Find the right doctor for your condition

The medical field is comprised of many professionals working in concert to keep patients healthy, which involves treating any conditions that arise. Individuals may be treated by various types of doctors in their lifetime, and each is an expert in his or her field. According to Medical News Today, most physicians are categorized as primary care or specialty care.

Navigating the health care system can be confusing. Recognition of the specialties of various types of doctors can make it easier to make it through that system.

• General practitioner: Also known as a family physician, or primary care doctor, these are the doctors patients are likely to encounter most often. They care for patients during routine checkups and screening tests; provide immunizations; and manage ongoing medical conditions. GPs also may be internists, treating both common and complex illnesses.

• Pediatrician: Pediatricians specialize in the care of children from birth and up. Although there is no set age when patients will transition from a pediatrician to an adult doctor, Kids Health says the switch is typically made between the ages of 18 and 21.

• Geriatric medicine specialists: These doctors focus on treating elderly patients and the medical conditions that can develop as a person ages. Geriatric doctors work in private offices, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and some even make house calls.

• Endocrinologists: An endocrinologist is an expert in the study of the body’s hormones, says the Cleveland Clinic. They diagnose and treat many different conditions that affect the endocrine system, including diabetes, reproductive issues and thyroid conditions.

• Dermatologist: Skin, hair and nail conditions are handled by a dermatologist. Dermatologists routinely treat conditions like acne, moles, scarring, rashes, and more.

• Nephrologists: Individuals with kidney diseases as well as high blood pressure and fluid and mineral imbalances will likely see a nephrologist. • Ophthalmologist: Although many conditions of the eye can be diagnosed and treated by optometrists, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can treat every kind of eye condition. They also can operate on the eyes, according to WebMD.

• Oncologist: Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They have subspecialties in specific types of cancer, and also may serve as radiation oncologists, who provide radiation cancer treatments.

• Otolaryngologists: Commonly

referred to as ear, nose and throat doctors, these professionals treat diseases in these areas of the body. They also treat conditions that affect the neck and respiratory system.

• Pulmonologists: Those with conditions related to breathing issues, such as pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, and lung cancer, can seek out pulmonologists.

These are just some of the many different types of doctors people may visit in their lifetimes.