See Your “Primary” Doctor Before You See A Specialist

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Internists, family doctors, and pediatricians are examples of primary care doctors. They give general medical care. If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), your primary care doctor is the doctor you select from the HMO plan to be the “gatekeeper” of all your medical needs. This person could be a family doctor, internist, obstetrician/gynecologist, etc. Whether or not you belong to an HMO, call or see your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. If your primary care doctor cannot take care of your health problem, he or she will refer you to a specialist.

Doctors and Their Specialties

Common doctors and a description of their specialties are listed below.

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•  Allergist. Diagnoses and treats allergies.

•  Anesthesiologist. Administers anesthetics that are used during surgery.

•  Cardiologist. Diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

•  Dermatologist. Diagnoses and treats diseases and problems of the skin.

•  Emergency Medicine. Specializes in rapid recognition and treatment of trauma or acute illness.

•  Endocrinologist. Diagnoses disorders of the internal glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands.

•  Family Practitioner. Provides total health care of the individual and the family. Scope is not limited by age, sex, or organ system.

•  Gastroenterologist. Diagnoses and treats disorders of the digestive tract: stomach, bowels, liver, gallbladder, and related organs.

•  Gynecologist. Diagnoses and treats disorders of the female reproductive system.

•  Internist. Diagnoses and treats diseases especially those of adults.

•  Nephrologist. Diagnoses and treats diseases and problems of the kidneys.

•  Neurologist. Diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system.

•  Obstetrician. Provides care and treatment of females during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and six weeks after delivery.

•  Oncologist. Diagnoses and treats all types of cancer and other types of benign and malignant tumors.

•  Ophthalmologist. Diagnoses, monitors, and treats vision problems and other disorders of the eye and prescribes prescription lenses.

•  Orthopedist. Diagnoses and treats skeletal injuries and diseases of the bones and muscles.

•  Otolaryngologist. Diagnoses and treats disorders that affect the ears, respiratory, and upper alimentary systems (in general, the head and neck).

•  Pathologist. Examines and diagnoses organs, tissues, and body fluids.

•  Pediatrician. Diagnoses and treats the physical, emotional, and social problems of children.

•  Physiatrist. Provides physical and rehabilitative treatment of muscle and bone disorders.

•  Psychiatrist. Treats and prevents mental, emotional, and/or behavioral disorders.

•  Radiologist. Uses x-rays and radiant energy for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

•  Urologist. Diagnoses and treats diseases of the urinary or urogenital tract.

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