Do You Know Who Is Taking Care of You?
You may remember a time when doctors were the only healthcare professionals you encountered on a regular basis. Times have changed, and healthcare is now a team effort.
Primary Care Doctors
Your primary care doctor is the professional traditionally known as your family doctor. Your primary or family doctor is responsible for your general health and well being but may send you to a specialist for further evaluation if needed. Specialists are doctors who specialize in a specific medical field. For instance, a cardiologist specializes in diseases of the heart, a psychiatrist specializes in mental or psychological conditions, and an orthopedist specializes in conditions involving your bones and joints. Depending on your healthcare insurance, you may have the option of choosing to see a specialist on your own or you may need a referral from your primary care doctor.
Nurses
Nurses work closely with doctors to help take care of you during your doctor?s appointment or hospital stay. Nurses can assess your condition by listening to you and assessing you physically. They also administer medications and provide instructions for upcoming medical procedures and tests.
Pharmacists
Medications are often an essential part of your healthcare. Your pharmacist is a good source of information about your medicines. A pharmacist can answer your questions regarding any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be taking. It is the pharmacist?s role to assure safe and effective use of medications. Your pharmacist will keep records of the prescriptions you get filled at the pharmacy. He/she will check for potential interactions between your medications. A pharmacist can also help ensure that your medications are safe to use in consideration of any diseases, health conditions or allergies that you may have. It is a good idea to only use one pharmacy to obtain your prescription medications from, because that pharmacy can obtain a complete medication record for you, which will aid in the process of identifying potential medication interactions or errors.
You may even see clinical pharmacists in your doctor?s office or in the hospital. These pharmacists work closely with your doctor to ensure that you get the most out of your medication regimen.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants are healthcare professionals that are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a doctor. Physician assistants are qualified to provide a range of healthcare services including physical examinations, medical histories, and even routine procedures (for example, administration of immunizations and injections or wound care). All fifty states now allow physician assistants to prescribe medications.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists may work with you on physical, developmental, or mental health issues. These professionals may also assist with aging problems that hinder activities of daily living. These activities may be work-related, recreational, or even self-care. Oftentimes, occupational therapists focus on general daily activities such as grooming, bathing, and eating. If you feel that you may be experiencing changes in your physical, developmental, or mental health, talk to your doctor so that the appropriate measures can be taken to ensure you receive the care you need; you may need to work with an occupational therapist.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals that are concerned with prevention and management of movement disorders. They help individuals recover from injury or illness that has affected strength or physical function. Physical therapists aid in recovery by preparing rehabilitation programs that will improve mobility, increase muscle strength or tone, relieve pain, and promote overall fitness and health. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist if you suffer from arthritis, heart disease, or chronic low back pain.
It may seem confusing to have so many people participating in your healthcare. However, having this variety of healthcare professionals working together provides the best medical care to you. Each professional can concentrate on specific needs that you may have to make sure that you receive the treatment that you need. It is important that you understand the role of each of your healthcare providers and communicate with them so that you can take advantage of their specialized knowledge and become an active participant in your healthcare.
Last Updated: February 2008
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