Ava is having trouble with an itchy rash on her skin. She mentions it to her doctor, who prescribes a steroid cream. Unfortunately, this does not seem to clear up Ava’s issue. Her doctor suggests that Ava see a dermatologist who might have a better idea how to treat the rash. In this situation, what healthcare role is the dermatologist filling?

Answer 1

In this situation, the dermatologist is filling the role of a specialist in healthcare. After Ava's primary care doctor assessed her condition and prescribed a treatment that did not work, referring her to a dermatologist allows for more specialized evaluation and management of her skin condition. Dermatologists have advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating skin issues, which is why they are often consulted for conditions like rashes that may require more focused care.