Health conditions, injuries, and emergencies can sometimes be unpredictable. You might be okay today, but something happens, and tomorrow you’re not. Other times, you have a persistent issue that keeps coming back.
While you strive every day to remain healthy, there will be times when you’ll have to visit a hospital. It could be for minor issues like flu or more severe conditions requiring specialized care. Whatever the case, you will navigate a maze of medical professionals for various reasons throughout your life. Here are different types of medical practices that you may need to visit in your life.
Neurologist
A neurologist is one of the different types of medical practices you might need to visit in your life. They specialize in diagnosing and treating nervous system conditions, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Usually, they help treat conditions that can impact everything in your body, from your ability to talk, walk, and even smell.
For example, if you ever have a stroke, you will need to see a neurologist. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a neurologist also treats other conditions and diseases such as pain disorders, seizures, and Parkinson’s disease. And that’s not all. Even dizziness and headaches can warrant a visit to this specialist.
But how and where do you find a neurologist? Your doctor may refer you to one if they suspect they can’t diagnose and treat your condition. If you don’t have a referral or want another option, check your insurance company’s list of preferred doctors. From there, you can narrow down to one close to you. Additionally, you can check from online rating groups and ensure that the doctor has all the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certifications.
Apart from a neurologist, you may need to add ADHD doctors to your list. They are essential, especially for people with children facing issues with focus and impulsivity. While neurologists can diagnose attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they don’t treat the condition.
Cardiologist
Cardiologists are among the different types of medical practices that you may need to visit in your life. They specialize in treating various conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. These issues include heart failure, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, heart attack, blood clots, and cardiovascular disease. Cardiologists are among the most essential doctors you may need to see since high blood pressure cases are prevalent among Americans. In fact, more than 122 million people aged 20 and above in the U.S. have high blood pressure, according to the USC University of Southern California.
Moreover, heart diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 700,000 Americans died from heart disease in 2022. Another leading cause of death is cardiovascular disease. The CDC estimates that one in every five death cases in 2021 was a result of cardiovascular disease.
All this underscores the importance of having a cardiologist as part of your team of different types of medical practices. They can help you stay on top of your health through regular check-ups, monitoring, and managing conditions. They can also advise you on the lifestyle changes you must make to reduce the risk of these diseases.
Dentists
According to a survey by Statista, about 85% of adult Americans with health insurance coverage visited a dentist in 2022. Those without insurance coverage accounted for 64% in the same year. That means that most people are aware of the importance of regular dental check-ups and are taking action.
Dentists are among the different types of medical practices that you may need to visit for oral health care. You will need them for simple procedures such as tooth cleaning or more complex ones like maxillofacial surgery. Most Americans have dental visits at least once every year.
Oral health problems are far too common. According to the CDC, one in every four or 26% of all adult Americans have untreated tooth decay. Another 46% of all adults above 30 years have signs of gum disease. With such high numbers, you can’t afford to ignore regular appointments with your local dentists.
Pediatrician
Visiting the different types of medical practices isn’t something you put on your bucket list – there are numerous attraction sites for that. But if you have a child, you occasionally need to visit pediatricians. These specialists focus on the health and well-being of children from birth up until their teenage years. They provide everything from vaccinations and regular check-ups to diagnosing and treating various childhood illnesses.
Pediatricians also monitor children’s physical, emotional, and social development. They work closely with parents to provide child care, nutrition, and other concerns. Remember, children are highly susceptible to various health issues such as flu, injuries, and colds. That means if you have one or several, you will seek the services of a pediatrician from time to time.
The CDC estimated that 40% of school-aged children and adolescent youths have at least one chronic health condition. That could be anything from obesity, asthma, ADHD, and anxiety to behavior/learning problems. Another study by the CDC estimated that children between the ages of 1-17 had 153 doctor visits per 100 children. That shows just how vital a pediatrician is, especially for young parents.
Since pediatrician consultation is necessary occasionally for your child’s health, you must have insurance coverage. While private insurance companies can be expensive, you can opt for Medicaid. Most states expanded Medicaid benefits to cover those in the low-income bracket.
Behavioral
You should add behavioral health support services to your list of different types of medical practices important for your well-being. These are specialists who offer therapy and counseling for various mental health concerns. They help individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and other conditions that affect their behavior.
Behavioral support services include addiction treatment centers and mental health clinics. With the increasing number of individuals struggling with their mental well-being, these services are becoming more critical. Seeking a therapist or counselor can make a difference in managing these conditions.
Mental health illness cases have been on the rise, especially among youths between the ages of 18-25. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that 57.8 million adults in the U.S. had a mental health issue. That represents about 22.8% of the American population, meaning it’s not a rare condition.
While there are various ways to keep yourself mentally healthy, sometimes circumstances may take a toll on your mental well-being. Ensure you seek professional help from a behavioral specialist if you experience symptoms such as extreme mood swings, persistent sadness, or anxiety. They can provide the necessary guidance and support to help you cope with whatever conditions and improve your overall well-being.
Urologist
Your list of different types of medical practices should also include urology specialists. These are doctors who focus on the urinary system. They diagnose and treat issues affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The experts also specialize in conditions involving the male reproductive system and the adrenal glands.
Urinary system illnesses include conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder infections, enlarged prostate, and incontinence. Men may also visit a urologist for concerns such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, and infertility. On the other hand, women may seek the services of a urologist for issues like pelvic organ prolapse.
People with diabetes and high blood pressure (HBP) have a higher risk of developing urinary system complications such as kidney problems. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that one in every three people with diabetes has kidney disease. Despite this prevalence, most people are not aware of the condition. As a result, they only seek treatment when things get worse.
Visiting a urologist regularly is essential, especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. If diagnosed with a urinary tract problem, a urologist can provide treatment options to help manage it and prevent complications. You can also take advantage of a medicare supplement insurance service to help cover the costs of treatments.
Podiatrist
Throughout your life, you will visit many different types of medical practices specializing in various healthcare areas. One such professional is a podiatrist who will become essential to your well-being as you age. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating foot and ankle conditions. They treat everything from minor foot problems to more severe issues like fractures, infections, and deformities.
Older adults, in particular, can have many foot and ankle-related problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, and osteoarthritis. A study by the National Institute of Health showed 184.33 cases of foot issues for every 1000 older adults. It underscores the importance of regularly visiting a foot and ankle center, especially as you age. They can help manage these conditions through various treatments such as orthotics or medication. They can also perform surgeries like bunionectomy or foot reconstruction if necessary.
Having a podiatrist on your medical team can also benefit athletes or individuals with an active lifestyle. They help manage and treat various sports-related injuries, including ankle sprains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. They can advise on proper footwear and preventive measures to avoid potential foot problems.
GI
Gastrointestinal (GI) doctors should also be on your list of different types of medical practice that you may need. They specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive system diseases, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon. One standard procedure GI doctors perform is an EGD procedure (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy). It involves lowering a camera attached to a thin, flexible tube through the mouth to view the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestines (duodenum).
The procedure is essential for diagnosing conditions such as acid reflux, ulcers, or cancer. You may need to visit a GI doctor if you have chronic digestive issues or symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea. They can also provide preventive care and lifestyle recommendations to maintain a healthy digestive system.
While digestive system problems may not seem like everyday health concerns, they are many. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that the U.S. has over 20 million GI endoscopies performed yearly. It only points to the possibility that you may need to visit a GI doctor at some point.
Orthodontist
Recently, there has been an increased demand for orthodontic treatment among children, teens, and adults. While 75% of orthodontic patients are teens under 18, the number of adults seeking treatment has proliferated. The American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics reported that 1.61 million U.S. adults sought orthodontic care in 2018. That represented a total of 9 million orthodontic patients in the country.
Orthodontics is among the specialized field of dentistry that focuses on correcting misalignments in the teeth and jaws. The professionals in these sectors deal with overcrowding, underbites, crooked teeth, and overbites. They use braces, aligners, retainers, or other dental appliances to strengthen teeth and improve oral health.
While most people associate orthodontics with cosmetic reasons like having a perfect smile, there are also health benefits to having straight teeth. Poorly aligned teeth can make it challenging to chew and speak, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and tooth decay. Therefore, if you have any of these issues or want to improve your smile, an orthodontist is the medical professional to visit.
Endocrinologist
You might or will hear talks of hormone replacement therapy at some point in your life. While it shouldn’t ring alarm bells, it indicates that you should add endocrinologists to your list of different types of medical practices. They are specialists who treat conditions related to your endocrine system.
The endocrine glandular system produces and releases hormones to regulate your body’s functions. For example, it helps with growth and development, metabolism, sexual function and reproduction, mood, and sleep. However, some diseases, such as diabetes or thyroid, can affect the glands, leading to hormonal imbalances.
This hormonal imbalance is the leading cause of conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and reproductive problems. The National Institute of Health estimates at least 5% of Americans suffer endocrine disorders. While the numbers are not alarming, it’s still something to pay attention to.
While there are many different types of medical practices, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with a few. You will need them, whether for routine check-ups or specific health concerns. Remember to prioritize your health with regular visits to a health professional.
