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People Who Give Care
USINFO | 2013-10-23 10:15
What people give care?
You may be used to seeing any of these people for care:
Family ;Health professionals ;Religious leaders ;Curanderas;Yerberos;Pharmacist .
In the U.S., most care is given by:
Doctors ;Physician Assistants ;Nurse Practitioners ;Nurses ;Clinical Nurse Aides .
What are the differences?
Physician (MD or DO)
Diagnoses and treats illness and injury ;Performs medical procedures ;Orders tests ;Prescribes medicine ;Refers you to other doctors ;May admit you to a hospital ;Helps you stay healthy .
Physician Assistant (PA)
Works under a physician ;Diagnoses and treats illness and injury ;Prescribes medicine ;May help explain doctor’s orders.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
More educated than a registered nurse ;May serve as your regular health care giver, like a doctor ;Diagnoses and treats common and life-long illnesses, but not some serious illnesses ;Prescribes medicine ;Helps you with the effect illness has on your life and on your family ;Makes helping you stay well and teaching you about your health major focuses .
Registered Nurse (RN)
Helps doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners ;Helps you talk with doctors and physician assistants ;Goes over symptoms and helps treat you ;Gives shots and other medicine ;Teaches about health and illness .
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Also called a Licensed Vocational nurse (LVN)
Gives most medications ;Takes blood pressures and temperatures ;Certified Nurse Aide (CNA);Helps in hospitals and nursing homes ;Gives bed baths and changes sheets ;Helps feed patients ;Helps keep patients safe from falls, bedsores and other risks .
What is primary care?
Primary care is basic, regular care .It is for routine care and care for normal illnesses .
Primary care also helps you stay well.
You should have one person who gives you primary care.
Why is having one person to give me primary care important?
This person will help you use the U.S. medical system well.
Who gives primary care?
Several doctors may give primary care:
Family doctors
Internists
Pediatricians (For children only)
Obstetricians/Gynecologists (Women’s health)
May nurses give primary care?
Yes. Nurse practitioners may give primary care.
They may give care to families, children, and women.
What is a specialist?
A specialist is a doctor who provides care for only certain illnesses.
Some specialists are:
Cardiologists: Treat heart problems
Gastroenterologists: Treat stomach and intestinal problems
Surgeons: Perform general or specific kinds of surgery
May I see a specialist without seeing a primary care doctor?
Some insurance requires that you have a referral from a primary care provider in order to see a
specialist. Check with your insurance company for information.
Are there people other than doctors and nurses I might see?
Yes. There are many kinds of caregivers in the U.S. system.
Some of these are:
Dentists
Eye doctors
Physical therapists
Speech therapists
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Social Workers
