[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Unlike some others, I don't particularly have a problem being seen by a P.A. or APRN for routine doctor visits. This is the trend in many (most?) other areas of the country. In my experience they're quite capable of handling the routine stuff such as annual physicals, annoying rashes, the occasional bug, etc. They're supervised by MDs so it is a safe assumption that they'll be consulting with their supervisor if anything well out of the ordinary pops up.

Kudos to the APRN who sees me. She picked up on some symptoms as part of my annual physical, ordered some follow-up tests that confirmed a mass in my bladder, then pulled some strings to get me in to an excellent urologist w/minimal wait time for the appointment. Cancer was confirmed and subsequently removed. Due to her efforts it was caught and removed very early and right now the outlook is excellent. I doubt that things would have gone as well had I been seen by the MD who supervises her.

I don't have a problem with PAs and nurses, but the insurance payment should be less than for a physician.