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It's a nurse practitioner. There are many nursing degrees, some are advanced without being an NP. My husband goes to one clinic and in the past he sometimes saw the NP in that office. She eventually retired, but she was excellent at what she did and we preferred her to the doctors. But I agree...no exam and no urine test in that case would be totally unprofessional.
I have had nothing but good experiences with NP's and PA's. They have all been professional and competent, giving me a thorough examination with correct diagnoses and prescriptions. In fact, the first time I was ever told about antibiotics and BC pills was by a PA. I was 29. Obviously I already knew the info, but no DR ever bothered to mention it. Just something I found interesting...
Thanks JanND. I did file a complaint and had the opportunity to speak with her supervising doctor during my appointment. Hopefully she'll just be reminded that she needs to consult with him before she prescribes medicine to patients without first testing or diagnosing them. But yeah, I'll see the doctor first next time even if I have to wait. I'm glad to hear that you've had positive experiences with nurses. I was wrong to throw the whole nursing profession under the bus with this rant thread as there are good nurses out there.
You keep talking about a "supervising doctor". Unlike the Physician's Assistant.. who works under direct supervision of a MD and works under a MD license, NP's work independently on their own nursing license and can directly/ independently bill Medicare.
You keep talking about a "supervising doctor". Unlike the Physician's Assistant.. who works under direct supervision of a MD and works under a MD license, NP's work independently on their own nursing license and can directly/ independently bill Medicare.
It depends on the state. About 32 states do require physician supervision.
You think if you're on Medicare, you can just start going to a different doctor?
Actually, you can, but your comments weren't in reference to that. Your comments referred to what you deemed "unnecesary procedures" in the ER, where you and your entire health history are basically unknown. Had your personal MD called or met you at the ER, those tests might have been avoided. You be sweet and stay healthy!
It depends on the state. About 32 states do require physician supervision.
agreed, many states require supervision. I used to verify this information in a previous auditing job. It's amazing how many offices/clinics don't have a good system to keep track of their licensed staff.
After reading this thread, and a few others, I have to say that I am quite surprised of the polarized opinions about the quality of healthcare that mid-level practioners provide. I am not sure if those of you who feel negatively have just encountered a few bad apples or if PA's/NP's are truly incompetent healthcare providers.
I am currently on the path to becoming a PA. I only need to complete a few more pre-req classes and then I can begin the application process. However, the views and opinions in this thread and others are quite troubling and somewhat off-putting. I wouldn't want to immediately be sized up the moment I walk into an exam room because I am a PA, not a MD. I think some of the best medical practitioners of whatever level, or just smart people in general, know what they don't know...and I would be happy to see that my NP/PA is seeking the advice of their supervising MD rather than making an "educated guess."
Anyhow, I just needed to say my piece...I hope I am making the right career decision.
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