Navigating Your Health: Primary & Specialty Care
Learn the difference between primary care and specialty care. Use this list to understand what various medical specialists do and how they can support your specific health needs.
PRIMARY CARE
A primary care physician (PCP) and their team sees you for most of your health needs. They handle everything from check-ups and common illnesses to managing long-term conditions. Your PCP is a trusted resource who oversees your overall health and well-being.
INTERNIST
Focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of illnesses and injuries in adults
PEDIATRICIANS
Focus on wellness, development, and treating conditions that affect babies, children, and teenagers up to the age of 21
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
(GP) Specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries and diseases for patients of all ages
FAMILY DOCTORS
Treat patients of all ages and are trained in adult medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatric medicine, and musculoskeletal care
OBSTETRICIAN / GYNECOLOGISTS
(OBGYN) Specialize in women’s health, reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, wellness, and postpartum conditions (can be used as a primary care doctor for women)
GERIATRICIANS
Treat older adults and are experts in issues like insomnia, dementia, and balance problems
NURSE PRACTITIONER
(Registered Nurse) Provide complete healthcare services such as diagnosis, treatment, prescribing medications, and performing physical exams often working as a patient’s PCD
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Provide complete patient care in collaboration with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
SPECIALTY CARE
Your PCP may recommend that you see another professional in various specialties, when necessary, such as:
Allergy and Asthma
Allergies, Asthma, and other immune system disorders
Anesthesiology
General anesthesia or spinal block for surgeries and some forms of pain control
Cardiology
Heart disorders
Dermatology
Skin Disorders
Endocrinology
Hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes
Gastroenterology
Digestive system disorders
General surgery
Common surgeries involving any part of the body
Hematology
Blood disorders
Immunology
Immune system disorders
Infectious disease
Infections affecting tissues of any part of the body
Nephrology
Kidney disorders
Neurology
Nervous system disorders
OB/GYN
Pregnancy and women’s reproductive health
Oncology
Cancer
Ophthalmology
Eye disorders and surgery
Orthopedics
Bone and connective tissue disorders
Otorhinolaryngology
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders
Physical therapy
For disorders such as low back injury, spinal cord injuries, or stroke
Pulmonary (lung)
Diseases of the lungs
Radiology
A-rays and related procedures (such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI)
Psychology
Emotional or mental disorders
Psychiatry
Emotional or mental disorders
Rheumatology
Pain and other symptoms related to joints and musculoskeletal system
Urology
Disorders of the male reproductive system and urinary tract, and the female urinary tract