Doctor
What is a doctor?
A doctor is a healthcare professional trained to evaluate health issues, diagnose medical conditions, and prescribe or recommend appropriate treatments. Doctors can operate in a variety of healthcare settings, including general practice, hospitals, and specialty clinics.
What does a doctor do?
A doctor evaluates your health by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and other vital information. Depending on your requirements, they can assess you, schedule testing, offer treatment, or refer you to another healthcare provider.
Doctors may
- Assess the symptoms.
- Diagnose medical disorders.
- Perform physical exams.
- Prescribe medications as needed.
- Request pathology and imaging scans
- Provide preventative care.
- Manage ongoing health issues.
- Provide recommendations.
- Keep track of your treatment and recovery progress.
Types of doctors
Doctors can work in several fields.
- General practitioners (GPs) provide general medical treatment.
- Emergency doctors handle urgent and emergency medical issues.
- Paediatricians specialise in children’s health.
- Psychiatrists specialise in mental health.
- Dermatologists specialise in skin disorders.
- Cardiologists specialise in heart issues.
- Gynaecologists specialise in women’s reproductive health.
- Neurologists specialise in disorders affecting the nervous system.
- Surgeons conduct surgical operations.
- Other experts specialise in certain areas of medicine.
What conditions can a doctor treat?
Doctors can diagnose and address a variety of health conditions, including
- Colds and influenza.
- Infections.
- Allergies.
- Skin conditions.
- Digestive issues.
- Pain and injury.
- Mental health concerns.
- Chronic health problems.
- Women’s and men’s health issues.
- Children’s health issues.
- Preventative health requirements.
Doctor vs GP vs specialist
| Feature | Doctor | GP | Specialist |
| Meaning | Broad term for a medical practitioner | Doctor who provides general medical care | Doctor with advanced training in a specific medical field |
| Main role | Depends on area of practice | First point of contact for many health concerns | Manages conditions within a particular specialty |
| Can diagnose conditions | Yes, within scope | Yes | Yes, but only within specialty |
| Can prescribe medications | Where authorised | Yes | Yes |
| Referral usually required | Depends | Often refers to specialists | Often receives referrals |
A GP is a type of doctor who specialises in General Practice. A specialist is a doctor who specialises in a particular field of medicine.
Doctor vs online doctor
| Feature | Doctor | Online doctor |
| Consultation | Usually face-to-face, but may also offer telehealth | Conducted remotely |
| Physical examination | Available when in person | Limited |
| Location | Clinic, hospital or other healthcare setting | Remote location |
| Diagnostic tests | May be available or arranged | Usually arranged separately |
| Prescriptions | Where clinically appropriate | Where clinically appropriate |
| Referrals | Where appropriate | Where appropriate |
| Suitable for | Broad range of health concerns | Health concerns suitable for remote assessment |
When should you see a doctor?
Consult a doctor if you:
- Have symptoms that continue or worsen.
- Are concerned about a new health problem
- Need some guidance on a medication.
- Need to handle a continuing ailment.
- Require a health assessment.
- Need a recommendation or medical certificate.
- Have symptoms that impair your everyday activities.
Seek immediate medical assistance if you are experiencing significant symptoms or have a medical emergency.
How to see a doctor
- Determine your healthcare needs.
- Select a suitable doctor or GP.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Prepare all pertinent health information.
- Attend the consultation.
- Adhere to the approved treatment or follow-up plan.
What to expect during a doctor’s consultation
- Check-in: You may be required to enter personal and Medicare information.
- Discuss your concerns: Explain your symptoms and when they began.
- Medical history: The doctor may enquire about prior diagnoses and medications.
- Examination: A physical examination may be conducted when necessary.
- Tests: The doctor may request pathology, imaging, or other investigations.
- Treatment plan: The doctor will discuss proper treatment or management.
- Follow-up: You may be asked to return for another visit or see another healthcare provider.
Benefits of seeing a doctor
Doctors can:
- Evaluate new symptoms.
- Help in diagnosing medical disorders.
- Offer treatment and medical guidance.
- Manage ongoing health issues.
- Arrange suitable tests.
- Prescribe medications.
- Refer you to other healthcare providers.
- Support preventative healthcare.
Note: The content on this page is for information only. Hola Health provides online doctor consult 24/7 within minutes across Australia. In case of emergency, call triple zero (000).
