Searching for specialists

Finding a specialist isn’t easy, but Healthnetwork helps make it easier . . .

Where do you go when you find yourself or a loved one with confusing symptoms? Ideally, the first step is to see your primary care physician (PCP) to decide whether you need a specialist — and which specialist you need to see. Many specialists require a referral from a physician first.

When you’re looking at a physician’s credentials, make sure the specialist that you see is board certified in his/her specialty. Here are definitions of specialists and what they commonly treat.

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications. Although psychiatrists are trained in psychotherapy, most psychiatrists choose to manage medications and refer to a therapist for psychotherapy. Therapists can have many different types of titles and educational degrees. They may pursue subspecialty training for marital and family therapy, chemical dependency and school counseling.

• Anesthesiologists provide relief from acute and chronic pain (pain management specialists) and help stabilize a patient’s condition during and after an operation or other medical procedure.

• Cardiologists treat heart conditions. Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who specialize in cardiac rhythm abnormalities.

• Dermatologists specialize in skin conditions.

• Endocrinologists diagnose and treat disorders such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis, menopause, infertility, metabolic disorders, etc.

• Gastroenterologists treat a variety of conditions related to the digestive tract including ulcers, reflux, liver problems, gallbladder disease, diarrhea/constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.

• Genomic Medicine Specialists specialize in genetic-linked diseases and provide genetic counseling.

• Hematologists diagnose and treat diseases of the blood, spleen, and lymph glands, such as anemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia and leukemia.

• Infectious Disease physicians specialize in treating bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

• Nephrologists treat disorders of the kidney, high blood pressure, and fluid and mineral imbalances.

• Neurologists treat diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system. This encompasses a wide range of disorders including headaches, seizures, dementia, back pain and other conditions. Neurosurgeons perform surgery on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

• Orthopedic surgeons typically specialize in a particular joint (knee, hip or shoulder) for repair or replacement.

• Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYN) focus on female reproductive issues, including pregnancy.

• Oncologists diagnose and treat all types of cancer, often with chemotherapy, and consult with radiologists and surgeons on other treatments.

• Ophthalmologists treat disorders of the eye, such as cataracts, glaucoma, refractive surgery (LASIK) and retinal disease

• Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision and to diagnose and treat various eye diseases.

• Otolaryngologists treat disorders of the ears, nose and throat (ENT physicians).

• Pulmonologists treat diseases of the lungs. Allergists treat problems related to asthma or allergies. Immunologists treat allergies not associated with breathing.

• Rheumatologists will diagnose and treat diseases of joints, muscles, bones, and tendons such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, and heritable connective tissue disorders.

• Urologists treat disorders of the urogenital system including bladder, prostate and male sexual organs. Female urological issues are frequently treated by a gynecologist or urogynecologist.

• Vascular medicine specialists diagnose and treat conditions like peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and deep venous thrombosis. Vascular surgeons surgically treat blood vessels of the body with the exception of the vessels of the heart.

HEALTHNETWORK is a Legatus membership benefit, a healthcare “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected] SUSAN LOCKE,MD, is Healthnetwork Foundation’s medical director.