Glossary · Care and services
What is a specialist?
A physician specialist focuses on a specific area of medicine or group of patients. A non-physician specialist has more training in a specific area of health care.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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Specialist: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Access in an HMO or POS plan | Usually a referral from your primary care doctor | HealthCare.gov glossary: Referral |
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What does specialist mean in health insurance?
A physician specialist focuses on a specific area of medicine or group of patients. A non-physician specialist has more training in a specific area of health care.