[ilovetv]

Yes, many doctors have nurse-practitioners working for/with them and the ones I've seen are astute and personable.

I wonder, though, why some posts, including the original one, give the impression that nurse-practitioners are solo practitioners to whom a patient would "go"....directly.

While each profession has its place and value, an NP is not the same thing as a physician. I would seek out the best physician I could find, and if his/her NP comes with the deal, that is fine with me (which is the case with our primary doctor).

[l2ridehd]

Our daughter is a NP and she see's many patients every day and only a few get referred to the doctor. However she specializes in pediatric care so alas it does me no good.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

Yes, many doctors have nurse-practitioners working for/with them and the ones I've seen are astute and personable.

I wonder, though, why some posts, including the original one, give the impression that nurse-practitioners are solo practitioners to whom a patient would "go"....directly.

While each profession has its place and value, an NP is not the same thing as a physician. I would seek out the best physician I could find, and if his/her NP comes with the deal, that is fine with me (which is the case with our primary doctor).

Yes, I agree. My Doctor is awesome & so is his NP. That means I have 2 great people consulting & taking good care of me.

[StuMas]

I have a lot of experience with NPs and PAs. They can be very helpful and often have more time to be sociable during appointments. That's very nice. Unfortunately, I've also seen several instances where serious problems were missed due to less training or depth of knowledge - that makes me uncomfortable. But, for routine follow up checks, etc it would make sense to use one.

[Pturner]

I like my doctor fine-- but love his NP. If she ever left to work for another doctor, I likely would change to the other doctor.

[ddan32162]

When we moved to the Villages, I wanted a family practice doctor. For the most part down here, they didn't exist, but after moving around four or five times, I now see a NP (who is with an MD), and am very happy with her. There are so many specialists here for everything, but what do you do when you have the flu or some minor ailment and you need to see someone? I am accustomed to a family practice type service, and a NP or PA can spend more time with a patient, they listen and really build trust with patients. I saw the same doctors in Michigan for years, and am not the type of person who wants to see a different doctor every time I need one.

[Bonny]

My Dr. in Michigan also had a PA. He was great. I could always get in right away if I needed.

[blueash]

I am seeing a lot of comments about more time. In my experience the NP or PA is scheduled at the same patients/hr as the MD. Of course the MD may be seeing the more complex patients which may make him/her run behind. Next time you see your NP, ask if they are scheduled to see fewer patients than the MD. I'd be interested in the information. Good NP's can handle 90% (IMHO) of what comes into the office. The other 10% should see the more trained, way more trained, MD. A good NP knows when such a patient presents and makes sure the doctor assumes management either immediately or next visit. NP's and PA's are now an integral part of our health care delivery system.