Family health care providers often employ physicians, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Although there is some overlap between the responsibilities these roles share, they’re all unique members of a team who fulfill specific, essential duties. Understanding the role they play at a healthcare facility makes it easier for patients to understand their own care. The following information will help you better appreciate the differences between these positions, and how they all contribute to your treatment.

Family Health Care Info: What’s The Difference Between A Doctor, Physician Assistant & Nurse Practitioner?

Doctor

A physician must graduate from medical school to serve as your doctor. They may specialize in a variety of areas. Some are general physicians, providing basic diagnostic services and referring you to specialists when necessary. In other cases, they are specialists, providing treatment in one particular area of medicine, like oncology.

Physician Assistant

A physician assistant (or PA) works directly with a doctor to, as the name implies, assist them in diagnosing and treating a patient. They always work under another physician’s guidance, and must complete a program of coursework that typically involves two years of post-graduate study.

At healthcare facilities, physician assistants are generally involved in helping doctors analyze a patient’s condition, history, and test results to determine what illness they are suffering from and what form of treatment can help.

Nurse Practitioner

To become a nurse practitioner, an individual must have a degree in nursing, as well as prior medical experience; they can’t enroll in a program without having experience in the field first. Unlike a physician assistant, they don’t necessarily have to work directly under someone, and in some instances can even operate their own clinics.

While a physician assistant focuses primarily on coordinating with a doctor, a nurse practitioner interacts more directly with patients, addressing their care needs. They can diagnose and treat certain conditions based on their experience, as well as prescribe medication.

 Caring for patients is a team effort. When everyone contributes, treatment is more effective. If you need family health care or urgent care services in the Onamia, MN, area, get in touch with Mille Lacs Health System. They provide a variety of comprehensive services, as well as outpatient therapy. Contact them online for more information, or call (320) 532-3154.