Healthcare Provider Information
Roles and responsibilities of healthcare providers
As part of medication self-management An individual’s ability to manage the symptoms, side effects, treatment, and physical and social consequences of taking medications. , it is important to know about the roles of different healthcare providers. We have included information about different healthcare providers that may be part of your care team, possible reasons for contacting them, along with space to save their contact information.
We have included a document to help you track your different healthcare provider’s information. This resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed.
Family Doctor/ General Practitioner
Primary point of contact for care and management of health. Diagnose and treat illnesses, disorders, and injuries, and provide oversight to general health.
Contact your family doctor if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Medication renewals
- New conditions/ concerns
Nurse Practitioner
Registered nurses who have additional education, knowledge, and experience. Primary point of contact for care and management of health (often for individuals without a family doctor). Diagnose and treat illnesses, disorders, injuries, prescribe medications, and provide oversight to general health.
Contact your nurse practitioner if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Medication renewals
- New conditions/ concerns
Pharmacist
Medication experts – Initiate and adapt prescriptions, make therapeutic substitutions, continue or renew prescriptions, order and perform lab tests, interpret lab test results depending on jurisdiction.
Note: Pharmacists’ roles and scope of practice varies by province/territory.
Contact your pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment.
- Medication interactions A reaction between two or more drugs, or between a drug and food, drink or supplement. A medication interaction can delay, decrease or increase the action that can prevent the drug from performing as expected.
- Medication reviews
- Medication refills
Neurologist
Diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and disorders of the nervous system (including the spinal cord, brain, and other nerve and muscular conditions).
Contact your neurologist if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Headaches and migraines
- Memory problems
- Balance issues
- Numbness or muscle weakness
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Tremors
Urologist
Diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and disorders of the urinary system (e.g., bladder problems, urinary tract infections, flank pain, kidney stones).
Contact your urologist if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary tract infections
- Changes in bladder function
- Incontinence
- Infertility or fertility
- Sexual dysfunction
Physiatrist
Physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation Process of assessment, treatment and management to help a person who has suffered an illness or injury restore lost skills and improve. , often working with individuals who have impaired functional abilities. Diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and disorders, with a focus on rehabilitation Process of assessment, treatment and management to help a person who has suffered an illness or injury restore lost skills and improve. and functional wellness.
Contact your physiatrist if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Pain management
- Changes in functional abilities
Physical Therapist
Assess and implement treatment programs to maintain or improve pain, physical functioning, and mobility.
Contact your physical therapist if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Changes in functional abilities
- Dexterity The ability to use one’s hands or body with skill and ease.
- Strengthening exercises
- Pain management
Occupational Therapist
Assess and implement programs to maintain or improve individual’s ability to care for themselves and engage in meaningful activities such as work, school, leisure, and home life.
Contact your occupational therapist if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Use of assistive devices
- Change in functional abilities
- Self-care
Social Worker
Planning and coordinating services, supports, and resources to help individuals develop skills and improve social functioning.
Contact your social worker if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Accepting medication use
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Available services to assist with medication management
- Completing forms and paperwork