Don’t Be Afraid of the Nurse Practitioner

If you try to book an appointment with a doctor—especially around busy times like the holidays—you might end up seeing a nurse practitioner or physician assistant instead. These professionals have less training than doctors, but can still provide great care.

Dr. David Scales explains the difference over at WBUR’s CommonHealth. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can provide much of the same basic care as a doctor, while often having more time to spend with you. If your ailment is straightforward, there’s no need to insist on an MD:

You might think [NPs’ and PAs’ lesser education requirement] proves that you should always ask to see the doctor, but that’s not borne out by the evidence. In fact, most studies suggest athat the care you get from NPs or PAs is indistinguishable from physician care in the outpatient setting, in the hospital and possibly in the intensive care unit and emergency room, though there is less data in the latter two settings.

In certain circumstances, you might be better off seeing an NP or PA. In one study, the patients who saw NPs in an outpatient clinic said they were more satisfied compared to those seeing physicians, perhaps in part because their visits with NPs were usually longer.

NPs also tend to have more of a focus on education. They can receive extra certification to be a nurse educator for conditions like diabetes or asthma. That educational component is also what drives some people to the profession. “My identity is a nurse — I’m an advanced practice nurse — but I will always be a nurse,” Crawford said.

Seeing the PA or NP can also streamline your care. For example, a CAT scan, X-rays or even some small procedures can be scheduled after a visit with a mid-level provider, helping you save months waiting to see a physician specialist.

That said, it’s always okay to ask for a second opinion, especially if your condition is life-threatening or a suggested treatment is risky. Read more on the difference between these professionals at the link below, including some tips on when and how to request a doctor.

When It’s OK to See a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant—and When It’s Not | WBUR

Photo by OnCall Team.

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