Health Care Providers

Health Care Providers: Chiropractor – Treats bones & joints by manipulative therapy in order to realign the body & pinching of the nerves Community Mental Health Counselor – Social worker or counselor with a M.ED. in counseling; helps people with emotions, family problems, alcoholism Dental Hygienist – Certified health professional, cleans teeth & administers x-rays Dental Assistant – Works with the dentist helping with instruments & x-rays Dentist – Accepts responsibility for continuing care – treats teeth, gums & jaws Orthodontist – Diagnoses & treats people whose teeth need straightening Oral Surgeon – Removes teeth Periodontist – Gum specialist, older people usually go to this doctor Primary Care Physical / General Practitioner – Accepts responsibility for continuing care of the person/family, treats general illness & refers to a specialist when necessary Industrial Medicine – Goal is to keep people healthy & on the job; responsibilities include injury management programs – injury prevention programs Internist – A doctor who may specialize in certain areas of the body Neurologist – Nervous system & brain Nurse Practitioner – Registered nurse who has advanced education training &/or certification in a specialty area like adult medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics Obstetrician / Gynecologist – Diagnoses & treats disorders of the female reproductive system; provides care during pregnancy & delivery Optometrist – Examines eyes, diagnoses eye problems, prescribes eye glasses 7 contact lenses, provide visual training for those who have learning difficulties Optician – Fits individuals for glasses Ophthalmologist – Eye surgeon Osteopath – D.O. compared to M.D.; basic medical philosophy revolves around the skeletal system Pediatrician – Children’s doctor Physical’s Assistant – Certified health professional trained in medical procedures who works under the supervision of the doctor Psychologist (PHD) / Psychiatrist (MD) – Diagnoses & treats mental & emotional concerns Surgeon – Performs surgery on various parts of the body, most surgeons specialize in treating a certain area of the body Pharmacologist – Checks the safety & effects on the body of medicine, masters in pharmacy or chemistry Physical Therapist – Rehabs injuries or disabilities, is certified & licensed by the state Audiologist – Diagnoses & treats hearing & speech related problems; teaches lip reading Certified Athletic Trainer – Treats athletic injuries, rehabs injuries, develops maintenance & fitness programs, educates in the safety & prevention of injuries Community Health Educator – Educated people in the community, identify problems & promotes health Dietitian / Nutritionist – Plans nutritional programs, prepares meals & evaluates diets, may work in a hospital or work with doctors Emergency Medical Technician – Basic-Intermediate-Paramedic; provides emergency care, needs certification to move to next level Guidance Counselor – Assists students with personal situations, family problems, educational decisions, and helps with career decisions Health Service Manager or Administrator – Manages health acre organizations, which includes planning, organizing, coordinating, and supervising the organization Licensed Practical Nurse / Registered Nurse – Provides care under direction of an RN (registered nurse) or physician; needs state license Medical Writer – Bachelor’s degree; writing specialist in medicine, writes health articles, newspaper articles, newsletters, & information sheets Occupational Therapist – Works with people who have disabilities, teaches them to make adjustments Pharmacist – Dispenses medication prescribed by health professional, provides info to patients & consults with health professionals Radiological Technologist – Works under the radiologists, uses various equipment including ultrasound & MRI; also does preparation & therapy for cancer patients Recreational Therapist – Directs & plans medically approved recreational activities to reduce stress & tension Speech Therapist – State licensed; overcome speech disorder; works with oral motor problems causing eating & swallowing problems Oncologist – Specializes in care of cancer & tumors Cardiologist – Treatment of heart & blood vessels Dermatologist – Care of skin Urologist - Urinary disorders & male reproductive system Faith Healing – Alternative Health care – rely on spirits & religion to heal Homeopathy – Alternative Health care – natural herbs, vitamins, & health food stores Acupuncture – Alternative Health care – originated in China; needles near pressure points Quackery – Alternative Health care – doctor or advertising making false claims of medical miracles