Do you need a specialist?
Your primary care provider can be likened to the coach of your health care team. They’re your go-to for annual checkups, vaccinations and sick visits. They also might refer you to a specialist when you need targeted care for a complex or chronic condition.
Specialists can help if you need advanced testing or procedures, such as physical therapy, that primary care offices don’t provide. Your primary care provider also might recommend seeing a specialist if your symptoms don’t improve or if your primary care provider would like a second opinion.
“It’s always best to begin with your primary care provider who knows your health history,” says Dr. Tony Hampton, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “That relationship matters because good care is not just about treating symptoms. It’s also about understanding the whole person, identifying possible root causes and helping prevent future illness.”
Your primary care provider will still be involved and work closely with the other people involved in your care.
Common specialists you might see and the role they play:
Cardiologists
“You might see a cardiologist if you’re experiencing a condition that affects your heart health,” says Dr. Hampton.
Cardiologists use advanced tests and procedures to diagnose conditions and form treatment plans. They treat a full range of heart and vascular problems, including heart disease and irregular heart rhythm.
Dermatologists
If you have a condition that affects your skin, hair or nails, a dermatologist can help. Common conditions that dermatologists treat include acne, eczema, shingles and vitiligo. They also perform skin cancer screenings and treat skin cancer.
Gastroenterologists
“You might be familiar with a gastroenterologist if you’ve ever received a colonoscopy,” says Dr. Hampton.
In addition to performing the preventive screening, gastroenterologists diagnose and treat digestive system conditions, such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They also treat cancer of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum.
“Because digestive health is so closely tied to overall health, it’s important not to ignore ongoing symptoms,” Dr. Hampton adds.
Nephrologists
When kidney problems arise, nephrologists can help treat the condition and support your kidney health in the long run.
Nephrologists treat a wide range of kidney-related conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and kidney stones. They also focus on early intervention to slow the progression of kidney disease and prevent complications.
Oncologists
“If you’re coping with a cancer diagnosis, oncologists are there with you every step of the journey from diagnosis to treatment,” says Dr. Hampton.
Your cancer care may include:
- Medical oncology, which involves cancer treatments such as chemotherapy
- Radiation oncology, which treats cancer with targeted therapy
- Surgical procedures
Orthopedists
Whether you experience a sudden injury or live with aching hips, orthopedists can develop a care plan to help you get moving again.
Orthopedists often treat conditions like arthritis, fractures and tendinitis. They also treat hip, knee, shoulder and elbow joint issues – often specializing in a certain part of the body.
Otolaryngologists (ENTs)
Otolaryngologists are commonly known as ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists because they treat a wide range of conditions that affect those areas. Common ENT conditions include allergies, hearing loss, balance problems and sinus infections.
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About the Author
health enews contributor, is a digital content strategist at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She studied journalism at Eastern Illinois University and received a master’s degree in writing from DePaul University. A former newspaper reporter, she’s worked in health care communications for the last decade. In her spare time, Vicki enjoys tackling her "to be read" pile, volunteering and planning fun activities to do in the Chicago area with her husband and son.
