Health Care Professionals Every Caregiver Needs To Know

By Author: Rebecca Sharp Colmer
Total Articles: 12
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When caregivers have knowledge of care-receivers' illnesses, they will be better able to communicate with attending doctors. It's important to find the right health care professional to be sure to get the proper care.
Here's a list of health care professionals that may be on your Care Team:
General Practitioner (G.P) Treats diseases and injuries, prescribe meds, perform minor surgeries and make referrals to specialists.
Medical Doctor (M.D.) Treats diseases and injuries, prescribe meds, perform minor surgeries and make referrals to specialists.
Internist M.D. specializing in the diagnosis of diseases of adults and its treatment.
Cardiologist Heart and coronary artery specialist
Dermatologist Skin specialist
Endocrinologist Specialist in gland and hormone disorders
Gynecologist Female reproduction system specialist
Hematologist Blood specialist
Nephrologist Specialist in the function and diseases of the kidney
Neurologist Brain and nervous system specialist
Oncologist Cancer and tumor specialist
Opthalmologist Eye specialist ...
... who also performs surgery
Orthopedist Specialist in bone, muscle, and joint disorders
Otolaryngologist An ear, nose, and throat specialist
Proctologist Specialist in disorders of the anus, rectum, and colon
Pulmonary specialist Specialist in disorders of the ling and chest
Radiologist X-ray specialist
Rehabilitation specialist Specialist in correcting stroke and injury disabilities
Rheumatologist Specialist in rheumatism and arthritis
Surgeon Specialist in treating diseases, injuries, and deformities by operating on the body
Urologist Specialist in urinary systems in both sexes and in the male reproductive system
Clinical Psychologist Not an M.D., may have obtained an academic PhD; specializes in family and one-on-one patient counseling.
M.F.C.C/L.C.S.W (Marriage, Family, Child Counselor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker) trained to diagnose and treat emotional disorders.
Psychiatrist M.D. or D.O. trained in the diagnosis and treatment of patients for physical and emotional behavior disorders
Psychoanalyst May or may not be M.D.; specializes in treatment of patients for emotional disorders
Optometrist not an M.D.; prescribes and adjusts glasses and contact lenses
Optician not an M.D.; fills prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses
Audiologist not an M.D.; tests patients for hearing loss
Dentist D.D.S. (doctor of dental surgery) treats tooth decay and gum diseases, provides dentures, can detect mouth cancer, diabetes and eating disorders
Dental hygienist not an M.D.; cleans and polishes teeth, teaches dental hygiene
Endodontist Specialist in root canal
Oral surgeon Performs difficult tooth removals and jaw surgery
Orthodontist Straightens teeth
Periodontist Specializes in gum disease
Podiatrist D.P.M.(doctor of podiatric medicine) diagnoses and treats injuries and diseases of the foot.
Acupuncturist not an M.D.; administers treatment by way of insertion and manipulation of needles into the skin.
Chiropractor Not an M.D.; physically manipulates and adjusts the spinal column, joints, and soft tissues
Licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.) assists physicians and registered nurses
Massage Therapist Uses pressure, friction, and strain upon the muscles and joints of the body for therapeutic or physical responses
Naturopath Practices treatment of disease through manipulation of diet
Nurse-practitioner (N.P.) registered nurse additionally trained to conduct physical exams, counsel, and treat patients
Occupational therapist (O.T.) provides individualized programs of mental and/or physical activity.
Physician's assistant (P.A.) takes medical histories, conducts physical exams
Physical therapist (P.T.) restores mobility and strength to body parts affected by illness, disease, or injury)
Registered dietician (R.D.) specializes in dietary counseling
Registered Nurse (R.N.) staff member of health facility or private patient
Speech therapist Evaluates and treats speech impairments
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a communications hub for everyone on the caregiving team. She is also the creator of the Family Caregiver Starter Kit, which contains useful resources, forms and information for caregivers. Visit http://www.meandmycaregivers.com to learn more.