Alphabet Soup of Heath Care – Who are you seeing?

November 5, 2008

In recognition of National Nurse Practitioner Week November 9-15, Ministry Health Care would like to help you understand what might seem like alphabet soup of health care.  Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) and Allopathic Physicians (MDs): Who are they and what do they do?

When you visit your doctor’s office, you expect to see … your doctor. But there is a chance you might also be treated by a nurse or other health care professional at your appointment. You have probably heard of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs) and Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) at some point in your life. But when you are seeking health care for yourself or your family, have you ever wondered what roles NPs and PAs play, or what the difference is between a DO and a MD?

At Ministry Health Care we want you to help you understand who is providing care for you and your family.  Following explains the roles for each of these clinicians, and the similarities and differences in the care they provide.

Q. What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

A. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) provide high-quality primary, acute and specialty health care services, similar to those of a physician.

Q. What does a Nurse Practitioner (NP) do?

A. Nurse Practitioners:

• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays.
• Diagnose & treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infection, and injuries.
• Prescribe medication and other treatments.
• Manage a patient’s care.

Nurse Practitioners bring a unique perspective to health services, placing emphasis in both care and cure. Along with clinical services, NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and health education and counseling, guiding patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices.

Q. What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

A. Physician Assistants (PAs) are skilled health care professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision.

Q. What does a Physician Assistant (PA) do?

A. Physician Assistants:

• Perform physical exams and histories.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and studies.
• Diagnose and treat common medical problems.
• Prescribe medications and therapies.
• Provide patient education and counseling.

Physician Assistants practice in most health care settings, and in every medical and surgical specialty.

Q. What type of educational background is required for an NP and a PA?

A. NPs: Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education (most have master’s degrees) and advanced clinical training.

PAs: Upon graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program, candidates for the profession must sit for the certifying examination developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners. Wisconsin requires the candidate to pass this examination prior to licensure as a PA.

Q. What is an Osteopathic Physician (DO)?

A. If you are like most people, you have been going to a doctor ever since your were born, and perhaps were not aware whether you were seeing a DO (osteopathic physician) or an MD (allopathic physician). You may not even be aware that there are two types of complete physicians in the United States.

Both DOs and MDs are fully qualified physicians licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication.

Q. How are DOs similar to MDs?

A. There are several similarities:

• Applicants to both DO and MD medical colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on scientific courses.
• Both complete four years of basic medical education.
• After medical school, both can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine- such as pediatrics, family practice, psychiatry, surgery or obstetrics- after completing a residency program (typically two to six years of additional training).
• Both must pass comparable state licensing examinations.
• Both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.
• DOs comprise a separate, yet equal branch of American medical care. Together, DOs and MDs enhance the state of care available in America.

Personal health risks such as smoking, high blood pressure, excessive cholesterol levels, stress and other lifestyle factors, are evaluated for each individual. In coordination with appropriate medical treatment, the DO acts a teacher to help patients take more responsibility for their own well-being and change unhealthy patterns.

Q. What else should I know about my about DOs?

A.

• Approximately 65% of all DOs practice in primary care areas such as pediatrics, family practice, obstetrics/gynecology and internal medicine.
• Many DOs fill a critical need for doctors by practicing in rural and medically underserved areas.
• DOs practice a “whole person” approach to medicine. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they regard your body as an integrated whole. 
• Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive health care.
• DOs receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system- your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of its mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another.

For more information about any of the listed clinicians, please contact the Ministry Health Care facility near you or visit ministryhealth.org.