Treatment (medicine), the process of caring for a patient with an illness or injury. Medical treatment can be performed by various health care professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists. It is often divided into three phases: diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up.
The first step in medical treatment is to obtain a history and perform a physical examination. This information helps to determine the cause of the illness or injury and to formulate a plan of care. The next step is to order diagnostic tests, which may include laboratory tests, x-rays, or other imaging studies. Based on the results of these tests, a diagnosis is made and treatment is initiated.
Therapy may involve the use of medications, surgery, or other therapies such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Sometimes more than one type of therapy is necessary. Follow-up care is important to monitor the progress of the illness or injury and to make sure that the treatment plan is working.