Topic Overview
Choosing a doctor or another type of health professional to help
with your health care is very important. Never before have people had so many
kinds of doctors and other health professionals to choose from. The
relationship you have with your health professional greatly influences the
health decisions you make and, ultimately, your health.
Talk with your health professional about being a partner in your
health decisions. He or she will most likely support your desire to take an
active role in your health care.
Think about the following important considerations when choosing a
health professional:
- Is the health professional
well-trained and experienced?
- Is the
health professional
board-certified?
- Will the health
professional be available when needed?
- Will the health professional
work in partnership with you?
- Does your health plan provide
coverage for this service?
This topic lists many of the specialties and subspecialties of
medical doctors. It also provides listings for other types of health
professionals you may see for your health needs. Each listing includes a
description of the specialty and information about why you might choose that
type of health professional.