[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by Mack184

I wanted to make a point about how you classed the PA vs. a "REAL" doctor. NPs & PAs are not the medical version of shade-tree mechanics. These people have very serious education and experiential backgrounds. Most states require either a long experience as a nurse, at least an MS and in some cases a PhD or all of the above.

Over the years I don't know how many times my wife has pulled a new 'REAL" doctor's onions out of the fire because he prescribed something that he shouldn't have because he lacked the experience that she had.

Do you need a heart stent? Yep..you should see a really good cardiologist. Need basic medical care? There are many, many fine NPs & PAs who are better set to help you.

As always..choose the right tool for the right job!

mack - i used to share your opinion of pa/np since i was seen by a pa in the villages last year and the diagnosis was spot on - problem was a relatively common one.

but then i recently went to my personal physician here at home and was seen by his 'well experienced' np. she diagnosed arthritis flare up when, in fact, it was an occurence of the same problem i had in the villages. good thing that i knew what it was and could diagnose and explain to her what it was! bottom line, i asked for the script based on the prior occurence and she wrote it!

good and bad/smart and smarter wherever we go - can't be helped. i have always remembered my father's advice - doctor's only practice medicine - be careful who you let practice on you!

back on target with this thread - tvrh would do well to implement extended hours at their urgent care faciity and shuttle patients that come to the e.r. but can be seen at the u.c. center.