Health Care Professionals Every Caregiver Needs To Know

Good information helps caregivers understand the course of illnesses and how best to manage them. For this reason, caregivers are encouraged to go to medical appointments with their care-receivers.

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
• Podiatris - 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

About the Author
Rebecca Sharp Colmer is an Eldercare Advocate, Author, Speaker, Publisher, and Caregiver Expert. You can find more caregiving tools and resources at her website: www.MeAndMyCaregivers.com.