HEA 100- Chapter 7

cardiovascular technologist (allied)

performs diagnostic examinations for cardiovascular issues. Average wage- $55,210

emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics (allied)

work with patients who require immediate medical attention- provide vital service as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility for appropriate medical care

Doctor of Medicine

MDs use an allopathic approach, which means MDs actively intervene in attacking and eradicating disease and focus their efforts on the disease

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (allied)

sonography- uses sound waves to generate images of the body for assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions assist with patient education, also keep patient records

Transfusion medicine specialists (allied)

specialists in blood banking technology provide routine and specialized tests for blood donor centers, transfusion centers, labs, and research centers

Anesthesiologist assistant (AA) (allied)

primarily employed by medical centers, salaries range from $110,000 to $120,000- specialty physician assistant with implementing an anesthesia care plan

recreational therapist (allied)

provide individualized and group recreational therapy for individuals experiencing limitations in life activities as a result of a disabling condition

Medical Illustrator (allied)

are trained artists who visually portray scientific information to teach both professionals and the public about medical issues

Exercise Physiologists (allied)

assess, design, and manage individual exercise programs for both healthy and unhealthy individuals

Specialists

Specialists are required to be certified in their area of specialization. This may require additional years of training, as discussed in the previous paragraph and require a board certifying or credentialing examination. The most common specialties are dermatology, cardiology, pediatrics, pathology, psychiatry, obstetrics, anesthesiology, specialized internal medicine, gynecology, ophthalmology, radiology, and surgery.

personal fitness trainer (allied)

familiar with different forms of exercise. have a variety of clients who they serve one-on-one or in group activities

surgical assistant (allied)

is a specialized physician's assistant. main goal is to ensure the surgeon has a safe and sterile environment in which to perform

surgeon technologist (allied)

key team members of medical practitioners providing surgery. they are responsible for preparing the operating room by equipping the room with appropriate sterile supplies and verifying the equipment is working properly.

perfusionist

operates equipment to support or replace a patient's circulatory or respiratory function

Orthotist and Prosthetist (allied)

orthostist- develops devices called "othoses" that focuses on the limbs and spines of individuals to increase function prothetist- designs "prostheses" or devices for patients who have limbs amputation to replace limb function

polysomnographic technologist (allied)

perform sleep tests and work with physicians to provide diagnoses of sleep disorders

quaternary care

A new term, quaternary care, is an extension of tertiary care and refers to highly specialized, cutting performed in research facilities and highly specialized facilities. An example of this type of care is proton beam therapy, which is cutting edge technology.

Advanced Practical Nurse

Advanced practical nurse (APN) or midlevel practitioners are nurses who have experience and education beyond the requirements of an RN. They operate between the RN and MD, which is why they are called midlevel practitioners. They normally obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in the field of practice. This is changing in the direction of requiring a DNP degree. Average salary is $81,000

Doctors of Optometry (Other)

Also known as Doctors of Optometry or ODs, are the main providers of vision care. They examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems. Optometrists may prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. Optometrists need a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. In 2011, there were 20 accredited Doctor of Optometry programs in the United States, one of which was in Puerto Rico. 2010 salary was $95,000.

Registered Nurses

An RN is a trained nurse who has been licensed by a state board after passing the national nursing examination. They can be registered in more than one state. There are different levels of registered nursing based on education. An associate degree or a four degree as a registered nurse. The average salary is $64,000.

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)

Certified nurse-midwives (CNM) are RNs who have graduated from a nurse midwifery education program that has been accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives' Division of Accreditation. Nurse-midwives have been practicing in the United States for nearly 90 years. 2010 salary was $64,000.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are unlicensed patient attendants who work under the supervision of physicians and nurses. LNA's in some states. They answer patient call bells that need their service; assist patients with personal hygiene, changing beds, ordering their meals; and assist patients with their ADLs. Most CNAs are employed by nursing care facilities. Their pay is very low.

Chiropractors (Other)

Chiropractors have a holistic approach to treating their patients, which means they focus on the entire body with emphasis on the spine. Becoming a chiropractor requires earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and getting a state license. 2010 salary was $67,000.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

DOs tend to stress preventive treatments and use a holistic approach to treating a patient, which means they do not focus only on the disease but on the entire person. Most DOs are generalists.

Dental Hygienists (Other)

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases and provide other preventative dental care. They educate patients on ways to improve and maintain oral health. Dental hygienists typically need an associate's degree in dental hygiene. 2010 salary is $68,000

Dental assistants (Other)

Dentists are often helped by dental assistants. Dental assistants work directly with dentists in the preparation and treatment of patients. 2010 salary is $33,000

Dentists (Other)

Dentists prevent, diagnose and treat teeth, gum, and mouth diseases. They are required to complete four years of dental school from an accredited dental school once a bachelor's degree is completed. They are awarded a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) 2010 salary was $136,000

Generalists

Generalists are also called primary care physicians. Family care practitioners are also called generalists as are general internal medicine physicians and general pediatrics. Their focus is preventive services such as immunizations and health examinations. They often serve as a gatekeeper for a patient which means they coordinate patient care if the patient needs to see a specialist.

Specialty maldistribution

In 2010, physicians practicing primary care received total median annual compensation of $202,392, and physicians practicing in medical specialties received total median annual compensation of $356,885. Due to the difference in wages, there are less primary care physicians in the overall physician population—32.2%. Differences in salaries are a reason for shortages of generalists. Specialty maldistribution.

Non Physician Practitioners (NPPs)

It is important to mention the general term non physician practitioners which includes physician assistants and nurse practitioners They are often called physician extenders because they often are used as a substitute for physicians. They play an important role in areas that are underserved by physicians such as rural and underserved urban areas; in community health centers and the managed care environment. NPPs can be used with repetitive technical tasks such as screening tools for diseases. They may also take care of non life threatening cases in emergency departments; perform physicals, drug testing, and other routine activities. Their salaries are nearly 50% less than physician salaries so they are a cost effective care giver for patients.

Nurse Practitioners (NP)

NPs are the largest categories of advanced practice nurses (APNs). They are required to obtain an RN and a master's degree or doctoral degree. They may receive a certificate program and complete direct patient care clinical training. NPs emphasize health education and promotion as well as disease treatment—referred to as care and cure. 2010 median salary was $97,000.

Nurses

Nurses constitute the largest group of health care professionals. Nurses provide the majority of care to patients. They are the patient advocate. There are several different types of nurses that provide patient care. There are several different levels of nursing care based on education and training.

Pharmacists (Other)

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medication that has been prescribed by physicians. They also advise both patients and healthcare providers on potential side effects of medications. All Doctor of Pharmacy programs requires applicants to have taken postsecondary courses such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy. Applicants need at least 2-3 years of undergraduate study; for some programs, applicants must have a bachelor's degree. 2010 salary is $211,000.

Physician Assistants (PAs)

Physician assistants, a category of NPPs, provide a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients. They take medical histories, conduct patient examinations, analyze tests, make diagnoses, and perform basic medical procedures. They are able to prescribe medicines in all but three states. They must be associated and supervised by a physician but the supervision does not need to be direct. In many areas where there is a shortage of physician, physician assistants act as primary care providers. They collaborate with physicians by telephone and onsite visits. Average salary is $86,410.

Podiatrists (other)

Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people suffering from foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery. Podiatrists must have a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, which is a 4-year degree after earning a bachelor's degree. 2010 salary was $118,000.

Primary care

Primary care is the essential component of the U.S. healthcare system because it is the point of entry into the system. Primary care focuses on continuous and routine care of an individual.

Psychologists (other)

Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. Some psychologists work independently, doing research or working only with patients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, social workers, and others to treat illness and promote overall wellness. Psychologists can complete a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree 2010 salary was $68,000.

Secondary care

Secondary care focuses on short-term interventions that may require a specialist's intervention. Examples of secondary care would include hospitalizations.

Tertiary care

Tertiary care is a complex level of medical care and is typically performed by surgeons who are physicians that perform operations to treat disease, physical problems, and injuries. This type of care is usually based on a referral from a primary care provider. Examples of tertiary care are orthopedic surgeons who operate on broken bones.

Certified Midwives (CM)

The certified midwives (CMs) are individuals who do not have a nursing degree but have a related health background. They must take the midwifery education program, which is accredited by the same organization. 2010 salary was $70,000.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs) or Licensed Vocation Nurse (LVNs) - California and Texas

There are approximately 700,000 LPNs in the United States. They are the largest group of nurses and provide basic nursing care. Education is offered by community colleges or technical schools. Training takes approximately 12-14 months and includes both education and supervised clinical practice. LPNs have a high school diploma and a licensing exam. The 2010 median salary is approximately $40,380.

Allied Health Professionals

They can be divided into four main categories: laboratory technologists and technicians, therapeutic science practitioners, behavioral scientists, and support services. They provide support to physicians and nurses. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits 2,000 U.S. programs that offer allied health specialties.

cytotechnologist (allied)

a category of clinical laboratory technologist, are specialists who collaborate with pathologists to evaluate cellular material

medical assistant (allied)

they perform both administrative and clinical duties. are employed by physicians more than any other allied health assistant