What Is a Specialist?
A specialist is a healthcare provider with advanced training in a specific area of healthcare.
Your primary care provider looks at your overall health and may remain involved while a specialist focuses on a particular concern.
01 Preparing for Care • 4 Min Read
Specialists Explained: Focused Expert Care
Learn when you may see a specialist, what to expect at your visit, how to prepare, and how to stay involved in your care.
When Might You Need a Specialist?
Your healthcare provider may recommend specialty care for reasons such as:
Your Symptoms Need a Closer Look
If symptoms continue after an initial evaluation, a specialist may consider additional tests or treatment options.
You Have a Specific Diagnosis
Some conditions benefit from care by someone who works with that condition regularly, such as certain heart or thyroid conditions.
You Need a Specialized Procedure or Surgery
A specialist can discuss why a procedure is being considered, its possible benefits and risks, and other options so you can take part in the decision.
“Why is this being considered, what should I expect, and are there other options?”
Some specialists require a referral from your primary care provider, while others may allow you to schedule directly. Your insurance plan may also have referral or prior-authorization requirements. Check with the specialist's office and your insurance plan before your appointment.
Common Specialists
You may meet many different kinds of specialists during your healthcare journey.
Cardiologist
Focuses on the heart and blood vessels.
May evaluate or treat abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease, chest symptoms, or certain blood pressure problems.
For sudden or severe chest pain, call 911. Do not wait for a specialist appointment.Sudden stroke symptoms or severe breathing difficulty also need immediate emergency assistance, such as calling 911 in the United States.
Gastroenterologist
Focuses on the digestive system, including the stomach and intestines.
May evaluate or treat ongoing stomach pain, digestive problems, or certain liver and intestinal conditions.
Neurologist
Focuses on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
May evaluate or treat headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, memory problems, or other nervous system concerns.
Orthopedic Specialist
Focuses on the bones, joints, muscles, and related injuries.
May evaluate or treat fractures, joint pain, arthritis, sports injuries, or other problems affecting movement.
Pulmonologist
Focuses on the lungs and breathing.
May evaluate or treat asthma, chronic lung disease, or unexplained breathing problems.
Endocrinologist
Focuses on hormones and glands.
May evaluate or treat diabetes, thyroid problems, and other hormone-related conditions.
Dermatologist
Focuses on the skin, hair, and nails.
May evaluate or treat unusual moles, rashes, acne, or other skin concerns.
You may have more than one specialist.
Keep a simple list of your specialists, what each one treats, and how to contact their office. This can make your healthcare easier to organize.
Step 1: Meet Your Specialist
Your specialist reviews your health concern, symptoms, medical history, and available records.
Step 2: Discuss Testing and Treatment
Your specialist explains whether additional testing, treatment, or monitoring may be helpful.
Step 3: Share Information
Your specialist may send findings and recommendations to your primary care provider. Ask how information will be shared and how to obtain your visit summary.
Step 4: Plan Your Follow-Up
Confirm who will explain results, arrange further testing, prescribe or manage medications, and schedule your next appointment.
James's Specialist Care, Step by Step
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Step 1
Primary Care
James visits his primary care provider because his knee pain continues. After an evaluation, the provider recommends an orthopedic specialist.
Your Care, In Real Life
After a few visits about ongoing knee pain, James's primary care provider recommends he see an orthopedic specialist. The office sends a referral along with his notes and imaging. James schedules the appointment, meets the specialist, and afterward the specialist shares a summary with his primary care provider so both know the plan.
Who may be involved
- Your primary care provider may recommend the specialist and send the referral.
- Referral or insurance staff may help with approvals and scheduling.
- The specialist focuses on one area of health and shares findings with your care team.
What you can do
- Ask why the specialist is recommended and what they will look at.
- Check whether your insurance needs a referral or prior approval.
- After the visit, ask who will follow up with you and when.
Common questions
- Will the specialist already have my records?
- Often some information is sent with the referral, but not always everything. It helps to bring your medicine list and any recent results.
- Do I still see my primary care provider?
- Usually, yes. Your primary care provider often continues to coordinate your overall care.
- What if I don't hear back about my referral?
- Call your primary care office or the specialist's office to check the status. Delays can happen, and asking is okay.
Knowledge Check
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Keep asking questions and stay involved in your specialist care.
Continue Learning
Understanding Your Medical Records
What is in your medical record and how to read it.