What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) with additional specialized education at the graduate level. Education for nurse practitioners includes advanced nursing and selected medical studies as well as intensive clinical experience specific to the nurse practitioner's area of practice. This education qualifies the nurse practitioner to provide care that incorporates both what physicians and nurses do.
Who regulates their practice?
Nurse practitioners practice under rules and regulations developed by state boards of nursing.
In addition, nurse practitioners ma be nationally certified. Nurse practitioners have authority to diagnose medical conditions and to prescribe medications.
Will my insurance cover their fees?
Many insurance programs pay for the services of nurse practitioners. The type of insurance you have will determine what types of services are covered. Some health services are not reimbursable regardless of whether they are not provided by a nurse practitioner or a physician.
How does a Nurse Practitioner's Care Compare to a Physician's Care?
The high quality of care provided by a nurse practitioners is well known. Consumer and government studies have shown that nurse practitioners are skilled clinicians and patient educators. Moreover, consumers value the nurse practitioner's sensitivity to patient's needs and their ability to decrease the mystery surrounding health care.
NP's focus on health and wellness and provide care to prevent health problems from developing. NP's also identify health problems early to prevent them from becoming worse. In addition, NP's care for women with stable chronic health problems that require careful monitoring, and education about managing the problem.
Physicians are trained to treat complex health problems which may require complicated treatment or surgery.
