There are many options when determining who will provide your medical care. Keep in mind training, experience and expertise. Here are some general types to consider:

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

• A doctor you may see first for annual physicals and health problems
• Generalist
• Often refers to medical doctors who specialize in internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics.

Physician Assistant (PA)

• Can provide a wide range of services in collaboration with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Osteopathy (DO).
• Most are required to have at least 2 years of college experience and experience within a health care setting such as an emergency medical technician, ambulance attendant, health educator, licensed practical nurse or associate-degree nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• State-licensed caregivers

Registered Nurse (RN)

• Have graduated from a nursing program, passed a state board exam and are licensed by the state.

Advanced Practice Nurses

• Have education and experience beyond the basic training and licensing required of all RNs. These include:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Nurses with graduate training
• They can serve as a primary care provider in family medicine (FNP), pediatrics (PNP), adult care (ANP), or geriatrics (GNP).
• Others are trained to address women’s health care (common concerns and routine screenings) and family planning.
• Can prescribe medications in some states

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

• Training in a field such as cardiac, psychiatric, or community health.

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)

• Training in women’s health care needs, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and care of a woman who has given birth.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• Training in the field of anesthesia. (Putting a patient into a painless sleep so surgeries or special tests can be done.)

Specialist

• Your primary care provider may refer you to professionals in various specialties when necessary. These specialties include:

• Allergy and asthma
• Anesthesiology – general anesthesia or spinal block for surgeries and some forms of pain control
• Cardiology – heart disorders
• Dermatology – skin disorders
• Endocrinology – hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes
• Gastroenterology – digestive system disorders
• General surgery – common surgeries involving any part of the body
• Hematology – blood disorders Immunology – disorders of the immune system
• Infectious disease – infections affecting the tissues of any part of the body
• Nephrology – kidney disorders
• Neurology – nervous system disorders Obstetrics/gynecology – pregnancy and women’s reproductive disorders treatment
• Ophthalmology – eye disorders and surgery
• Orthopedics – bone and connective tissue disorders
• Otorhinolaryngology – ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders
• Physical therapy and rehabilitative medicine – for disorders such as low back injury, spinal cord injuries, and stroke
• Psychiatry – emotional or mental disorders
• Pulmonary (lung) – respiratory tract disorders
• Radiology – X-rays and related procedures (such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI)
• Rheumatology – pain and other symptoms related to joints and other parts of the musculoskeletal system
• Urology – disorders of the male reproductive and urinary tracts and the female urinary tract

What this means for YOU:

There are many options available. Find the health care provider who best fits your needs.

Terms and definitions found on this page are from medline plus.