Glossary of Specialties & Provider Types

Provider Type/Specialty

Description

Adult Primary Care

Provides care for adults by treating common health problems, performing check-ups and providing prevention services.

Geriatric

A field of medicine that focuses on caring for older adults.

Physician Assistant

A clinician who provides basic medical services under the supervision of a licensed doctor.

Physician Assistant - Medical

A clinician who provides basic medical services under the supervision of a licensed doctor.

Adult Specialty

The type of adult care a provider is specifically trained to provide that focuses on a particular group of conditions.

Allergy and Immunology

A field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating allergic conditions.

Cardiology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating heart disease.

Cardiothoracic Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on performing heart and lung surgery.

Chiropractor

A health care professional who cares for disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their effects on health.

Dermatology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating skin conditions.

Endocrinology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to endocrine glands and hormones.

ENT/Otolaryngology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to the ears, nose and throat.

Gastroenterology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to the gastrointestinal system.

General Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on performing surgery for problems related to the abdomen, such as hernias and gallstones, as well as other conditions, such as breast cancer.

Hematology & Oncology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating cancer.

Hepatology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to the liver.

Infectious Diseases

A field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating illnesses that are spread from one person to another.

Medical Genetics

A field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing hereditary disorders, or conditions that are passed from one family member to another.

Nephrology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating kidney conditions.

Neurology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating brain conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

Neurosurgery

A field of medicine that focuses on performing surgery to treat brain conditions.

Nurse Midwife

A health care professional who provides care before conception; during pregnancy and childbirth; and after childbirth.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

A field of medicine that focuses on providing care for a woman’s reproductive system as well as care during and after childbirth.

Ophthalmology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating eye conditions.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on performing surgery to treat diseases, injuries and abnormalities of the face, jaw and neck.

Orthopedic Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on performing surgery to treat bone and joint problems.

Pain Medicine

A field of medicine that focuses on lessening pain.

Physiatry, Rehabilitation Medicine

A field of medicine that focuses on enhancing or restoring functional ability.

Physician Assistant - Surgical

A clinician who provides services before and after surgery under the supervision of a licensed doctor.

Plastic Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on repairing or enhancing body structures.

Podiatry

A field of medicine that focuses on treating foot problems.

Preventive Medicine

A field of medicine that focuses on protecting, promoting and maintaining health and well-being and preventing disease and disability.

Pulmonology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating lung and breathing conditions.

Rheumatology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating inflammation, pain and stiffness in joints, muscles and related structures.

Sleep Medicine

A field of medicine that focuses on improving sleep patterns.

Sports Medicine

A field of medicine that focuses on preventing and caring for problems related to physical activity.

Urology

A field of medicine that focuses on conditions related to the bladder and urinary tract.

Vascular Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions caused by problems with blood vessels and circulation.

Women’s Health/OB Nurse Practitioner

An advanced practice nurse who provides health services to pregnant women.

Behavioral Health

Provides mental health services.

Behavioral Health Agency

An organization that provides counseling and support to those affected by mental health conditions and addictions.

Licensed Professional/Licensed Clinical Counselor

A health care professional who is trained to work with individuals and families with emotional, behavioral and mental health issues.

Residential Treatment

Mental health and behavioral services that are provided around the clock at a short-term or long-term live-in facility.

Residential Treatment - Pediatric

Mental health and behavioral services that are provided to children and adolescents around the clock at a short-term or long-term live-in facility.

Social Worker

A health care worker who counsels people and connects them to services.

Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facility

A place where people with addiction issues receive treatment.

Dental

Provides care of the mouth, teeth and gums.

Dentist

A health care worker who cares for mouth, teeth and gums.

Dialysis

Provides treatment for those with weak or failing kidneys.

Durable Medical Equipment

Equipment doctors order for home care.

Facility

A location where health care is provided.

Birth Center

A home-like facility where pregnant women labor and deliver babies with the care and support of a health care team.

Clinic/Urgent Care

A facility designed to treat illnesses and injuries that need immediate medical attention but don’t require emergency room care.

Family Planning

A facility that provides birth control and sexual health services.

Hospital

A facility where sick or injured people receive medical or surgical care.

Hospital – Long-term Acute Care

A facility that provides extended care for complex health problems.

Hospital - Pediatric

A facility that provides care to children.

Hospital – Pediatric Rehabilitation

A facility that specializes in restoring and enhancing function in children.

Hospital - Psychiatric

A facility that specializes in caring for people affected by mental health and behavioral problems.

Hospital - Rehabilitation

A facility that specializes in caring restoring and enhancing function.

Laboratories

A facility that tests clinical specimens, such as blood.

Oncology – Medical, Surgical

A facility that provides medical and surgical care to those with cancer.

Oncology – Radiation/Radiation Oncology

A facility that provides radiation therapy to treat those with cancer.

Outpatient Dialysis

A facility that provides treatment to those with weak kidneys.

Outpatient Infusion/Chemotherapy

A facility where patients with cancer receive chemotherapy.

Pharmacies

A facility that prepares medications and fulfills prescriptions.

Radiology

A facility that performs diagnostic tests, such as x-rays and ultrasounds.

Rehabilitation Clinic

A facility where patients receive services to restore function.

Respite Care

A facility that provides short-term care so that caregivers can take a break.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

A facility that provides around-the-clock patient care from registered nurses.

Supportive Living Facilities

A facility that provides apartment-style accommodations along with supportive services, such meal preparation and housekeeping.

Family Practice

A field of medicine dedicated to providing primary care services to people of all ages.

Family Practice

A field of medicine dedicated to providing primary care services to people of all ages.

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse with advanced training who can provide some medical services without supervision from a physician.

Home and Community Based Services

Provides health care services in a home or community setting, such as an adult day services.

Adult Day Services

A place for adults who cannot safely be home alone during the day. These programs offer activities, meals and the chance to meet others.

 

Home Delivered Meals

Prepared meals that are brought to an individual’s home.

Home Health Aide

A health care worker who provides services that help with daily activities in the home, including helping with bathing and dressing.

Homemaker Services

Services provided to help with daily living, such as housekeeping and grocery shopping.

Personal Emergency Response

A home device that allows you to call for help by pushing a button.

Home Health

Provides a wide range of services to sick or injured individuals in the home.

Hospice

Provides care and services for ­­individuals who are facing life-limiting illnesses, their families and caretakers.

Hospice and Palliative Medicine

A field of medicine that relieves suffering and manages symptoms for those with curable, chronic and life-limiting illnesses.

Optometry

The profession of identifying visual problems and prescribing lenses.

Pediatric Primary Care

Provides care for babies, children and adolescents by treating common health problems, performing check-ups and providing prevention services.

Adolescent Medicine

A subspecialty of medicine that focuses on the comprehensive care of those between 11 and 21 years of age.

Pediatric Medicine

A field of medicine that focuses on the comprehensive care of children.

Pediatric Specialty

The type of care a doctor is specifically trained to provide in infants, children and adolescents that focuses on a particular group of conditions.

Neonatology

A field of medicine that focuses on the care of newborns, especially those who are ill or born prematurely.

Pediatric Allergy/Immunology

A field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating allergic conditions in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Cardiology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating heart disease in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Dermatology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating skin conditions in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Endocrinology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to endocrine glands and hormones in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric ENT/Otolargyngology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to the ears, nose and throat in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Gastroenterology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to the gastrointestinal system in babies, children and adolescents

Pediatric Hematology & Oncology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating cancer in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Infectious Diseases

A field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that are spread from one person to another in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Nephrology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating kidney conditions in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Neurology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating brain conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on performing surgery to treat bone and joint problems in babies, children and adolescents

Pediatric Pulmonology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating lung and breathing conditions in babies, children and adolescents.

Pediatric Rheumatology

A field of medicine that focuses on treating inflammation, pain and stiffness in joints, muscles and related structures in babies, children and adolescents .

Pediatric Surgery

A field of medicine that focuses on restoring or enhancing function in babies, children and adolescents through surgical procedures.

Pediatric Urology

A field of medicine that focuses on conditions related to the bladder and urinary tract in babies, children and adolescents.

Physical & Occupational Therapy

Treatments that help improve movement and thinking.

 

Physical Therapy

A health care worker who helps improve movement and lessen pain.

Occupational Therapy

A health care worker who uses everyday activities to help patients meet their health care goals.

 

Speech & Hearing

Treatments that help with language and hearing issues.

Audiology

A field of practice that focuses on issues related to hearing.

Speech Therapy

A field of practice that focuses on issues related to speech and language.