When health problems occur, the biggest confusion patients face is which doctor to consult. Choosing the right specialist ensures faster, effective treatment and prevents time and money from being wasted. This detailed guide explains the role of each type of doctor and surgeon, the common problems they treat, investigations they recommend, and where these tests are usually done.
🔹 Why is it Important to Know the Right Doctor?
The correct specialist provides the right treatment without delay.
Saves money and prevents unnecessary tests.
Ensures investigations are done at the proper place (Lab, Radiology, PET CT, etc.).
🩺 1. Internal Medicine (General Physician)
Common Problems: Fever, weakness, infections, blood pressure, diabetes, general health issues.
Investigations: CBC, LFT, RFT, Blood Sugar, ECG, Chest X-ray.
Where: Lab & Radiology.
🦴 2. Rheumatology
Common Problems: Joint pain, arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases.
Investigations: RA Factor, ESR, CRP, ANA, X-ray, MRI.
Where: Lab & Radiology.
🦴 3. Orthopedics
Common Problems: Bone fractures, spine issues, joint pain, arthritis, knee/hip replacement.
Investigations: X-ray, MRI, CT Scan, BMD.
Where: Radiology.
🫁 4. Pulmonology (Chest Specialist)
Common Problems: Asthma, chronic cough, breathlessness, TB, COPD.
Investigations: PFT (Pulmonary Function Test), Chest X-ray, HRCT Chest, Sputum Test.
Where: Radiology & Lab.
🧠 5. Neurology & Neurosurgery
Neurologist (Neuro Physician): Stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, migraine, paralysis.
Neurosurgeon: Brain/spinal surgery, tumors, head/spinal injuries.
Investigations: MRI Brain, EEG, CT Scan, Angiography.
Where: Radiology, Neuro Lab.
👂 6. ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist)
Common Problems: Ear pain, sinusitis, throat infections, hearing loss.
Investigations: Audiometry, Nasal Endoscopy, CT PNS.
Where: ENT Lab & Radiology.
👁 7. Ophthalmology (Eye Specialist)
Common Problems: Cataract, poor vision, eye pain, glaucoma.
Investigations: Vision Test, OCT, Fundus Examination, IOP.
Where: Eye OPD.
🧴 8. Dermatology (Skin Specialist)
Common Problems: Acne, rashes, allergies, skin infections, hair fall.
Investigations: Skin Biopsy, Allergy Test.
Where: Lab & Dermatology Department.
❤️ 9. Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery
Cardiologist: High BP, chest pain, irregular heartbeat.
Interventional Cardiologist: Stents, angioplasty, catheter procedures.
Cardiac Surgeon: Open heart surgery, bypass surgery, valve replacement.
Investigations: ECG, Echo, Angiography, TMT.
Where: Cardiology Unit & Cath Lab.
🧬 10. Oncology (Cancer Specialists)
Cancer treatment requires a team of specialists:
Medical Oncologist: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy.
Radiation Oncologist: Radiotherapy.
Surgical Oncologist: Cancer surgery (removal of tumor).
Breast Onco Surgeon: Specializes in breast cancer treatment.
Investigations: Biopsy, FNAC, Mammography, PET CT.
Where: Pathology, Radiology, PET CT Unit.
🍽 11. Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
Common Problems: Acidity, liver disease, gas, gallstones, inflammatory bowel disease.
Investigations: Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, USG Abdomen, LFT.
Where: Endoscopy Unit & Lab.
🩺 12. Nephrology & Urology
Nephrologist: Kidney failure, dialysis, swelling, high creatinine.
Urologist: Urine problems, kidney stones, prostate issues.
Andrologist: Male infertility.
Investigations: USG KUB, PSA, Creatinine, Urine Analysis.
Where: Lab & Radiology.
👶 13. Pediatrics & Pediatric Specialties
Pediatrician: Child illnesses, vaccination, growth issues.
Pediatric Surgeon: Hernia, congenital defects.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist: Constipation, celiac, diarrhea in kids.
Pediatric CTVS: Heart surgeries for children.
Investigations: Blood tests, USG, Echo.
Where: Lab, Radiology, Pediatric OPD.
👩🍼 14. Gynecology & IVF
Gynecologist: Pregnancy care, PCOD, menstrual problems.
IVF Specialist: Infertility treatment (IVF, IUI, ICSI).
Investigations: USG Pelvis, Hormonal Tests, AMH, Follicular Study.
Where: Lab & Radiology.
🦷 15. Dental Specialist
Common Problems: Toothache, cavities, gum issues, braces.
Investigations: OPG X-ray, Clinical Exam.
Where: Dental OPD.
🧠 16. Psychiatry & Psychology
Psychiatrist: Depression, schizophrenia, anxiety (medication-based treatment).
Psychologist: Counseling, stress management, behavioral therapy.
Investigations: MMSE, IQ Test, Psychological Assessment.
Where: Psychiatry & Psychology Departments.
🔬 17. Nuclear Medicine / PET CT
Purpose: Cancer staging, metabolic scans, identifying spread of tumors.
Investigations: PET CT Scan.
Where: PET CT Unit.
Conclusion
When you know which specialist to consult for which illness, treatment becomes faster, accurate, and cost-effective. Next time you or your family face a health issue, refer to this guide and approach the right doctor without confusion.
Narendra Singh is the founder of this website. He has considerable experience in the hotel industry. Through his articles, he expresses his views to make people aware of the evils going on in the society and to avoid them. To fulfill this objective, he has switched his 18 years long career of the hotel industry and entered in his favorite and interesting career, media. He not only warns against social evils, Rather, by using the Right to Information Act 2005, they expose social evils and inform the concerned department for action against the culprits.