COVID Alert PA protects your privacy and personal information. Downloading the app is voluntary, but the more Pennsylvanians that use this app, the more successful our efforts will be to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The app detects if users are in close contact with another app user, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. It is the same technology that your phone uses to connect to wireless headphones or your car.
The app does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information.
The app will never collect, transmit, or store your personal information and is completely anonymous.

Learn more about how the ENS and the app works and visit the COVID Alert Data and Privacy webpage to learn how data is collected and used.

Have a Question

For more information about COVID Alert PA, read our Frequently Asked Questions. If you want to tell us about your experience with using the COVID Alert PA App or want to report any problems with the use of the App, please email us (RA-DH-CovidApp@pa.gov).

Dr. Sreethy Saraswathy getting her Coronavirus Vaccination:

Our Heroes at work!

Start asking questions and talking to your Primary Care Physicians, so that all of your questions have been answered and you are ready to have this vaccine administered, when your time arises.

GET VACCINATED!!!!

CDC Tips for Older Americans

* Stay home if possible

* Wash your hands often

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick

* Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

* Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel

* Contact your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 or if you are sick

You do not need to see your doctor, please call them first! They may be able to use telehealth services for common office visits, mental health counseling, and preventative health screenings.

You can learn more about COVID-19 at www.Medicare.gov

Rabies Vaccination Program

for Veterinary Healthcare Team

We are proud to announce that we are starting a Rabies Vaccination Program for the Veterinary Healthcare Team on August 1, 2020.

For more information: Please contact our Practice Administrator, Irene Rosenberg at 215-355-9634 extension 204.

Dr. Pace Now Certifying Patients for Medical Marijuana

On August 29, 2018, the Pennsylvania Marijuana Program approved Dr. William C. Pace to certify patients to participate in their program.

Medical Marijuana has now been approved for use for HIV Patients in Pennsylvania. To get more information, please see the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program website at:

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/Medical%20Marijuana/Pages/Medical%20Marijuana.aspx

We have also posted their video on "How to Register for Medical Marijuana" on our Facebook page.

Under the law, Pennsylvania residents who have a serious medical condition as certified by an approved physician are considered eligible for medical marijuana.

For more information, please look at the next page of our website (Practice Services) for the list of diagnoses approved for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania.

CDC Announces United States Sets

Another Record for STDs

Approximately 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphillis were reported in the United States in 2018. This is the 5th straight record-breaking year for STDs!

Cases of Primary and Secondary syphillis (the most infectious stages of the disease) increased 14.4% from 30,644 in 2017 to 35,063 in 2018. Overall, there were 115,045 cases of syphillis reported. Men who have sex with men accounted for more than half (53.5%) of reported cases of primary and secondary syphillis.

CDC reports a 40% increase in congenital syphillis. In 2018, there were 1,036 reported cases, including 78 syphilitic stillbirths and 16 infant deaths.

Gonorrhea is also on the rise. In 2018, there were 583,405 cases in the US reported to the CDC. Rates of reported gonorrhea have increased 82.6% since a historic low in 2009.

Oral & Anal Gonorrhea Testing

The FDA has just approved Oral & Anal Gonorrhea Testing.

On August 12, 2019, we started performing these tests in our office.

Ask Us!

We are here for You!

Travel Medicine & Immunization Services

We now have a Travel Medicine Clinic where you can meet with a Travel Medicine Specialist who will provide you with valuable information and the necessary vaccinations needed to keep you safe while traveling abroad. Our clinic is also here for you, should you develop any Post-travel issues or illnesses!

We are Certified as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Center!

Students studying abroad should read our Travel Medicine Page!

Check our our Travel Medicine Page for Worldwide Travel Alerts!

Remember it is always a good idea to see a travel specialist prior to taking any trip abroad.

Congratulations to Dr. Lindsay R. Jablonski

She received her Certificate in Travel Health^TM from the International Society of Travel Medicine.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas.

We are seeing patients within 24 hours in our office. If diagnosed with cellulitis, we are starting treatment immediately and following these patients, in our office. Depending on the severity, either oral or intravenous antibiotics will be prescribed.

HIV Opt Out Screening

Our office will be performing Opt-out Screening for HIV on all patients between the ages of 16-65. Knowledge is Power! Your HIV status expires every time you have unprotected or risky sex. HIV testing is the only way to be absolutely sure of your status!

The most important goal of HIV treatment is getting to an undetectable viral load. But that shouldn't be your only goal! We are encouraging our patients to think of what they want their goals to be and talk to your health care provider. We will be distributing thought provoking forms to empower you! You can also fill this form out online at: www.NewHIVGoal.com. We encourage you to bring this form to your next appointment.

Influenza Vaccination

Please schedule your appointment for your influenza vaccination. Flu kills up to 40, 000 people in the United States every year.

Column

Meet Our Physicians

Our expert team of Board Certified Infectious Diseases physicians and our Board Certified Nurse Practitioner have met uncompromising standards of training, experience, and commitment to excellence. Additionally, our physicians stay abreast of the latest treatments of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases, Tuberculosis, STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), MRSA, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the treatment of Clostridium difficile, Travel Medicine & our new Rabies Vaccination Program for the Veterinary Healthcare Team. In addition, our physicians direct the Antibiotic Stewardship Programs at various hospitals, in addition to supervising Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine and Wound Care at several local hospitals. Additionally, we are able to certify patients for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania.

Staff Bios

ColumnDavid J. Trumbore, MD Temple University School of Medicine in 1979. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1982 and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1984. He is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease.

Donald K. Marcus, MD graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1983. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in 1986 and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease. Dr. Marcus has performed hundreds of Fecal Microbiota Transplants for Clostridium Difficile.

Column

Thomas Erik Michaelson, MD graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1994. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in 1997 and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Cooper Hospital in 1999. Board Certified in Infectious Disease.

Column

Richard L. Tepper, MD graduated from University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1981. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1984 and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1987. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease. Dr. Tepper is the Director of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program at Holy Redeemer Hospital.

Column

Divya Sareen, MD graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in 2001. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Capital Health System in 2005 and her Fellowship in Infectious Disease at UMDNJ-Cooper University Hospital in 2008. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease. Dr. Sareen is Certified to supervise patients receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Jefferson Bucks and Nazareth Hospitals. She is presently seeing wound care patients at Nazareth Hospital.

Column

William C. Pace, MD graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in 2005. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in 2008 and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Hahnemann University Hospital in 2010. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease. Dr. Pace is the Director of the Wound Care Center at Jefferson Frankford Hospital and the Wound Care Center at Jefferson Bucks Hospital. He is certified to supervise patients receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and also sees patients at the Wound Care Center at both Jefferson Frankford and Jefferson Bucks Hospitals. Dr. Pace is also involved in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Nazareth Hospital.

The Pennsylvania Marijuana Program has approved Dr. William C. Pace to certify patients to participate in their Medical Marijuana Program.

Column

Lindsay R. Jablonski, MD graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in 2012. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in 2015 and her Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Temple University Hospital in 2017. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease. Dr. Jablonski is an experienced Travel Medicine physician.

She received her Certificate in Travel Health ^TMfrom the International Society of Travel Medicine in 2018.

Column

David J. Trumbore, MD graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in 1979. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1982 and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1984. He is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease.

Column

Sreethy Saraswathy, MD graduated from P.S.G. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in 1999. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Methodist Hospital in 2004 and her Fellowship in Infectious Disease at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2006. Board Certified in Infectious Disease. Dr. Saraswathy is Chief of Medicine at Lower Bucks Hospital.

Column

George A. Poporad, MD, FIDSA graduated from Denison University in 1971. He graduated from Medical College of Pennsylvania (Drexel) in 1975. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1978 and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1981. He is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease. Dr. Poporad was recently elected to Fellowship of the Infectious Disease Society of America. Dr. Poporad is the Director of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program at Kindred Hospital Northeast Philadelphia.

Column

Wendy L. Forman, MD graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1989. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Graduate Hospital in 1992 and her Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Temple University Hospital in 1994. Board Certified in Infectious Disease.

Column

Angela V. Lawton, MD graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine in 1996. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at David Grant Medical Center in 2000 and her Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Tufts/New England Medical Center in 2003. Board Certified in Infectious Disease.

Thomas J Loveless

Thomas J. Loveless, MSN, CRNP, PhD graduated from Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing in 2002, where he completed his BSN and MSN. He completed his post-masters in Nursing Education and Curriculum design from Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing in 2006.

He completed his PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2013.

He is Board Certified as an Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has recently been credentialed by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, as an HIV Specialist.

Dr. Loveless has an active practice in caring for and counseling HIV patients and patients with STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

215-355-9634

Infectious Diseases, Cellulitis, Wound Care, Travel Medicine, Marijuana Certifications and

Rabies Vaccination Program for Veterinary Healthcare Team!

COVID 19 Vaccinations

Our office will be administering COVID 19 Booster Vaccinations

Call 267-857-7313 to schedule your appointment.

Stay tuned for updated information!

Announcements:

Congratulations to George A. Poporad, M.D. for his election to become a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

For more information, read his bio under "Meet Our Physicians".

COVID-19 INFORMATION:

We care about you, your family, our employees and the public.

We strive to obey the law and CDC guidelines. If you think we're falling short, please, ask to speak to the Practice Administrator.

Telehealth Appointments

We ask that you refrain from coming to our office if you have symptoms of respiratory infection:

FEVER, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR LOSS OF SMELL OR TASTE

Keeping Safe During COVID-19

To keep yourself, your loved ones and others safe by:

wearing a mask

maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet

Vaccinations

COVID ALERT PA App

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has an Exposure Notification System provided by Apple and Google.

Download the App

Opt-in for Exposure Alerts

How Exposure Alerts Work

Symptom Tracking: Daily Health Check-in & PA COVID Updates

Your Privacy is Secure

Have a Question

Our Heroes at work!

GET VACCINATED!!!!

CDC Tips for Older Americans

Rabies Vaccination Program

for Veterinary Healthcare Team

Dr. Pace Now Certifying Patients for Medical Marijuana

On August 29, 2018, the Pennsylvania Marijuana Program approved Dr. William C. Pace to certify patients to participate in their program.

CDC Announces United States Sets

Another Record for STDs

Oral & Anal Gonorrhea Testing

Travel Medicine & Immunization Services

Congratulations to Dr. Lindsay R. Jablonski

Cellulitis

HIV Opt Out Screening

Influenza Vaccination

Meet Our Physicians

Staff Bios

Phone

Fax

Email

Social Media