Physician

Dr. Duane Teerink, D.O.

Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Scope of practice: Offers or undertakes to diagnose, cure, advise, or prescribe for any human disease, ailment, injury, infirmity, deformity, pain or other condition, physical or mental, real or imaginary, by any means or instrumentality;

A Physician, or Doctor, is responsible for providing expert medical care to patients with a range of potential illnesses, injuries or disabilities. Their duties include conducting routine physical examinations on patients, referring patients to medical specialists or counseling services and prescribing patients medications based on their condition.

Physicians undertake a variety of responsibilities in their efforts to help patients. A Physician performs many duties, including the following:

• Respond to patients’ medical issues by starting with their history
• Order radiology and laboratory tests and refer patients to specialists when necessary
• Analyze reports, examinations and test results to accurately diagnose patients, as well as present treatment options
• Discuss and explain treatments and medication thoroughly with patients, advising them of all the side effects and making sure that all allergy information is current before prescribing any medication or treatment
• Advise patients on lifestyle and diet changes that could help improve their health or treat the health problem they have
• Follow all departmental policies and procedures
• Keep up-to-date with medical procedures, developments, treatments and available medication
• Comply with federal and state privacy laws, always respecting a patient’s confidentiality