Primary Care Physician

A primary care physician (PCP) is a medical doctor who is most often a general practitioner (GP), or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), who provides the initial contact for a person with an undiagnosed condition or health concern, as well as ongoing care of the patient for varied medical issues, regardless of cause, organ system or diagnosis. A primary care physician also refers the patient to specialists for consultation concerning medical issues that the specialist is better qualified and more highly-skilled to treat. In these cases, a PCP usually not only serves as an advocate in obtaining quality medical treatment for his patient’s injuries, but also provides a medical report and testifies as an expert witness on behalf of his patient. Therefore, his involvement will have a significant impact on your claim. Obviously, this member of your medical team should be carefully chosen.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Sometimes referred to as a “bone doctor,” this physician treats medical conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. These doctors use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders. Disc herniation is a com-mon traumatic injury frequently treated by orthopedic surgeons.

Chiropractor

According to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, “a chiropractor focuses on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient’s health. Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by making adjustments to these structures, and particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated.”

Psychologist

A psychologist is a clinical professional who works with patients in a variety of therapeutic settings. In a situation in which someone is injured as a result of the fault of another, a referral to a psychologist might be made to help the injured party to deal with feelings of anger against the person who caused the injury, learn methods to come to grips with the loss of the life enjoyed prior to the accident, or to learn methods to deal with chronic pain. Biofeedback is one method of treatment utilized by psychologists in such situations.

Rheumatologist

A rheumatologist is a specialist devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. This physician deals mainly with clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues, autoimmune disorders and vasculitis. Some examples are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia.

Physical Therapist

A physical therapist is a health care provider who administers physical therapy or physiotherapy, often referred to as PT, which is concerned with maximizing quality of life and movement potentials of a patient within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, intervention and rehabilitation. The physical therapist often demonstrates exercises to patients ordered by a treating physician or develops a set of exercises specifically designed for the patient based upon his/her diagnosis and condition/limitations as observed by the therapist.