Identifying Physician Specialties

Physician specialties are areas of medicine focused on a particular field or illness. These doctors often work as consultants to an individual’s primary care physician and, depending on the insurance program, may only be used pending the recommendation of the primary care physician and approval of the insurance provider.

Cardiology

Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. They handle abnormalities of the heart such as irregular heartbeat rhythms and attempt to prevent heart attacks. They can also perform complicated procedures like cardiac catheterization. Cardiologists work closely with cardiac surgeons when they determine that surgery is necessary to fix an ailment.

Dermatology

Dermatologists are trained to fight problems with a patient's skin, nails, hair, or mouth. They have knowledge of a wide range of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors, as well as the recognition of systemic and infective diseases. Dermatologists are also able to manage cosmetic disorders including hair loss and scarring.

Endocrinology

Endocrinologists focus on diseases of the endocrine system such as the adrenal glands or the thyroid. They also address problems such as pituitary diseases, diabetes, and nutritional disorders.

Nephrology

Nephrologists specialize in the treatment of the kidneys, including dialysis if the kidneys have failed. They are also able to help treat blood pressure and problems associated with too much, or a lack of, fluids and minerals. They work with surgeons when kidney transplants are required.

Neurology

Neurologists have undergone training to diagnose and treat ailments of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. A neurological surgeon provides both surgical aid and diagnostic information of the nervous systems as well as treatment of processes that modify activity of the nervous system and the management of pain.

Oncology

Medical oncologists diagnose and treat all types of cancer, including both benign and malignant tumors. They make decisions as regards providing of chemotherapy while consulting with surgeons and radiotherapists on possible ways to remove the problem.

Pathology

Pathologists are laboratory doctors, and they use laboratory procedures to treat disease. They assist physicians in determining medical problems or in suggesting procedures that may be helpful or necessary in order to treat a patient. Pathologists are also able to assist the patient's primary care doctor in deciding how a particular condition may be best treated.

Radiology

Radiologists are trained to "read" images from x-ray machines to identify a wide range of internal problems that a patient may have. They also specialize in the use of other medical machines such as MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and ultrasound.

Physician specialties contribute to the complete medical care of a patient. They are an invaluable resource for any family doctor who strives to provide consummate care for his or her clientele.