More Information: What Kind of Surgeon Do I Need?
- Allergist
- An allergist is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma. Allergies are when the body’s immune system overreacts to something it’s not used to causing a “reaction.” Allergens—things that irritate the body, like pollen, foods, mold, smoke, or medicine—can cause an allergic reaction or allergy. Symptoms of allergic reaction can include sneezing, rash, tears in the eyes and runny nose. Shortness of breath, chest tightness and trouble breathing are symptoms of a severe reaction, and often need emergency treatment. An allergist specializes in identifying the causes of these reactions and recommends treatment. Treatment can include avoiding the allergen, shots to decrease symptoms (called desensitization shots) or pills.
- Anesthesiologist
- An anesthesiologist is the doctor that administers anesthesia when you have surgery. The provide either local or general anesthesia and monitors your condition while you are in surgery. Some anesthesiologist manage pain after surgery.
- Cardiologist
- A cardiologist is a doctor that specializes in caring for the heart including heart failure, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and high blood pressure. Reasons to see a cardiologist include chest pains (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction), irregular heart beats (arrhythmias), heart murmurs, high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal EKG’s, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or pre-operative medical clearance.
Cardiologist do test such as
- electrocardiogram
- Doppler echocardiogram
- stress test including nuclear stress test
- cardiac catheterization
- Dermatologist
- A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in dermatology— the branch of medical science that deals with the structure, function, and disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
- A dermatologist evaluates and treats skin rashes, growths, infections, hair loss, and nail problems. Dermatologists remove warts, biopsy skin for skin cancers, and treat skin cancer. Diseases a dermatologist treats include nail fungus, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, scabies, herpes zoster, ring worm, hives, dandruff, and fungal infections.
- Emergency Medicine
- The doctor who provides emergency care in an emergency clinic or hospital emergency room is an emergency medicine specialist. These specialists treat sudden illnesses, accidents or injuries such as gun shot wounds or auto accidents that may be life threatening.
- Endocrinologist
- An endocrinologist diagnoses and treats disorders of glands and hormones. Specific organs in the endocrine system include the thyroid (which regulates the body’s metabolism and energy level), the parathyroid (which regulates calcium and vitamin D), the adrenal glands (which regulates water and mineral balance and produces steroids, amines, epinephrine and norepinephrine), the ovaries (which regulates female hormones), the testes (which regulates male hormones), the pancreas (which secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar and glucagon), and the pituitary gland (produces oxytocin and ADH and secretes precursor hormones for other glands to work). The endocrinologists also treats disorders due to the over- or under-production of gland hormones such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), diabetes (high blood sugar), Addison’s disease, Cushing’s Syndrome, and goiter.
- Family Practitioner
- For most of us, it is a family practice doctor that we know best. They are the ones that coordinate our health care and often called “primary care doctors.” A Family Practice doctor specializes in family medicine, and does not practice surgery. A family doctor can give care, preventive care services, as well as treat disorders and diseases regardless of age, sex, or type of problem. Sometimes, family doctors may sew up minor cuts, open small abscesses or remove warts.
- Gastroenterologist
- An gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders (diseases) of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and biliary system.
- Disorders of the GI tract include difficulty swallowing, appendicitis, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones, diverticulitis, diverticulosis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), hepatitis, hiatal hernia, cholecystitis, inflammatory bowel disease, enlarged liver or spleen, chronic pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bloody stools, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease, bowel obstruction, peptic ulcer and heartburn.
- Gastrointestinal tract tests, such as endoscopy (looking for tumors, bleeding, ulcers and cancer) and colonoscopy (looking for tumors, polyps, inflammation, bleeding, ulcers and cancer in the colon) are preformed or interpreted by a gastroenterologist.
- Geriatrician
- Specializes in the care of older adults (health for seniors) called geriatrics.
- Gynecologist/Obstetrician
- A gynecologist specializes in women’s health and medicine including prenatal care and fertility. Obstetricians deliver baby’s and can do surgeries such as c-section (cesarean), episiotomy, and hysterectomy. Gynecologists treat disorders such as uterine bleeding, painful periods, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, and breast changes. A perinatologist also cares for pregnant women, but specializes in care for women with problem pregnancies such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
- Hematologist/Oncologist
- A hematologist specializes in disorders of the blood such as anemia, AIDs, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, leukemia, sickle cell disease and cancers of the lymph node glands (lymphoma). An oncologist is a doctor that specializes in oncology, the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). An oncologist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer. Treatment can include bone marrow biopsy or chemotherapy.
- Hospitalist
- A hospitalist is a hospital-based general physician, medical sub specialist (pediatrician) or family practitioner who assume the care of hospitalized patients in the place of patients’ primary care doctor in acute care or intensive care units. The hospitalist acts as a consultant on surgical patients and has limited outpatient care responsibilities.
- Infectious Disease Specialist
- An infectious disease specialist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or unknown origin. They treat infections that have not responded to treatment by your regular doctor or other life threatening infections like HIV, tuberculosis and MRSA.
- Internist
- An internist is a doctor that specializes in internal medicine for adolescents and adults, and does not practice surgery. Internal medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of non surgical diseases. Today, a general internist is often called a “primary care doctor” and treats adults and adolescents. The internist’s training includes emergency medicine, hospital medicine, geriatrics, and critical care medicine. Internists do physical exams.
- Nephrologist
- A nephrologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Any abnormalities in diagnostic kidney tests or urine tests are referred to a nephrologist. They also monitor patients on dialysis, consult with surgeons for kidney transplants and surgeries, and do endoscopy of the renal system. Nephrologists treat acute and chronic renal failure, glomerulonephritis, neurogenic bladder, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.
- Neurologist
- A neurologist diagnoses, treats and manages nervous system disorders and injuries which include the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. They also specialize in brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, meningitis, epilepsy, stroke, Guillain-Barré, myasthenia gravis, brain tumors, and brain infections. A neurologist also treats brain injuries, coma, and hypoxia.
- Ophthalmologist/Optometrist
- An ophthalmologist or optometrist is a doctor that specializes in disorders of the eye and vision correction such as nearsightedness, farsightedness. They also treat eye problems caused by high blood pressure and diabetes. Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the structure, function and diseases of the eye and do surgery.
- Orthopedist
- An orthopedist is a doctor that specializes in orthopedics – the field of medicine that deals with the correction or prevention of skeletal deformities. Orthopedists usually have a specialty interest (sub-specialty) and focus their practice on a certain part of the skeletal system such as the hand, foot, or spine. Orthopedist not only treat medical conditions, they also do surgery such as hip, knee and shoulder replacements, knee arthroscopy and spinal fusion. Orthopedists treat musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Orthopedists treat carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic low back pain, degenerative disc disease, fractures, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, Herbeden’s notes, Bouchard’s nodes, ganglions, gout, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles Tendonitis, rhabdomyolysis, and sports injuries such as strains and sprains.
- Otolaryngologist
- An otolaryngologist specializes in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose and throat.
- These disorders include: ear infections (otitis media), hearing loss, earache, perforated ear drum, middle ear cysts, sinus infection, and nosebleeds.
- Pain Management Specialist
- Pain management specialists treat all types of pain. These doctors are usually anesthesiologists with special training in pain management. Chronic pain—pain that lasts more than 3 months—is managed by pain care specialist on an outpatient basis. Treatments include medicine, injections, and referrals to physical therapy, massage and acupuncture.
- Pediatrician
- A pediatrician is a doctor that specializes in pediatrics – the branch of medicine that deals with the development and care of newborns, infants, children and adolescents. There are also sub-specialties of pediatrics such as psychiatry and cardiology.
- Podiatrist
- Foot disorders are diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist. A podiatrist can also do surgery on the foot and ankle and treat problems such as ingrown toenails, bunions, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, hammertoe, achilles tendon tear, achilles tendonitis, and rupture, corns, heel pain, heel spurs, stress fractures, toe nails, tendon injuries in the foot and leg, tarsal tunnel syndrome, foot numbness, shin splints, ankle sprains, and physical deformities of the foot and ankle. Podiatrist also treat sports injuries to the feet and ankle. Podiatrist also recommend and fit orthotics such as sock liners and arch supports.
- Psychiatrist
- A psychiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
- Psychologist
- A psychologist is a doctor that specializes in the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of behavior.
- Pulmonologist
- A pulmonologist specializes in pulmonary medicine and treats disorders of the lungs and chest (respiratory disorders) like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ARDS, acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, asbestosis, asthma, atelectasis, bronchitis, cor pulmonale, emphysema, tuberculosis, pulmonary edema, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), pulmonary embolism, pleural disorders, and pneumothorax. Pulmonologists also do test such as bronchoscopy.
- Radiologist
- Interpretation of x-rays and other diagnostic studies such as MRI, CT scans, mammograms, and sonograms are done by a radiologist. Interventional radiologist can perform biopsies and angiograms as well as inject chemotherapy into tumors.
- Radiation Oncologist
- A urologist specializes in the treatment of cancer using radiation and works closely with the oncologist. They determine where the radiation goes, the type needed, and the dosage for the type of cancer.
- Rheumatologist
- A rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the joints, muscles and connective tissue. They treat arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and symptoms of rheumatism.
- Urologist
- A urologist specializes in urology – the branch of medicine that deals with the urinary tract, ureters, kidneys, bladder and disorders of the prostate. These disorders include prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and erectile dysfunction.
- Surgeon
- For more information about the different types of surgeons and what operations they perform.
http://healthpages.org/health-care/what-kind-of-doctor-do-i-need/
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