Who is NOT typically considered a healthcare provider?

The role of a healthcare provider is defined by the direct participation in the delivery of medical services, patient care, or treatment. A computer programmer does not engage in these activities; instead, their work primarily involves designing, coding, and maintaining software systems. They may support healthcare delivery systems by developing software applications that assist healthcare professionals, but they do not provide direct patient care or medical services.

In contrast, a physician assistant and a dental hygienist are both involved in direct patient care. Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians to diagnose and treat patients, while dental hygienists focus on oral health, providing preventative care and education to patients. A social worker, while not a traditional healthcare provider in a medical sense, still plays a crucial role in helping patients navigate the healthcare system, providing counseling, and addressing social and emotional needs related to health care. Therefore, the distinction lies in the direct provision of healthcare services, which is why the computer programmer is not considered a healthcare provider.