Cardiologist? Urologist? What is with all these -ists?
Sometimes keeping track of what each of your medical specialists does is difficult. As a physical therapist working with older adults I work with many patients that have multiple chronic conditions and often a specialist for each one. I hope this post, podcast, and free printable list helps provide some clarity on what each professional does so you can ask relevant questions at these appointments and know who to call when you have a change in your medical condition.
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Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider is typically your main doctor. Many times this is shortened to PCP in medical communication. Your primary care provider may be an MD (medical doctor), NP (nurse practitioner), PA (physician assistant), DO (doctor of osteopathy), naturopath, or internal medicine specialist.
Cardiologist
A cardiologist is a specialist with expertise in the heart and blood vessels. You may visit a cardiologist if you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, hypertension especially if it is poorly controlled. There are subspecialties of cardiology including cardiothoracic surgeons.
Neurologist
A neurologist is a specialist in the brain and spine. Common conditions that are treated and monitored by a neurologist include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and some types of neuropathy.
Urologist
Kidney, bladder, urination issues can be treated by a urologist. You may see a urologist for kidney stones, or as a provider that helps to oversee your catheter care and removal plan if possible.
Orthopedic Specialist
An orthopedic specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon provides treatment for joint issues such as arthritis and fractures. They may give cortisone or other injections for pain relief or advise surgical treatment.
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is a specialist in musculoskeletal health-specifically inflammatory and infectious conditions. One common condition they treat is rheumatoid arthritis.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a skin specialist. They assess and treat many skin disorders including eczema and skin cancer.
Geriatrician
A geriatrician is a provider that specializes in the aging process and treating older adults. They may be more aware of the impact on one chronic condition on another than a broader primary care provider who treats patients of all ages.
Pharmacist
You may think a pharmacist is just the person that provides you a short lesson on how to use your new prescription. However, their expertise goes far beyond this. Many people have consultations with pharmacists that help review their whole medication list and ensure that unnecessary interactions or duplications are occurring. Polypharmacy is a real issue, especially for older adults who often have multiple chronic diseases. Keeping an accurate record of your medications and bringing it to all of your medical appointments is important to prevent medication complications.
Oncologist
Oncologists specialize in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Gastroenterologist
Gastrointestinal specialist. Digestive issues and other disorders such as blockages or GI bleeds can be treated by these specialists.
Pulmonologist
Pulmonologists treat respiratory conditions including COPD. Approximately 10% of older adults have COPD.
Endocrinologist
The endocrine system is a specialist in the hormone producing system of the body which includes the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, gonads, and pituitary gland. You may see an endocrinologist for diabetes management, hypothyroid, or other hormone modulated conditions.
Therapy Team
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist, like myself, specializes in human movement with a focus on strength, balance, gait (walking speed, pattern, safety, etc), and overall movement. We treat a variety of conditions and can be found in outpatient clinics, hospital rehab, inpatient rehab, and home health. We work closely with the other therapies and also your medical team to ensure we are improving your condition within medical limits (such as surgical protocols) and also with an awareness of your medications and pre-existing conditions.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with patients to improve their ability to perform their daily activities. Along with physical therapists, occupational therapists individualize care plans and set goals with their patients to work toward meaningful movement. Consider showering as an example. Someone being able to shower independently can be very meaningful to them. Occupational therapists can work with that patient on safety awareness, mobility such as ROM and strength, balance to get in and out of the shower, and also offer suggestions for adaptive equipment that may be appropriate and maximize safety as well as independence such as a shower bench or grab bar.
Speech Therapist
Speech therapists are interested in more than just speech. A speech therapist also has specialized education to understand swallow and provide dietary changes such as texture modifications to improve independent eating. They can also administer cognitive tests and work with the rehab team to implement strategies to improve mobility and safety in the presence of cognitive challenges. Speech therapists work often with patients following stroke and those with other neurological conditions to improve speech, swallow, and cognition to help maintain independence.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists specialize in respiratory rehab. They are trained to work with patients on ventilators and other respiratory conditions to regain independence as able. Respiratory therapists may also be a part of respiratory rehab which is similar to cardiac rehab with a focus on respiratory conditions such as COPD and lung cancer.
I hope that overview of some common medical specialists help and please download the FREE list and keep it as a reference as you navigate the healthcare system and any potential specialists that you may see in the future.