Table of Contents
- Overview
- Prevention
An ophthalmologist is a doctor with special training in diagnosing and treating eye problems. This type of doctor might be asked to see a baby who has birth defects of the eye.
An ophthalmologist will look at the inside of the baby's eye, which can diagnose
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving bones. This type of doctor might be asked to see a baby who has birth defects of the arms or legs, hip dislocation (dysplasia), or fractures of the bones. To see the bones, orthopedic surgeons might order ultrasounds or x-rays. If needed, they can perform surgery or place casts.
OSTOMY NURSE
An ostomy nurse is a nurse with special training in the care of skin wounds and openings in the belly area through which the end of the intestine or the collecting system of the kidney stick out. Such an opening is called an ostomy. Ostomies are the result of surgery needed to treat many intestinal problems, such as necrotizing enterocolitis. In some cases, ostomy nurses are consulted to help care for complicated wounds.
OTOLARYNGOLOGIST/EAR NOSE THROAT (ENT) SPECIALIST
An otolaryngologist is also called an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. This is a doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the ear, nose, throat, and airways. This type of doctor might be asked to see a baby who has problems with breathing or a blockage of the nose.
OCCUPATIONAL/PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (OT/PT)
Occupational and physical therapists (OT/PT) are professionals with advanced training in working with infants with developmental needs. This work includes neurobehavioral assessments (postural tone, reflexes, movement patterns, and responses to handling). In addition, the OT/PT professionals will help determine a baby's nipple-feeding readiness and oral-motor skills. These types of health care providers might also be asked to provide family education and support.
PATHOLOGIST
A pathologist is a doctor with special training in laboratory testing and examination of body tissues. They supervise the laboratory where many medical tests are performed. They also examine tissues under the microscope that are obtained during a surgery or an autopsy.
PEDIATRICIAN
A pediatrician is a doctor with special training in the care of infants and children. This type of doctor might be asked to see a baby in the NICU, but is usually the primary care provider for a healthy newborn. A pediatrician also provides primary care for most babies after they leave the NICU.
PHLEBOTOMIST
Review Date: 12/05/2009
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Neil K.
Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics,
University of Washington School of Medicine.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
