Think you know what various types of doctors do? Here’s a quiz to test your knowledge. Let’s see how you do.
Below are listed the titles of several healthcare providers. In the succeeding paragraphs are brief descriptions of their roles. Match the numbers of the titles with the letter of the description.
1. Endocrinologist
2. Neurologist
3. Gastroenterologist
4. Otolaryngologist
5. Ophthalmologist
6. Chiropractor
7. Osteopath
8. Hospitalist
9. Family medicine specialist
10. Internist
11. Nurse practitioner
A. Physician trained in diagnosis and treatment of the ears, nasal cavities, and throat (ENT). (Reportedly the oldest medical specialty in the United States.)
B. Physician that has been certified as a specialist in providing comprehensive healthcare for an individual or family, including males and females of all age groups. (This specialty developed out of need for a doctor that was not a specialist.)
C. This doctor treats adults for a broad range of conditions and illnesses. (These physicians sometimes specialize in a particular type of medicine, or may treat the whole adult patient for most conditions.)
D. A doctor that coordinates care for patients admitted to a hospital. Often trained as an internist, this doctor may consult with other specialists. (This specialty is relatively new, first described in 1996.)
E. This doctor works primarily with muscle, joint and nerve conditions, often focusing especially on the spine. This form of care is oriented to helping patients regain health without drugs or surgery. (Founded in Davenport Iowa in 1895, spinal manipulation is the hallmark of this specialty, although many other forms of treatment are often used.)
F. These doctors use manual manipulation of joints, but also utilize other treatments typically used in medicine, including drugs and surgery. (They may further specialize in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, or other areas.)
G. These doctors work primarily with conditions that affect the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. (Because of the complexity of the human neurological system, these doctors often are faced with patients with a wide array of symptoms.)
H. These specialists diagnose and treat hormone related disorders. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease and metabolic disorders are referred to this type of doctor. (Although some hormonal conditions are easily managed, these specialists are often faced with very complex illnesses.)
I. Diseases of the eye are referred to this specialist. (Largely due to development of computer aided manipulation of lasers and other technology, this specialty has seen remarkable advancement in the last decade.)
J. If you are experiencing digestive troubles, you will likely be referred here. (These doctors get to know you inside and out.)
K. These providers are often the “front line” of the health care system. An RN that has received advanced training to diagnose and treat a majority of common conditions. (This is one of the fastest growing areas of health care providers.)
Answers
1-H, 2-G, 3-J, 4-A, 5-I, 6-E, 7-F, 8-D, 9-B, 10-C, 11-K
Well, how did you do? Did you notice that there are some overlaps from one provider to another? For example, if you have common conditions such as neck pain, backache or headaches, you might choose to go to a chiropractor, osteopath, family medicine doctor, an internist or perhaps a nurse practitioner. Depending upon which of these providers that you see and your condition, you may be treated with hands-on treatment such as manipulation, medications, or possibly referred to another specialist.
Were there some new terms that you had not seen before? As the healthcare professions evolve to meet new needs, new specialties are emerging.
Some of the providers above are referred to as portal of entry, meaning you can see them without a referral. These include chiropractor, osteopath, family medicine specialist, internist, and nurse practitioner. In most cases, the other specialists will require a referral from another provider. If you feel that you need to see a healthcare specialist start by visiting your primary care provider.
Next week I’ll have a column that will explain how you can be a truly inspirational, motivational and influential person. You might be amazed at the impact you can have on our community.
Dr. Mark Kestner
mkestner@drkestner.com
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