There are more than 300 medical subspecialties within the field of medicine. By choosing a doctor, you’re not just selecting an individual who will treat your symptoms or illness, but also selecting someone who will be a part of your healthcare team. The more familiar you are with doctors of different specialties, the better prepared you’ll be to choose one that best meets your needs.
Below are some of the most common types of doctors you may encounter when seeking treatment.
General Practitioners
A general practitioner or regular physician specializes in family medicine and can treat most medical conditions. General practitioners may also be primary care doctors who take on patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors, but they’re not necessarily experts in all areas of medicine.
A general practitioner is your first stop if you’re experiencing a medical problem that’s not urgent or when you’re feeling generally unwell or want to talk about a health issue that’s troubling you. GPs usually work in private practice but may also work for larger group practices or hospitals.
A general practitioner can be a good choice for people who only need basic care and are not facing severe illnesses. A doctor with this specialization is also a good choice if you have chronic health problems that require ongoing management. A general practitioner may be a good fit for you if you’re looking for someone who can handle the most common medical issues, such as colds, allergies, and minor injuries.
Medical Specialists
A medical or surgical specialist is a doctor who has completed additional schooling and training in a particular area of medicine, such as cardiology or gastroenterology. Specialists usually have a subspecialty that they focus on. For example, an obstetrician/gynecologist specializes in pregnancy and women’s health issues.
Specialists usually work in hospitals and are often called upon to perform surgery. The most common specialists are:
Anesthesiologists
These doctors specialize in using anesthetics and other medications to control pain during surgery.
Cardiologists
These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating heart disease, including coronary artery disease (heart attacks), congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart valve repair or replacement.
Dermatologists
These doctors diagnose and treat skin diseases like acne and psoriasis.
A medical specialist has many benefits, including the ability to provide a more comprehensive and specialized treatment plan for your medical problems. A medical specialist also tends to be more expensive than a general practitioner.
If you’re considering a medical specialist, it’s essential to speak with your primary care doctor first. They can help you determine whether a second opinion is necessary and, if so, which specialist might best fit your needs.
General Practitioner vs. Medical Specialist
A general practitioner and a medical specialist provide primary care, but a medical specialist provides more specialized care. A general physician can diagnose and treat many common ailments, but they are less likely to provide the most advanced treatments available. Some medical conditions require more specialized expertise than what you would find in a general practitioner’s office.
For example, your doctor may refer you to a medical specialist if you are suffering from a chronic disease such as cancer or heart disease. A specialist is more likely than a general practitioner to have the latest diagnostic equipment and techniques at their disposal. They can provide advanced treatments that may not be available in most general practice offices.
It can be tempting to assume that if a doctor has gone through medical school and is practicing medicine, they are a medical specialist. At Christian Healthcare Specialists, our focus is on your health and well-being. We strive to provide quality care in a supportive environment while working closely with you to ensure your needs are always met. For more information about our services or any questions you may have regarding scheduling an appointment, please call 231-707 2313 right away!