Understanding Medical Specialties

Your primary physician has referred you to a specialist. You can't even spell the name of the specialty, let alone understand just what it is the doctor specializes in. If that's the case, this list can help:

Cardiologist: Treats heart and blood vessel conditions. These include abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks and congestive heart failure. Also helps people prevent heart-related illnesses.

Dermatologist: Treats skin disorders, such as moles, skin cancer and skin allergies. Also addresses such concerns as hair loss, acne, birthmarks, scars and aging skin.

Endocrinologist: Specializes in diabetes, thyroid disease, pituitary disease, sexual problems and other disorders of the endocrine glands.

Gastroenterologist: Focuses on digestive system diseases.

Hematologist: Treats patients with anemia, sickle-cell disease, hemophilia and other diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph glands.

Nephrologist: Specializes in kidney problems. Also treats fluid or mineral imbalances in the body.

Neurologist: Handles various conditions of the nervous system. These include impaired nerve function and diseases of the brain or spinal cord.

Oncologist: Treats cancer. Treatment often includes chemotherapy. Also works closely with other doctors to coordinate care for cancer patients.

Ophthalmologist: Focuses on disorders of the eye. Performs surgery and prescribe medication, glasses and contact lenses.

Orthopedic surgeon: Works with patients who have arthritis or other musculoskeletal problems, such as fractures, tendon injuries and dislocations. Treatments include medication, surgery and physical therapy.

Otolaryngologist: Helps patients who ears, nose or throat disorders.

Psychiatrist: Treats mental, addictive and emotional disorders. Also helps people prevent these problems. Addresses the physical, social and mental aspects of illnesses. Unlike some mental health professionals, psychiatrists may prescribe medications.

Pulmonologist: Treats diseases of the lungs and airways. These include lung cancer, pneumonia, asthma, emphysema and sleep disorders.

Rheumatologist: Treats problems with joints, muscles, bones or tendons. These include arthritis and lupus.

Urologist: Treats disorders (such as cancer) of the male reproductive and urinary systems.

Remember to contact your health plan before you see a specialist. Some plans require a referral from your primary physician.

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External Source American Board of Medical Specialties. Guide to physician specialties. Accessed March 15, 2007.

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