Types of health care providers

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Types of health care providers

Physicians; Nurses; Health care providers; Doctors; Pharmacists

This article describes health professionals who provide primary care, nursing care, and specialty care. This is just one way of organizing the many types of health care providers.

PRIMARY CARE

A primary care provider (PCP) is a person you may see first for checkups and health problems. If you have a health care plan, find out what type of practitioner can serve as your PCP.

• The term "generalist" often refers to medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics.
• OB/GYNs are doctors who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, including women's health care, wellness, and prenatal care. Many women use an OB/GYN as their primary care provider.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) are nurses with graduate training. They can serve as a primary care provider in family medicine (FNP), pediatrics (PNP), adult care (ANP), or geriatrics (GNP). Others are trained to address women's health care (common concerns and routine screenings) and family planning. In some states NPs can prescribe medications.
• A physician assistant (PA) can provide a wide range of services in collaboration with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Osteopathy (DO).

NURSING CARE

• Registered nurses (RNs) have graduated from a nursing program, have passed a state board examination, and are licensed by the state.
• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are state-licensed caregivers who have been trained to care for the sick.
• Advanced practice nurses have education and experience beyond the basic training and licensing required of all RNs. This includes nurse practitioners (NPs) and the following:
  • Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) have training in a field such as cardiac, psychiatric, or community health.
  • Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) have training in women's health care needs, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and care of a woman who has given birth.
  • Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) have training in the field of anesthesia. Anesthesia is the process of putting a patient into a painless sleep, and keeping the patient's body working, so surgeries or special tests can be done.