Glossary of Specialties & Provider Types

Term Definition
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.
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 and other conditions.
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.
Nephrology A field of medicine that focuses on treating kidney conditions.
Neurology A field of medicine that focuses on treating brain conditions.
Neurosurgery A field of medicine that focuses on performing surgery to treat brain conditions.
Nurse Midwife A health care professional who provides care before, during, and after childbirth.
Obstetrics & Gynecology A field of medicine that focuses on women’s reproductive health.
Ophthalmology A field of medicine that focuses on treating eye conditions.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery A field of medicine that focuses on performing surgery for the face, jaw, and neck.
Orthopedic Surgery A field of medicine that focuses on treating 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.
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 preventing disease and maintaining health.
Pulmonology A field of medicine that focuses on treating lung and breathing conditions.
Rheumatology A field of medicine that focuses on treating joint and muscle inflammation.
Sleep Medicine A field of medicine that focuses on improving sleep patterns.
Sports Medicine A field of medicine that focuses on physical activity-related problems.
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 blood vessel and circulation problems.
Women’s Health/OB Nurse Practitioner An advanced practice nurse providing health services to pregnant women.
Behavioral Health Provides mental health services.
Behavioral Health Agency An organization providing counseling and support for mental health conditions.
Licensed Professional/Licensed Clinical Counselor A health care professional trained to work with emotional and mental health issues.
Residential Treatment 24/7 mental health and behavioral services at a live-in facility.
Social Worker A health care worker who connects people to services.
Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facility A place for addiction treatment.
Dental Provides care for the mouth, teeth, and gums.
Dentist A health care worker caring for mouth, teeth, and gums.
Dialysis Treatment for weak or failing kidneys.
Durable Medical Equipment Equipment ordered for home care.
Facility A location where health care is provided.
Birth Center A home-like facility for labor and delivery.
Clinic/Urgent Care A facility for immediate medical