Provider Explanation

Please note that the purpose of these descriptions is to educate patients and web site visitors about the different types of healthcare providers they could encounter during their visit to Wichita Clinic. If you are interested in specific job descriptions and educational requirements for these types of medical positions please visit our Careers section or contact Human Resources at (316) 689-9294.

Physicians

Dentist (DDS): Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems with teeth or mouth tissue. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. They provide instruction on dental care. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Ophthalmologist (MD): Ophthalmologists are physicians who perform eye surgery, as well as diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries.

Optometrist (OD): Optometrists provide most primary vision care. They examine peoples’ eyes to diagnose vision problems, eye diseases and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Physicians and Surgeons (MD and DO): Physicians and surgeons diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet and preventive health care.

There are two types of physicians: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). An M.D. is also known as an Allopathic Physician. While both the M.D. and D.O. may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, a D.O. places special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine and holistic patient care.

Podiatrist (DPM): A Podiatrist, also known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) diagnoses and treats disorders, diseases and injuries of the foot and lower leg. To treat these problems Podiatrists prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures and perform surgeries.

Providers

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP): An ARNP practices medicine under the supervision of Physicians and Surgeons. An ARNP is formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive health care services as delegated by a physician.

Aesthetician: An Aesthetician treats the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance using specialized techniques and products. This professional also refers patients to physicians for treatment of serious skin problems.

Audiologist (MA, CCC-A): An Audiologist works with individuals of all ages to identify and help manage those with the symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory, balance and sensory related neural problems.

Dietitian or Nutritionist (RD, LD): A Dietitian or Nutritionist plans food and nutritional programs. They help to prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications.

Physician Assistant (PA): A Physician Assistant (PA) practices medicine under the supervision of Physicians and Surgeons. A PA is formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive health care services as delegated by a Physician.

Medical Support Staff

Dental Assistant: A Dental Assistant provides administrative and medical preparation for dental appointments, assists the Dentist during appointments and handles some instruction of basic dental care.

Dental Hygienist: A Dental Hygienist provides preventative dental care such as removing stains, plaque and applying fluoride treatments. This professional sometimes works alongside the Dentist during treatment. A Dental Hygienist also helps patients develop and maintain good oral health.

Lab Technologist/Phlebotomist: A Technologist performs the lab testing ordered by health care providers. A Phlebotomist is trained in specimen collection techniques including venipuncture, arterial puncture and fingersticks.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A Licensed Practical Nurse assists with basic medical care and takes vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration under the direction of Physicians and Registered Nurses.

Medical Assistant (MA): A Medical Assistant shows patients to examination rooms and prepares them for the Physician. This professional records patients' medical history, vital statistics and assists Physicians with the examination and treatment of patients. A MA helps explain Physician instructions to patients and can provide prescription information to pharmacies.

Optician: A Dispensing Optician fits and recommends eyeglasses and contact lenses following prescriptions written by Ophthalmologists or Optometrists. Opticians teach proper insertion, removal and care of contact lenses.

Pharmacist (RPh): A Pharmacist must be licensed to practice pharmaceutical science. A Pharmacist distributes drugs prescribed by Physicians and other health practitioners and provides information to patients about medications and their usage. This professional advises Physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of medications.

Pharmacy Aide: A Pharmacy Aide helps licensed Pharmacists with administrative and clerical duties in running a pharmacy. The Pharmacy Aide refers any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information or health matters to a Pharmacist.

Pharmacy Technician: A Pharmacy Technician helps licensed Pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. A Technician refers any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information or health matters to a Pharmacist.

Radiology Technician: A Radiological Technologists or Technician prepares patients for taking x-rays. They are also responsible for operating much of the radiology equipment.

Registered Nurse (RN): A Registered Nurse (RN) performs basic duties that include treating and educating patients about various medical conditions, recording patients’ medical histories and symptoms and providing advice and emotional support to patients and family members.

Immediate Care

Wichita Clinic offers urgent care on a walk-in basis to treat minor emergencies.

East Wichita
3311 E. Murdock – (316) 689-9107
Mon – Fri 8 am – 8 pm
Sat 9 am – 6 pm
Sun Noon – 6 pm
Holidays – See Immediate Care page

West Wichita
13213 W. 21st St. N – (316) 946-1789
Mon – Fri 5 pm – 8 pm
Sat 9 am – 5 pm
Sun Noon – 5 pm
Holidays – See Immediate Care page

Newton
700 Medical Center Dr. – (316) 284-5011
Mon, Tue, Thu 5 pm – 8 pm
Sat 9 am –Noon

Wichita Clinic News

Wichita Clinic Presents Check to CASA of Sedgwick County

Innes Appointed as Member of Kansas Committee on Applicants

Capper Presents Check to Empowering Haiti

Events

There will be a free vein screening at Wichita Clinic Northeast on Wednesday, May 21st from 3 to 6 pm. Schedule your screening time by calling (316) 609-4440.

Wichita Clinic Diabetes Education Classes are offered in a two day format, Mondays and Thursdays each week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Wichita Clinic offers Shapedown classes! Classes meet once a week on Thursdays at Wichita Clinic Northeast from 6-8pm. Shapedown classes are for families with overweight children, where parental involvement is part of the class. For additional information about Shapedown or to sign up please e-mail Wichita Clinic at shapedown@wichitaclinic.com or contact Jill Brandt at (316) 609-4448.

3311 E. Murdock, Wichita, KS 67208 – (316) 689-9111

Wichita Clinic is a tobacco-free organization. Smoking and the use of all tobacco products is prohibited inside buildings and on all properties.

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