When it comes to learning about and choosing a healthcare professional for your specific needs, it can feel like you’re at a buffet with unlimited choices. There are so many different types of healthcare providers, from doctors who practice family medicine to highly specialized professionals who deal only with a specific condition. One way to help break down this information so that it’s easier to understand is to separate healthcare professionals into a few groups according to the type of care they provide.

Primary Care Providers

Primary care providers (PCPs) are the professionals you’ve likely had the most contact with throughout your life. These providers are the ones you see for your annual checkups and regular health issues. There are several types of doctors and nurses that fall under the primary care category, including medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), doctors of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), nurse practitioners (NP), and physician assistants (PAs).

Medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine are often found practicing internal medicine, pediatrics, or running a family practice. In some cases, a woman may prefer to have an OB/GYN as her PCP, but these types of doctors typically specialize in women’s health care and prenatal care. Nurse practitioners can specialize in adult care, family medicine, geriatrics, or pediatrics, and often serve as PCPs. These types of nurses have graduate-level training and can prescribe medications. A PA usually works closely with an MD or DO to provide many different services.

Nurses

There are many different types of nurses that all provide varying healthcare services. The types of nurses include:

– Registered nurses (RNs) – licensed by the state after graduating from a nursing program and passing a board exam

– Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) – trained to care for the ill and are state licensed

– Advanced practice nurses (APNs) – have the same training as RNs, but complete additional education and usually have extensive experience

– Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) – trained in community health, psychiatric, or cardiac fields

– Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) – trained in women’s health care, including prenatal, labor and delivery, etc.

– Certified register nurse anesthetists (CRNSAs) – trained to correctly administer anesthesia and monitor patients who are anesthetized

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are another type of health care provider. They have graduated from a college of pharmacy and are able to prepare and process drug prescriptions passed on to patients from a PCP or specialty health care provider. Pharmacists must be able to provide patients with information about their medications, the side effects of certain drugs, and how drugs may interact with one another.

Specialty Care Providers

In some cases, a patient’s PCP may need to refer him or her to a health care provider that specializes in a certain type of medicine, illness, or disorder. For example, if you visit your PCP with a severe headache that just won’t go away, and several days of taking ibuprofen or stronger prescription pain medication has not stopped the pain, he or she may recommend that you visit a neurologist, a doctor that specializes in nervous system disorders.

A small sampling of specialists includes:

– Cardiologists – treat heart disorders

– Gastroenterologists – treat digestive system problems

– Physical therapist – treat mechanical disorders and injuries, such as back injuries or strokes

– Immunologists – treat immune system disorders

– Dermatologists – treat skin disorders

Ask Your PCP

If you have questions regarding the type of healthcare professional you should see, check with your primary care provider. If the PCP can’t help you treat your specific health concern, he or she can likely refer you to a specialist who can offer more targeted treatment. Be sure to also check your health insurance coverage to determine whether services from certain specialists will be covered or not.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a healthcare expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare professionals.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare. http://www.lsiphysicianrelations.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a healthcare expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare professionals.

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