The information on this page is meant to clear up some of the confusion surrounding all the initials that might appear behind your health care provider's name. Resources linked at the end of this article should help you find more specific answers to questions you may have.

What is the difference between a DO and an MD?

A Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO or Osteopath) generally have the same educational background and length of study. Both are required to complete an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school and then a residency program. A residency program is done in the area of specialty chosen by the physician, such as surgery, gynecology or psychiatry. All physicians must then pass state licensure requirements and examinations.

Osteopathic medicine is dedicated to treating and healing the patient as a whole, rather than focusing on one system or body part. An osteopath will often use a treatment method called manipulation–-a hands-on approach to ensure that the body is moving freely. Osteopaths hold to the principle that a patient's history of illness and physical trauma are written into the body's structure. The osteopath's job is to "set" the body to heal itself.

Over the years, the gap between "conventional" medicine and osteopathic medicine has narrowed, as MDs have embraced many of the premises of osteopathic medicine, such as recognizing the effect of stress on the immune system or the influence of posture on various body systems. In addition, DOs have incorporated the diagnostic and treatment techniques common to conventional medicine.

In the end, it really becomes a matter of personal preference. The determination about which doctor to see should depend more on the person's skill, professionalism and personality than on the initials behind his or her name.

What is the difference between an NP and a PA?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are nurses with graduate training. They can serve as primary care providers in family medicine (FNP), pediatrics (PNP), adult care (ANP) or geriatrics (GNP). Others are trained to address women's health care (common concerns and routine screenings) and family planning.

The NP is allowed to provide a broad range of health care services. Some NPs work in clinics without doctor supervision, and others work with doctors as a joint health care team. Their scope of practice and authority depends on state laws. For example, some states allow nurse practitioners to write prescriptions, while other states do not.

A physician assistant (PA) can provide a wide range of services in collaboration with a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy. PAs practice in a variety of settings in nearly every medical and surgical specialty area. The majority (45%) of them practice within primary care areas, with 28% in family practice. Other common practice areas are general surgery and emergency medicine. PAs may practice in any setting in which a physician provides care, allowing the doctor to focus skills and knowledge on specific things.

Talk to friends and family about health care providers they recommend. Perhaps your current health care provider can even make some recommendations. Nurses in your doctor's office or at your local hospital might be able to offer recommendations, since they often work with several health care providers.

What is the difference between a PT and an OT?

Physical therapy (PT) is a health-related profession that helps people with medical problems, diseases, injuries and other health-related conditions.

PT helps people to physically move their bodies and be active in their day-to-day lives. Depending upon individual needs, a physical therapy session may involve exercise, balance activities, training on walking and transferring from one place to another, massage, the use of heat or cold, or other techniques that improve movement.

Occupational therapy (OT) also helps people with medical problems, diseases, injuries or other health-related conditions.

OT helps people be independent in activities that are important to them in their day-to-day lives. Depending upon individual needs, an occupational therapy session may involve exercise, home assessments, leisure education, equipment and device training, education for family members and caregivers, or other purposeful activities that increase one's ability to live independently.

For More Information

• For a glossary of varied and generic health-related terms, visit the United States Department of Health and Human Services: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/diction.shtml

• For an explanation of health related medical specialties, visit the National Library of Medicine - Medical Encyclopedia: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001933.htm.