Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor

[retiredguy123]

I went to the Urgent Care in Brownwood last week with a broken toe. A young woman nurse practitioner came into the exam room. I had to ask for her name and title and then she only gave me her first name. She spent most of the time on a laptop after which she glanced at my toe and told me to wrap the toe with tape. I had to ask her to do that for me and to give me a small amount of tape to take home. She offered to order an xray, but did not express any opinion about whether it was necessary. This woman obviously had no interest in learning anything about the practice of medicine. I believe a young doctor would have identified herself by title and last name, and would have done everything that I had to ask this nurse practitioner to do. A young doctor would have been eager to help and to learn something. Am I wrong?

[graciegirl]

I went to the Urgent Care in Brownwood last week with a broken toe. A young woman nurse practitioner came into the exam room. I had to ask for her name and title and then she only gave me her first name. She spent most of the time on a laptop after which she told me to wrap the toe with tape. I had to ask her to do that for me and to give me a small amount of tape to take home. She offered to order an xray, but did not express any opinion about whether it was necessary. This woman obviously had no interest in learning anything about the practice of medicine. I believe a young doctor would have identified herself by title and last name, and would have done everything that I had to ask this nurse practitioner to do. A young doctor would have been eager to help and to learn something. Am I wrong?

Yes.

broken toe when to see a doctor - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=broken+toe+when+to+see+a+doctor&FORM=R5FD)

Nurse practitioner - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nurse_practitioner)

[Mrs. Robinson]

I went to the Urgent Care in Brownwood last week with a broken toe. A young woman nurse practitioner came into the exam room. I had to ask for her name and title and then she only gave me her first name. She spent most of the time on a laptop after which she glanced at my toe and told me to wrap the toe with tape. I had to ask her to do that for me and to give me a small amount of tape to take home. She offered to order an xray, but did not express any opinion about whether it was necessary. This woman obviously had no interest in learning anything about the practice of medicine. I believe a young doctor would have identified herself by title and last name, and would have done everything that I had to ask this nurse practitioner to do. A young doctor would have been eager to help and to learn something. Am I wrong?

An emphatic No! You are not wrong!!!

Any medical professional coming in a room to treat/examine you should always identify who they are. She also should have had on a badge with her information on the badge.
For all you know, she could have been a cleaning woman!

In addition, since you went there for professional medical care, either you or your insurance company is being billed and you definitely should have been treated and not told what to do.
As far as the laptop goes, she was probably entering your information in their system.

I wouldn't let that situation go without expressing your disappointment regarding the way in which you were handled.
Call them and talk to the "boss."

[manaboutown]

You got passed off to a NP. No good! You should have seen an MD, an orthopaedic physician or a podiatrist.

The last time I was in TV I had a respiratory bug and went to urgent care. Never saw a real MD, just a couple of NPs or whatever who were not native English speakers which troubled me. I got better but was ready to get out of Dodge to see a real physician if necessary. Scary!

They also billed the crap out of my insurance which paid even for an unnecessary chest X-ray.

[Marathon Man]

A broken toe does not need a doctor, an x-ray, or any special care. You wrap it with tape and six weeks later it's healed. I broke a toe a year ago. I went to Walgreens for tape, in my sandals, and it healed up just fine.

I am seeing on this thread what I feel is some over-reaction.

[schrdr]

Had nothing but bad experiences with 441 Urgent Care at multiple locations. Both locations we visited were staffed by young unexperienced, Nurse Practitioner with horrible snarky attitudes. I now found an excellent Urgent Care facility staffed by an MD who specializes in Emergency Medicine who spent almost an hour with us. I wont go anywhere else.

[graciegirl]

Had nothing but bad experiences with 441 Urgent Care at multiple locations. Both locations we visited were staffed by young unexperienced, Nurse Practitioner with horrible snarky attitudes. I now found an excellent Urgent Care facility staffed by an MD who specializes in Emergency Medicine who spent almost an hour with us. I wont go anywhere else.

Nurse Practioners hold either a masters degree in nursing or a doctorate.

Requirements to Become A Nurse Practitioner | 2017 NurseJournal.org (https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/what-to-know-to-become-a-nurse-practitioner/)

[MSGirl]

I have found Nurse Practioners to be very caring..more involved than some doctors.

[Fredman]

Nurse practitioners have doctorate degrees

[CFrance]

Had nothing but bad experiences with 441 Urgent Care at multiple locations. Both locations we visited were staffed by young unexperienced, Nurse Practitioner with horrible snarky attitudes. I now found an excellent Urgent Care facility staffed by an MD who specializes in Emergency Medicine who spent almost an hour with us. I wont go anywhere else.
What is the name and location of the Urgent Care facility staffed by an MD?

I have been misdiagnosed by an NP twice. I won't be seen by one if I know how to avoid it.

[Nucky]

What is the name and location of the Urgent Care facility staffed by an MD?

I have been misdiagnosed by an NP twice. I won't be seen by one if I know how to avoid it.

Me to. I told them I could hardly hear because of a head cold but they kept saying my testicles were black and suggested a massage. I said what the hell do I need a massage for I just want to know if my test results are back. Sorry!

The NP'S at Santa Barbara have treated us well so far and saved the day this past Saturday. So far so great.

[Wiotte]

Me to. I told them I could hardly hear because of a head cold but they kept saying my testicles were black and suggested a massage. I said what the hell do I need a massage for I just want to know if my test results are back. Sorry!



The NP'S at Santa Barbara have treated us well so far and saved the day this past Saturday. So far so great.



Lol [emoji51]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dotti105]

There are excellent MDs and lousy MDs, there are excellent PAs and lousy PAs, just as there are excellent NPs and lousy NPs.

In my experience, the NPs we have seen have had excellent bedside manner and diagnostic skills. Because they were first bedside RNs, they usually have excellent communication skills and are trained to treat the entire person, not just the symptoms.

Nurse Practitioners hold a Masters Degree, as a minimum, after years of experience as a RN. Many do continue their education and hold Doctorate Degrees.

You also must realize that the attitude of the patient, including any disrespect, will affect the attitude of the care provider. Communication with a care provider is a two way street. The patient has to express their concerns, ask appropriate questions and if not satisfied, should continue to ask for more information and for terms to be explained that you do not understand.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience, But with a broken toe, your treatment would have probably been the same if you were seen by an MD or a PA.

[graciegirl]

I read this but still find it confusing;

Nurse Practitioner Vs. Physician Assistant | 2017 NurseJournal.org (https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-vs-physician-assistants/)

[stan the man]

NP can write prescriptions , for one thing.

[NotGolfer]

I once waited 3 hrs in an ER with my 3 yr old who'd badly stubbed his great toe (it was broken) only to be told by the doctor (back then they didn't have NP) that all they could do is wrap it. That he should wear a sturdy shoe and it would heal on it's own. To this day his toe is crooked. Our daughter has broken a couple of her toes as an adult and it was the same for her.

[graciegirl]

I once waited 3 hrs in an ER with my 3 yr old who'd badly stubbed his great toe (it was broken) only to be told by the doctor (back then they didn't have NP) that all they could do is wrap it. That he should wear a sturdy shoe and it would heal on it's own. To this day his toe is crooked. Our daughter has broken a couple of her toes as an adult and it was the same for her.

When I stopped drinking my broken toes stopped happening.

[MSGirl]

Nurse practitioners have doctorate degrees

Not all. A Masters degree is required

[Carla B]

I read this but still find it confusing;

Nurse Practitioner Vs. Physician Assistant | 2017 NurseJournal.org (https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-vs-physician-assistants/)

Thanks for the article. I supposed that the NP has more medical education than a PA but maybe that's not true. I still don't understand what educational background the PA has to have. Could an English major become a PA?

[Schaumburger]

Thanks for the article. I supposed that the NP has more medical education than a PA but maybe that's not true. I still don't understand what educational background the PA has to have. Could an English major become a PA?

My oldest niece graduated from the PA program at Duke last year. She is now working in the ER at a hospital near Durham, NC. Her Bachelor's Degree was in Biology, and after getting her Bachelor's in Biology she worked in a hospital in Madison, WI for 2 years before going to Duke. She said most of her classmates at Duke had some kind of medical/hospital background (nursing, lab work, etc.). From what my niece has told me, you have to have a pretty strong science background as an undergraduate to get admitted into a PA program. So an English major would probably have to take that into consideration -- getting a double major in a science field if they wanted to get into a PA program.

At Duke, the first year PA program is mostly classroom. The second year is almost entirely working with patients in various part of a hospital or clinic. In her second year at Duke, my niece spent 5 months at a clinic in a medically underserved area of western North Carolina and 6 weeks working in a hospital in Tanzania, in addition to her clinicals in a couple of hospitals in the Durham area.

[784caroline]

What is the name and location of the Urgent Care facility staffed by an MD?

I have been misdiagnosed by an NP twice. I won't be seen by one if I know how to avoid it.

Urgent care in Lake Sumter Landing near Winn-Dixie is staffed with an MD.

[retiredguy123]

My oldest niece graduated from the PA program at Duke last year. She is now working in the ER at a hospital near Durham, NC. Her Bachelor's Degree was in Biology, and after getting her Bachelor's in Biology she worked in a hospital in Madison, WI for 2 years before going to Duke. She said most of her classmates at Duke had some kind of medical/hospital background (nursing, lab work, etc.). From what my niece has told me, you have to have a pretty strong science background as an undergraduate to get admitted into a PA program. So an English major would probably have to take that into consideration -- getting a double major in a science field if they wanted to get into a PA program.

At Duke, the first year PA program is mostly classroom. The second year is almost entirely working with patients in various part of a hospital or clinic. In her second year at Duke, my niece spent 5 months at a clinic in a medically underserved area of western North Carolina and 6 weeks working in a hospital in Tanzania, in addition to her clinicals in a couple of hospitals in the Durham area.
In my opinion, this issue is really not about how much education you get. When someone decides to became a medical doctor, they are dedicating their life to a profession of healing people and to constantly learn and strive to be the best they can be. Their profession becomes their identity. It is not just a job. Maybe I am wrong, but I just don't believe that nurse practitioners or physician assistants have the same lifelong dedication as medical doctors. I would rather be treated by a medical doctor.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Urgent care in Lake Sumter Landing near Winn-Dixie is staffed with an MD.

This is also true of the urgent care on Rt. 44, across from Brownwood.

A physician's assistant had to suture the tip of one of my fingers with 15 incredibly small stitches and she did an excellent job.

[Mrs. Robinson]

In my opinion, this issue is really not about how much education you get. When someone decides to became a medical doctor, they are dedicating their life to a profession of healing people and to constantly learn and strive to be the best they can be. Their profession becomes their identity. It is not just a job. Maybe I am wrong, but I just don't believe that nurse practitioners or physician assistants have the same lifelong dedication as medical doctors. I would rather be treated by a medical doctor.

I agree with you somewhat.

Anyone who gets a degree from a university is pretty much dedicating their working career to the profession in which they received their degree.

Regarding the medical field, I believe that most doctors enter into that profession because of the money they can make in their practice.
I'm not speaking about doctors who are doing research, etc., Yes -- THOSE doctors are dedicated!
Regular medical doctors? Sorry, but not so much and they are few and far between.
To most of them, while they endeavor to do the right thing, it is just a job!

I also believe that physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners are as dedicated as most doctors.
Most of them are women. Could that be the reason you don't think they are as dedicated?

[Barefoot]

I also believe that physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners are as dedicated as most doctors. The NP working Saturday at Paramount Urgent Care on CR 466 was professional and seemed competent.
She wrote a prescription for an Ultrasound; and I believe most MDs would have done the same.

[autumnspring]

What we expect, what we get and perhaps why.

You need a doctor. Who do you ask? Your golfing buddy? The AMA?

If, you call the AMA they will tell you A LIST of doctors who have passed their test. THEY WILL NOT TELL YOU HOW MANY MISTAKES THEY HAVE MADE ON PEOPLE WITH EXACTLY THE SAME MEDICAL ISSUE YOU NEED TREATED.
Those records are sealed.

Batting average? Some doctors will take only the best EASIEST, most likely to recover patients so that they can claim the best results.

The facts are that 80% of all medical care is paid for by either the government or insurance. You/we have no reason to look for a less costly option. Many of us are on medicare. Medicare is price fixed. They tell the doctor what he/she/it can charge. Price fixing leads to and assures mediocraty. Medicare expects your doctor to see a patient every 15 minutes. Imagine that endless grind.

RE: OP a broken toe
A doctor should BASED ON EXPERIENCE, simply looking at it know if anything more than taping it WILL HELP. X-Rays are they needed or simply done to prevent future EXPENSIVE lawsuits.

Findling a doctor you like AND TRUST. That is the hard part. My doctor had a small friendly practice. He has expanded the number of patients he sees. PROBABLY DUE TO ECONOMICS. Now you deal with his nurse practitioner.
She can and does spend far more time with you. The doctor, does a fly by the door. I ASSUME. I HOPE-IF SHE SAW ANY ISSUE SHE WOULD CALL THE DOCTORS ATTENTION TO IT.

Here in the villages we have a problem called SNOWBIRDS.
The population is up ?????? at least 20%. We might WANT but there is no way it can be justified, to have sufficient medical staff for the peak times. What are they to do when population returns to,"normal."

[Carla B]

The NP working Saturday at Paramount Urgent Care on CR 466 was professional and seemed competent.
She wrote a prescription for an Ultrasound; and I believe most MDs would have done the same.


The last time I went to Paramount the male PA misdiagnosed my condition and prescribed a mild pain killer. That night I went to the ER, where the Triage RN glanced at it and diagnosed it correctly as cellulitis.

[schrdr]

Had nothing but bad experiences with 441 Urgent Care at multiple locations. Both locations we visited were staffed by young unexperienced, Nurse Practitioner with horrible snarky attitudes. I now found an excellent Urgent Care facility staffed by an MD who specializes in Emergency Medicine who spent almost an hour with us. I wont go anywhere else.

I went to the Urgent Care at The Unova facility on Rolling Acres Rd. Staffed by Dr Miller with an expertise in Emergency Medicine.

[xcaligirl]

I agree that the pain is real BUT all it takes is some tape and patience! You’re right, over reaction. I’m healing from a broken baby toe right now and just able to wear my running shoes. Back on the road to putting on some miles. 😅

[BruceB3333]

Name and address of the excellent treatment?

[Medopark1]

So where was the urgent care that you had a good experience. Thanks. We need to know good places

[OhioBuckeye]

You got passed off to a NP. No good! You should have seen an MD, an orthopaedic physician or a podiatrist.

The last time I was in TV I had a respiratory bug and went to urgent care. Never saw a real MD, just a couple of NPs or whatever who were not native English speakers which troubled me. I got better but was ready to get out of Dodge to see a real physician if necessary. Scary!

They also billed the crap out of my insurance which paid even for an unnecessary chest X-ray.

Not going to get into a long story MANABOUTOWN but I have a simular story. Had a 5 ways heart bypass, sat in waiting room for 4 hrs. 45 mins. at TV hospital, it was flu season with 3 other people sitting close to me with puke buckets, finally get in to see NP or a PA, not a licensed DR. didn't give right diagnosis, said they would give me a second opinion, never got it, which was a NO' NO. Got a bill for over $3,000. for doing absolutely nothing, Took bill to hospital CEO, she check it out & couldn't believe I got this kind of treatment, got another bill for $0,000. So what you said I can definately believe. Glad I finally got someone that had a nightmare too!

[OhioBuckeye]

You know I've had this same thing happened when I live in Ohio. You go to the Dr. with a health problem, they'll ask you what the problem is, then after you tell them what it is they'll almost tell you you're crazy & tell you that you have something totally different. My wife got the mumps when she was in her mid 40's. Her jaws hurt like crazy & she ask the DR. if she had the mumps but who gets the mumps at 45+ yrs. old. He started treating her for something off the wall, he never mentioned mumps because I really don't think he ever treated anybody with the mumps. We asked him if it was contagious & he said NO, so we went out to a restaurant that night, now can you believe how many people got exposed to this disease. So my wife called our brother in law who's a Internist. He told her to put her hand over her month & blow without letting no air out, my wife said it hurt like H _ _ _, he said you have the mumps, so go to the Dr. & tell him to do a mumps test & said no need you'll get over it. So she went to a pediatrician, yes I said pediatrician. Our Daughter worked for him & he said he would be more than happy to do the test. A couple of days later the results came back. She had the mumps. Can't believe a Dr. didn't know she had this, it's so fundamental that he should of known this his first week in medical school. So I can believe everyone of these stories or nightmares that everyone talked about!

[Aloha1]

A broken toe does not need a doctor, an x-ray, or any special care. You wrap it with tape and six weeks later it's healed. I broke a toe a year ago. I went to Walgreens for tape, in my sandals, and it healed up just fine.

I am seeing on this thread what I feel is some over-reaction.

With all due respect, one size does not fit all. In 2016, I broke my little toe. By break, I mean totally broken bone into 2 pieces. The toe needed to be reset and splinted for 6 weeks. You were lucky. Many are not.

[klindes]

Not necessarily. It depends on when they graduated. Education requirements have been changing in recent years.

[bbbbbb]

[QUOTE=retiredguy123;1507201]I went to the Urgent Care in Brownwood last week with a broken toe. A young woman nurse practitioner came into the exam room. I had to ask for her name and title and then she only gave me her first name. She spent most of the time on a laptop

Yes, we could surprise you with the Assistant to the Assistant etc. On the West Coast, this is not allowed.
It is extreme here, I could tell you some experiences with medical novices at the Villages and it is getting worse.
The medical boards etc., for this state need to get into this or Medicare or someone, it is really out of hand.

bbbbbb :popcorn:

[graciegirl]

You know I've had this same thing happened when I live in Ohio. You go to the Dr. with a health problem, they'll ask you what the problem is, then after you tell them what it is they'll almost tell you you're crazy & tell you that you have something totally different. My wife got the mumps when she was in her mid 40's. Her jaws hurt like crazy & she ask the DR. if she had the mumps but who gets the mumps at 45+ yrs. old. He started treating her for something off the wall, he never mentioned mumps because I really don't think he ever treated anybody with the mumps. We asked him if it was contagious & he said NO, so we went out to a restaurant that night, now can you believe how many people got exposed to this disease. So my wife called our brother in law who's a Internist. He told her to put her hand over her month & blow without letting no air out, my wife said it hurt like H _ _ _, he said you have the mumps, so go to the Dr. & tell him to do a mumps test & said no need you'll get over it. So she went to a pediatrician, yes I said pediatrician. Our Daughter worked for him & he said he would be more than happy to do the test. A couple of days later the results came back. She had the mumps. Can't believe a Dr. didn't know she had this, it's so fundamental that he should of known this his first week in medical school. So I can believe everyone of these stories or nightmares that everyone talked about!

Mumps - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mumps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375366)

Mumps is usually not serious. Did the doctor tell your wife it was a clogged parotid salivary gland?

I have never heard of a doctor telling anyone they are crazy, not even a psychiatrist. Overstatement makes others skeptical.

[drcskny]

Thank you for the information. Can you provide the name of the urgent care center?

[graciegirl]

Thank you for the information. Can you provide the name of the urgent care center?

urgent care in the villages, fl - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=urgent+care+in+the+villages%2C+fl&form=EDGHPT&qs=PF&cvid=52ca31783a2c459bbf8d75bd9c43a7c4&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AY3%21uAY7tbNNZGZ2yiGNjfMVg5wWM%21y2jjU6ip4tU1 dTgPwSpb4OtTJX%21mMmVIZUnVYFmCqaRxqVOVIE7%21Ec28DU p4JQmYqWINLpfQHO5GRv&PC=DCTS)

[Mstpac22]

So can Physicians Assistants. Having been one for 40 years I have that knowledge first had. My prescribed number in Florida is 2. Yes just 2. There is no practical difference between PAs and NPs. Mostly political. PAs receive their education in medical schools(at least I did at Emory in 1976). NPs receive their educations in nursing schools. In reality both do the exact same thing within their chosen field. PAs have been around longer than NOs with the exception of Nurse midwives who have been around for centuries. Attitudes have nothing to do with expertise in medical knowledge. Bad attitudes are shameful in anyone and regrettable at best. She could have ordered X-rays and maybe even a CT scan if that would make you feel better However all it would have done is raise your bill astronomically. It would not have changed your treatment nor would a doctor or a podiatrist or an orthopedist. I do believe there are young inexperienced NP PA and MDs who are left alone far to early in their careers. I ask what year a doctor is in his residency at teaching hospitals. I won’t see less than a third year resident. Same goes for PAs and NPs ask how many years they have practiced. If it isn’t to your liking ask for someone else or go somewhere else. As for the laptop thank Congress and lawyers. The amount of documentation required to get paid takes far longer in many cases than seeing a patient examining and treating them. So from one who is one I hope this helps define the lines

[Nectarine]

I have been treated very well and professionally at Urget Care on Rt. 44 across from Publix. Both by NP and Md.

[Mstpac22]

To the people who said NPs have more medical education there are variances from Certificates with BSNs to Masters to Doctorates. The same for Physician Assistants. Here a question for y’all to debate. Who would you prefer a medical provider with a higher degree or more years of experience?

[perrjojo]

To the people who said NPs have more medical education there are variances from Certificates with BSNs to Masters to Doctorates. The same for Physician Assistants. Here a question for y’all to debate. Who would you prefer a medical provider with a higher degree or more years of experience?
Having worked in the medical profession I say more experience. Another requirement is personal integrity. Some very talented doctors I have worked with were a little short on integrity. Some mediocre doctors were very high in that department.

[lindaelane]

Nurse practitioners have done a better job with me than doctors, on average. All my NP experiences have been positive and I can' t say the same for doctors. Last summer I asked a doctor to test me for Cronh's and he refused. Last month I told my ills to a NP, and she tested me - its positive. Now I can be treated and get to feeling better. The same was try for my chronic arthritis pain. NP allowed robaxin for those difficult days - this stops muscle spasms, which no doctor had ever explained were part of arthritis. I know it sounds silly but I thought the pain was mainly nerves and caused by inflammation inflammation. Nurse practitioners, on average, listen to me longer, and take my needs seriously.

It is really just a different model of how to treat those who are ill. Nurse practitioners have doctorates and there is a reason they can prescribe and diagnose in our strict system of medical qualifications - they are qualified.

I now need some cysts lanced and I am pretty grateful I can ask a NP to do this - doctors don't get very much practice at it but a NP will know if biopsy is needed in addition to lancing.

TV health does not have the specialists to take care of our needs -that is obvious. I have to wait two months for a colonoscopy and endoscopy even though my bloodwork is 95% indicative of Crohn's. (No treatment for the disease until the colonoscopy and endoscopy.)Pretty shabby. Anyone see any similarity at all, even in the slightest, to the VA scandal?

I think TV health tries not to hire MDs from outside the US. I think they mostly hire people who already know they want to retire in TV. The first doctor I had here was practicing and was an octogenarian. (Sadly, he had issues and I have to switch.) As anyone knows who has visited doctor's offices outside of large metropolitan areas, US physicians for the most part won't live in non-urban areas. You will be treated by a doctor from outside the US at least three-quarters of the time if not more. But my neighbor, a retired doctor, assures me that doctors from outside the US must pass all our medical tests.

[Barefoot]

So can Physicians Assistants. Having been one for 40 years I have that knowledge first had. My prescribed number in Florida is 2. Yes just 2. There is no practical difference between PAs and NPs. Mostly political. PAs receive their education in medical schools(at least I did at Emory in 1976). NPs receive their educations in nursing schools. In reality both do the exact same thing within their chosen field. PAs have been around longer than NOs with the exception of Nurse midwives who have been around for centuries. Attitudes have nothing to do with expertise in medical knowledge. Bad attitudes are shameful in anyone and regrettable at best. She could have ordered X-rays and maybe even a CT scan if that would make you feel better However all it would have done is raise your bill astronomically. It would not have changed your treatment nor would a doctor or a podiatrist or an orthopedist. I do believe there are young inexperienced NP PA and MDs who are left alone far to early in their careers. I ask what year a doctor is in his residency at teaching hospitals. I won’t see less than a third year resident. Same goes for PAs and NPs ask how many years they have practiced. If it isn’t to your liking ask for someone else or go somewhere else. As for the laptop thank Congress and lawyers. The amount of documentation required to get paid takes far longer in many cases than seeing a patient examining and treating them. So from one who is one I hope this helps define the lines
Excellent information from someone who is knowledgeable. :ho:

[Dynsol]

had nothing but bad experiences with 441 urgent care at multiple locations. Both locations we visited were staffed by young unexperienced, nurse practitioner with horrible snarky attitudes. I now found an excellent urgent care facility staffed by an md who specializes in emergency medicine who spent almost an hour with us. I wont go anywhere else.

where?

[CFrance]

where?
In post #28 the poster said "Urgent Care at The Unova facility on Rolling Acres Rd. Staffed by Dr Miller with an expertise in Emergency Medicine."

I think that's the new facility that was just built a year or so ago.

[TraceyMooreRN]

Okay everyone-- First let me explain something about Nurse Practitioners, there is extensive education and clinical preparation to receive this title. Currently, there is a MINIMUM of Master's Degree, Passing of State Examination and must complete annual education/training, must comply with State Practice Act and treat within the scope of practice (each state is different). Nurse Practitioners can obtain a Doctorate level of education, but it is NOT required as of today. Nurse Practitioners can diagnose and write prescriptions. There are limitations on what type of prescription (controlled) can be written depending on different the state in which they practice. There are limitations what procedures can be done as well.

There is NO need for a x-ray to see if you broke your toe, unless you just want confirmation. I disagree totally for CT (as recommended by PA in prior post)-not sure what that would even show besides a fracture that a Radiologist might have missed on x-ray. Buddy tapping is correct treatment, same as the PA told you. Why should the Urgent Care supply you with tape? They do not have to dispense supplies to their patients, medical tape can be found at most Walgreens or CVS. That is like having a wound such as a burn that would need daily dressing changes, do you expect your Urgent Care to provide you with the supplies for that as well?

Nurse Practitioners have significant snubbing from "old school male population" believing only a MD can diagnose your injury, disease or problem.

There are MULTIPLE evidence-based research studies that report patients who see a NP, actually rate their care higher in satisfaction from a MD. YES, HIGHER. However, there are always a bad group of individuals in every field. So, the fact that she/he did not report her title is something that I find not acceptable in any practice. You specifically asked for the name and title, which should have been provided without hesitation.

Allowing NPs to work as primary care providers will save Medicare Funding and help eliminate multiple problems with patients waiting to see MDs and expand care to rural areas. Allowing this change can help our Veteran's receive care that they need daily. There are currently 21 states in the United States that authorize NPs to have full practice authority (visit Welcome to ScopeOfPracticePolicy.org! - Scope of Practice Policy (http://scopeofpracticepolicy.org/)). There are researchers who have studied that outpatient clinics, such as treatment for atrial fibrillation has been beneficial to the patients when led by an NP. Nurse Practitioners focus on evidence-based studies and promote overall health.

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who can specialize in four areas: Certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Nurse Specialist (informatics, psychiatric for an example).

NP vs PA Nurse Practitioner Vs. Physician Assistant | 2017 NurseJournal.org (https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-vs-physician-assistants/)

So, feel free to have a Primary Care Doctor (MD) and call them for an appointment for a possible broken toe, I seriously doubt their schedule would clear for your injury. That is why Urgent Care is in place and can certainly be run by a NURSE PRACTITIONER.

[dotti105]

Excellent response, TraceyMooreRN.
So many people do not understand the role of an advance practice RN.
PAs and NPs are saving our medical system a great deal of $$ and extending primary care to underserviced areas. If we had to rely only on MDs here in TV, we would be in a heap of trouble!!
I am a RN too. Neonatal Intensive Care. Not much need for my specialty here. LOL!

[queasy27]

Just in passing and purely anecdotal, but I've been to 441 urgent care three times in the last few months (sinus infection, hand laceration, boil). The front office staff and NPs were ... fine. Did the NP introduce herself? I don't remember and it wasn't important to me. What was important is that I was in and out in around 30 minutes with my health concerns addressed and prescription (when indicated) in hand.

When I choose to go to urgent care, I basically already know what the problem is. If a differential diagnosis is required, I'll wait for an appointment with my GP. My expectations for urgent care services are different from those for my GP, and I've been very satisfied with 441.

[champion6]

Just in passing and purely anecdotal, but I've been to 441 urgent care three times in the last few months (sinus infection, hand laceration, boil). The front office staff and NPs were ... fine. Did the NP introduce herself? I don't remember and it wasn't important to me. What was important is that I was in and out in around 30 minutes with my health concerns addressed and prescription (when indicated) in hand. <snip>Good to know. Which 441 location did you use?

[queasy27]

Good to know. Which 441 location did you use?

Buffalo Ridge, but I've also been to the Lake Sumter office. That location had a physician seeing patients when I was there, but I'm not sure if that's the norm.

The Buffalo Ridge office is only open weekdays from 8-5, so that's another consideration.

I've been to Exceptional Urgent Care on CR 101 and had unpleasant experiences both times. However, that was probably 3 years ago, and with the amount of staff turnover in medical offices, the rude physician and careless front office staff are probably long gone. They have their own X-ray and CT scan equipment as well as an in-house lab to do some simple blood tests, which is a time saver.

My experiences with Paramount Urgent Care on 466 have also been positive, although they had longer waits the 2 times I was there.

Whew! I didn't realize I'd become such an armchair expert on the urgent care centers closest to me. :smiley: