Service Definitions
The search system allows you to look for seven different types of services, but these may be hard to understand. This page will help you determine what service you need.
Of course, you might want to discuss your healthcare needs (in general terms) when you call the provider to set up an appointment to make sure that the site has what you need. Providers may change the services they offer without updating their information on this website, or providers may classify their services slightly differently than the guidelines below. . The definitions below are a general guide and you want to be sure that you can get what you need when you visit.
If after reviewing this list you are not sure where you should go, start with a comprehsnsive primary care provider.
The seven types of services included in this system are
- Comprehensive primary care
- Limited primary care
- Specialty care
- Dental care
- Behavioral health
- Pharmacy
- Enabling/other
Each is described in more detail below.
1. Comprehensive Primary Care
Comprehensive Primary Care describes providers (including doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others) that offer a complete set of primary care services, including prevention, acute, and chronic care management. They typically offer at least 30 hours of care in their offices each week. Community health centers typically offer this kind of care. Most people who "just want to go to the doctor" are looking for this level.2. Limited Primary Care
Limited Primary Care describes providers (including doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others) that offer only a few primary care services. Health departments typically offer this kind of care. Possible services include things like- Immunizations
- Family planning (birth control)
- HIV/AIDS testing and counseling
- Home health
- Prenatal care
- School health
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and counseling
- Tuberculosis (TB) testing
- Well-child care (annual check-ups for children)
3. Specialty Care
Specialty Care refers to providers, typically doctors, who offer specialized services not in primary care. These may include- Allergy
- Cardiology (heart)
- Dermatology (skin)
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Gynecology
- Labor and delivery
- Neurology
- Optometry/ophthalmology (eyes)
- Otolaryngology (ear nose and throat)
- Pediatric specialty
- Podiatry (feet)
- Post-partum (care for the mother after birth)
- Prenatal (care for pregnant women)
- Radiology (X-rays and similar imaging like MRIs and CAT scans)
- Urgent care
4. Dental Care
Dental Care includes providers who treat your teeth. This may include prevention, the typical 6-month checkup, or filling cavities.5. Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health includes providers who treat mental health and substance abuse issues. Common services include- Alcohol dependency (addiction)
- Anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention deficit disorder and disruptive behavior disorders
- Crisis intervention
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Developmental disabilities
- Drug dependency
- Psychosis
