@jr2366 The reason you need an infectious disease doctor Jennifer is because MAC is an infectious disease. A pulmonologist is great, and you need that as well, but an infectious disease doctor will understand MAC. When I was first diagnosed with MAC I was sent to a pulmonologist and asked for a second opinion which in turn led him to send me to an infectious disease doctor. I was seen in Connecticut where we lived, Tennessee ( Vanderbilt) where we moved to for a hot second, and now I am seen totally at UMASS in Worcester where both my pulmonologist and my ID doctor work. We live in Connecticut. MAC numbers are not normally counted with the CDC ( I think) as you are only infectious to yourself. The reason for the other meds is because Arikayce is used for people with refractory MAC which is MAC that has not been resolved with the Big 3 or patients who have issues taking those meds. Arikayce will not help with a cold because a cold is a virus. MAC is a bacterial infection that is hard to treat which is another reason for seeing an ID doctor. I don’t know where you live, but @alleycatkate had some good suggestions for you. You need to advocate for yourself and learn as much as you can. irene5