The term "doctor" includes a variety of specialists.
A United States medical doctor is a licensed health practitioner who has a medical degree. A doctor often studies research, performs patient health evaluations, diagnoses medical conditions, gives advice, operates on patients, prescribes medicine and creates individual health evaluation plans, depending on his specialty, training and place of work (hospital or private practice, for example). Understanding what a doctor does can help a patient find the right health care professional.
Considerations
Becoming a doctor in the United States requires extensive medical training. A doctor must excel in his college academics, complete four rigorous years of medical school and succeed in a three-year residency program or supplemental training curriculum. When searching for the right type of doctor, consider first the area of specialty and ensure the doctor knows and treats the area of need. Additionally, research the doctor to find out his years of experience, schools attended, language ability and if any lawsuits are pending against the physician. Always check with your health care insurance provider to ensure the medical doctor is in-network, should you make an appointment. Doctors can differ in style, work location and patient bedside manner. Ask friends and family for doctor recommendations, or search online through websites such as Health World Web. Remember to interpret Internet information cautiously, as not all may be fact.
Types
A doctor often specializes in an area of medicine, focusing her health evaluation scope on specific diseases or organs, such as an oncologist (cancer), cardiologist (heart), neurologist (brain), pediatrician (child doctor), podiatrist (foot), psychiatrist (mental health), gastrologist (stomach functions), pulmonologist (lung) and dermatologist (skin). Some doctors are called primary care physicians; these doctors are often the first approached by patients to treat an undiagnosed condition, for annual health exams and patient education. Look for doctors that are "board-certified," urges the American Board of Medical Specialties. These doctors have passed demanding tests to achieve a higher standard of medical care. Additionally, board-certified doctors reveal their commitment to ongoing learning in their field. Doctors are commonly thought to have superior intellect, job security and financial sturdiness. Furthermore, many doctors work exceptionally long hours.
Identification
One can identify a true doctor in a few simple steps. First, the physician should have a professional place of work, such as a clinic, private practice, or hospital, and oftentimes a plaque is posted with his full name and/or business cards that are available to patients. Look for signs posted about the doctor's medical degree and his board certification. If Internet is available, complete several searches about the doctor through credible medical search engines. Additionally, doctors are sometimes identified visually by white coats, the ability to write prescriptions or by their actions (such as performing a surgery).
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that all medical doctors are correct in their patient diagnosis. Doctors are not all equally skillful. Consider getting a second or third medical opinion, especially when in disagreement with test results. Medical doctors do not all have the same interests, bedside manner or competence.
Expert Insight
Ensure you see a medical doctor that is in-network with your health care insurance to ensure full or partial appointment coverage. Remember, a co-pay (often $15 or $20, as of 2009) may be required at time of visit. Understand that many health care plans require a physician referral to see a specialist, such as a dermatologist. Additionally, while it is important to be educated about general health and the human body, only reference credible online websites such as "The New York Times" health section, Livestrong.com and medical journals such as "The New England Journal of Medicine" for information, as many sources are outdated or slanted due to pharmaceutical company financial backing.
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