Don’t Be Afraid of the Nurse Practitioner
If you try to make an appointment with your doctor – especially during busy times such as holidays – you might see a nurse practitioner or paramedic instead. These specialists are less trained than doctors, but they can still be of great help.
Dr. David Scales explains the difference in WBUR’s CommonHealth. Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Paramedics (PA) can provide most of the same basic care as a doctor, but often have more time to spend with you. If you have a simple illness, there is no need to insist on seeing a doctor:
You might think [less PA and PA formation] proves that you should always see a doctor, but this is not supported by the evidence. In fact, most studies suggest that the care you get from NP or PA is indistinguishable from outpatient , hospital, and possibly intensive care and emergency care , although there is less evidence for the latter two.
In certain circumstances, it may be better for you to meet with an IR or PM. In one study, patients who followed NP in an outpatient clinic said they were more satisfied than those who saw a doctor, possibly in part because their NP visits tended to be longer.
IRs also tend to place more emphasis on education. They can get an additional certificate to work as a nurse educator for diseases such as diabetes or asthma. This educational component is also the driving force behind some people in the profession. “I’m a nurse — I’m an advanced nurse — but I’ll always be a nurse,” Crawford said.
A PA or NP visit can also make your treatment easier. For example, CT scans, X-rays, or even some minor procedures may be scheduled after your visit to your mid-level provider, saving you months waiting for your specialist visit.
However, you can always ask for a second opinion, especially if your condition is life-threatening or the proposed treatment is risky. Find out more about the differences between these professionals at the link below, including some tips on when and how to see a doctor.
When to Visit a Nurse Practitioner or Paramedic, and When Not | WBUR
Photo by OnCall Team .
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