We'll Give You Some Symptoms, You Tell Us What Kind of Doctor to See

Estimated Completion Time
5 min
We'll Give You Some Symptoms, You Tell Us What Kind of Doctor to See
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About This Quiz

Whether it's a headache, a diabetes diagnosis, or an ankle sprain, it's always smart to start with your primary care doctor - but your situation may be better suited for a physician with a specialty.


From pediatricians and OB/GYNs to medical microbiologists and ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons, there are a lot of medical specialists ready to help diagnose, treat, and prevent any disease or injury you may suffer from, from head to toe.

It wasn't always that way. As far back as the ancient Greeks, physician Hippocrates of Kos is considered the father of modern medicine in the history of medicine and early medical works, but back then, physicians were generalists, helping patients with everything from disease to injury. Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the U.S., and it wasn't until the 1930s when 13 medical specialties were officially recognized in the United States, with boards established to certify qualified medical professionals.


Let's see if you know your anesthesiologist from your urologist, your podiatrist from your psychiatrist, and everything in between.

You have watery eyes, an itchy nose, and hives. Which doctor should you see?
Allergist
Gastroenterologist
Psychiatrist
Surgeon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Allergies are not only uncomfortable, they can be life threatening. Allergists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies, from asthma to other allergic diseases.

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What type of specialist should you see if your excessive snoring is keeping your family awake at night?
Critical Care Specialist
Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist
Sleep Disorders Specialist
Sports Medicine Specialist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A board-certified sleep specialist is a medical doctor who is trained to help people of all ages with sleep-related conditions, from snoring and sleep apnea to insomnia and narcolepsy. It overlaps with several other specialties, including everything from neurology to psychiatry.

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Weight loss for no known reason, fatigue, and lumps may be a sign of cancer. What kind of specialist can help?
Audiologist
Oncologist
Periodontist
Sleep disorders specialist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oncologists are specialists who diagnose and treat tumors and other symptoms of cancer. Oncology has three major areas, ranging from medical and surgical to radiation.

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Which type of doctor should you take your child to if she has a fever, a poor appetite, and is tugging on her ear?
Dermatologist
Geriatrician
Nephrologist
Pediatrician
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fever, ear tugging, and a poor appetite are signs of an ear infection, and as many as three-quarters of American kids will get one by age 3. Pediatricians focus on the physical and mental health of us from birth to young adulthood.

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You've got a positive pregnancy test - congratulations! With what type of doctor should you make your first prenatal appointment?
Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Urologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to carefully watching you during your pregnancy and delivery, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) is who you see for their expertise in female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Obstetricians, specifically, take care of women during pre-conception, pregnancy and just after the baby is born.

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A male with an inability to achieve or sustain an erection, coupled with a reduced interest in sex should visit what type of specialist?
Andrologist
Cardiologist
Neurologist
Orthopedist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Andrologists specialize in male health, particularly the male reproductive system and urological problems. Symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and a reduced interest in sex would fall under this specialty.

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What type of specialist can help if you have pale skin, slow wound healing, and a fast heartbeat?
Audiologist
Hematologist
Podiatrist
Urologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From blood cancers such as leukemia to blood disorders like sickle cell disease, hematologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention, of diseases of the blood.

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Which type of specialist treats gums that are bright red, swollen, and bleed easily?
Immunologist
Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Periodontist
Rheumatologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment, as well as prevention, of periodontal disease, which affects not only the gums but the supportive structures of the teeth. These specialists also treat oral inflammation and are experts in dental implants.

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If you've been having hearing, dizziness and balance problems, which type of specialist can help?
Audiologist
Endocrinologist
Gastroenterologist
Intensivist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An audiologist can manage any hearing, balance, and general ear issues. Audiology is the branch of medicine that studies, diagnoses, and treats hearing, balance, and their related disorders. Diagnostic tests include those such as tympanometry and pure tone audiometry.

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You've had a heart attack - what type of doctor should you see for follow-up treatment?
Anesthesiologist
Cardiologist
Otolaryngologist
Pathologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're having a problem with your cardiovascular system, a cardiologist can help. They have extra training to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

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If you suffer from frequent respiratory infections, wheezing, and general fatigue, what type of doctor can help you catch your breath?
Forensic Psychiatrist
Nuclear Medicine Specialist
Oral and Maxillofavial Surgeon
Pulmonologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A pulmonologist is a specialist in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the lungs, which means they diagnose, treat, and prevent everything from asthma attacks to tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more.

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You notice a new brownish-red mole on your neck. Who should evaluate it?
Critical Care Specialist
Dermatologist
Optometrist
Physical Medicine and Rehab (PM & R)
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The doctor who examines any moles, acne and other skin problems you develop is called a dermatologist. Dermatologists also have special training in diagnosing and treating any problems with skin, hair, and nails.

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You can't sleep, you feel hopeless, and you've lost interest in the things you usually enjoy doing. Who can help you feel better?
Neuroradiologist
Palliative Care Specialist
Perinatologist
Psychiatrist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness. While they can prescribe medication, psychologists cannot.

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Which type of medical doctor can help diagnose and treat your back or neck pain?
Critical Care Specialist
Gynecologic Oncologist
Infectious Disease Specialist
Physiatrist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Physicians who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are known as physiatrists (and they're also called PM&R physicians). You'd visit a physiatrist for the treatment of either acute or chronic pain.

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After having a heart operation, you'll spend some time in the intensive care unit (the ICU). Who will care for you there?
Hepatologist
Intensivist
Medical Toxicologist
Oculoplastic Surgeon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An intensivist is a board-certified medical doctor who has specialized in the care of critically ill patients. Also known as a critical care physician, you'll find these doctors most often in the intensive care unit.

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Your pregnancy with twins has been difficult. Who will care for you and your unborn baby during your high-risk pregnancy?
Occupational Medicine Specialist
Pediatrician
Perinatologist
Plastic Surgeon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A perinatologist is a medical doctor with knowledge in a subspecialty of obstetrics: maternal-fetal medicine. During a high-risk pregnancy, they work with your OB/GYN to diagnose, treat, and prevent any complications.

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What type of physician should you schedule an appointment with for your annual routine physical?
Dermatopathologist
Internist
Interventional Cardiologist
Medical Microbiologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many adults see an internist as their primary care provider (PCP). Doctors of internal medicine can handle everything from your routine physical to treating the disease as well as working with you on care for conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

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There's a bulging bump on the outside of the base of your big toe, and it's red and sore around the joint. Which doctor can treat your bunion?
Cytopathologist
Immunopathologist
Neuro-ophthalmologist
Podiatrist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), also known as a foot and ankle surgeon, studies and treats problems with feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Podiatrists are trained in treating everything from corns and calluses to performing bunionectomies (bunion removal) and more.

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Roughly one in 10 people over the age of 65 have fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms of anemia. Which doctor focuses on senior health?
Consultation-liaison (C-L) Psychiatrist
Craniofacial Surgeon
Geriatrician
Otolaryngologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While internists and family physicians can care for you as you age, a geriatrician specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease in older adults. These doctors have special knowledge in the aging process and are experienced in multiple areas including neurology, psychiatry and rehabilitation medicine.

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Your joints feel stiff, swollen and painful, especially first thing in the morning. Which specialist is trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal diseases, like arthritis?
Critical Care Physician
Endocrinologist
Otologist
Rheumatologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rheumatologists have had special training in diseases that affect joints, muscles, and bones, including autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases.

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You're having swallowing problems with some coughing, hoarseness, and hiccuping. Which type of doctor can help diagnose the problem?
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiologist
Gastroenterologist
Nephrologist
Orthopaedist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to cancer screenings, a gastroenterologist is trained in the prevention and management of diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They specialize in keeping your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the biliary system (which includes the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts) healthy.

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You have sudden pain that begins on the right side of your lower abdomen, a fever of over 100 degrees F, and you've been vomiting. Who should treat you?
Emergency Doctor
Medical Geneticist
Neurophysiologist
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Life-threatening emergencies, like appendicitis, require an emergency physician, who is trained in everything from advanced cardiac life support and resuscitation to trauma care such as broken bones. Emergency doctors work in the emergency department; if you're admitted to the hospital, another physician takes over your care.

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You're feeling fatigued, and you've noticed you have foamy urine and ammonia-smelling breath. Who can treat your symptoms?
Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Nephrologist
Neuroradiologis
Palliative Care Specialist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Specifically, it's a nephrologist who treats kidney (also known as renal) disease, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Typically, symptoms of kidney disease can be hard to recognize without a doctor's examination.

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You've been feeling joint pain, noticing some hair loss, and you have a rash in the shape of a butterfly across your cheeks and nose. It's time to call which doctor for treatment?
Anesthesiologist
Forensic Psychiatrist
Immunologist
Preventive Medicine Physician
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The immune system is the body's defense against disease. But sometimes it attacks the body instead, causing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Immunologists are trained to diagnose and treat not just autoimmune diseases but also immune deficiencies, hypersensitivities, and organ transplant rejection.

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Frequent, sudden urges to urinate that you can't control have you in the bathroom more than eight times a day and up all night. Which doctor specializes in bladder problems?
Dermatopathologist
Neurotologist
Radiologist
Urologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A urologist is a physician who specializes in keeping your genitourinary tract healthy. This comprises of the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands, as well as the urethra and the male reproductive organs. Most commonly, patients often include those with urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems.

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Chronic sinusitis is a common health complaint among Americans. Which physician can help you feel better?
Cytopathologist
Family Practice Physician
Neuroradiologist
Otolaryngologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Otolaryngology, which is the treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and related parts of your head and neck, has the honor of being the oldest medical specialty in the U.S. Otolaryngologists practice both medicine and surgery.

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In addition to seeing "halos" around lights, your vision has become clouded, and it's increasingly difficulty to see at night. Which type of doctor specializes in eye health?
Endocrinologist
Hepatologist
Neurologist
Ophthalmologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unlike optometrists, who are doctors of optometry and focus on regular vision car, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have specialized in eye and vision care. Although they're trained to perform your basic eye exam, they are also able to prescribe medications and perform surgery. In fact, cataract removal is the most commonly performed procedure.

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Although a certified technologist may perform the test, what type of doctor "reads" the results of a mammogram or MRI?
Pain Specialist
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Physician
Radiologist
Transfusiologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Radiologists are medical doctors who have specialized in diagnosing and treating disease and injury through the use of medical imaging techniques, and that means tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound among others.

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You've been feeling cold, constipated, and you've been gaining weight. Who can treat your hypothyroidism?
Blood Bank Specialist
Endocrinologist
Geneticist
Sports Medicine Doctor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Endocrinology is the study of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system of glands and organs that make and control hormones. These doctors specialize in disorders including diabetes, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands among other conditions.

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From slips and trips to repetitive strain injury on the job, who is trying to prevent and treat on-the-job injuries?
Head and Neck Radiologist
Infectious Disease Specialist
Medical Toxicologist
Occupational Medicine Physician
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Occupational medicine physicians deal with the prevention and treatment of job-related injuries and illnesses. OEM physicians' focus on health and safety in the workplace means they work with not only employees but businesses, insurers, regulators, and public health officials.

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You've been feeling especially tired and you've had some pain and discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen. Which doctor can treat your symptoms?
Hematologist
Hepatologist
Otologist
Pathologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hepatologists diagnose and treat disorders of the liver, as well as the gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. They manage problems from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatitis and liver cancer.

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Which doctor can help when you have severe pain in the back of the ankle, difficulty standing on your toes, and difficulty walking?
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Physician
Dermatopathologist
Rheumatologist
Sports Medicine Physician
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These physicians and surgeons specialize in addressing issues associated with athletics, including not only injuries, such as to your Achilles Tendon, but nutrition, sports psychology, and substance abuse. They also advise professional and amateur athletes on injury prevention.

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Which type of doctor can you expect to care for your premature newborn baby while in the hospital?
Hospitalist
Neonatologist
Neurotologist
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Neonatologists care for newborn infants, in particular those who are premature. Often you'll find this type of physician in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they treat newborns with conditions such as breathing disorders, birth defects, and infections.

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You've been experiencing symptoms that include losing consciousness, followed by confusion and sleepiness. Which type of specialist can diagnose and treat your seizures?
Cytopathologist
Medical Physicist
Neurologist
Palliative Medical Specialist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A neurologist is a doctor who has specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. These doctors treat everything from migraines to seizures to memory problems.

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Many people have a slight curve in their spine, but yours is more like an "S" - which doctor can help straighten you out?
Informaticist
Neuroradiologist
Orthopaedist
Pediatrician
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An orthopaedist is trained to diagnose, correct, and prevent deformities, diseases, and injuries that happen to bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves of the musculoskeletal system. This may occur through the use of braces, casts, and depending on the need, surgery.

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