Who's Who in the Doctor's Office

NP, PA, RN, DO? When you make an appointment with your primary care provider it’s likely you’ll come in contact with a variety of healthcare professionals who’ll have a combination of letters like this on their badge, which, let’s be honest, can start to feel like alphabet soup.

These letters represent a person’s credentials or specific certification. Having persons trained in specific areas ensures that each staff member is something of an expert in his or her area. No matter what credential or combination of credentials you may encounter during your visit, it’s important to know they all have one common goal – helping you, the patient.

Here’s your guide to who’s who in your doctor’s office:

Medical Doctor (MD or DO): Your physicianIn the U.S., physicians who practice medicine can hold two types of medical degrees: Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Both are fully licensed, board-certified and able to prescribe medication, perform procedures and practice medicine independently. So what’s the difference? Their training and perspective on patient care.

• MD’s are trained to practice a more traditional for of medicine that focuses on the diagnoses and treatment of disease.

• DO’s are trained to have a more holistic approach to medicine that focuses on prevention and considers a patient’s lifestyle and environment when diagnosing and treating medical conditions rather than just treating the symptoms.

Physician Assistant (PA): Practices medicine with a PhysicianPAs are not medical assistants, nor are they studying to become doctors – they are licensed and certified healthcare professionals who practice medicine in partnership with doctors and bring a breadth of knowledge and skills to patient care. After obtaining their bachelors degree, PAs go on to complete a specialized program that involves three academic years with the same prerequisite courses as medical schools.PAs can:

• Take your medical history

• Conduct physical exams

• Diagnose and treat illnesses

• Order and interpret tests

• Develop treatment plans

• Counsel on preventive care

• Assist in surgery

• Write prescriptions

• Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes

Nurse Practitioner (NP): A nurse with advanced trainingNPs are the most advanced nurses, who provide a full range of primary, acute and specialty health care services to all ages. They must earn at least a master’s or doctoral degree and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. They’re required to also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam.NPs can:

• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests like lab work and x-rays

• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections and injuries

• Prescribe medications and other treatments

• Manage patients’ overall care

• Educate patients on disease prevention and improving health/lifestyle choices.

Register Nurse (RN): A fundamental part of patient careAn RN’s focus is on the patient, evaluating their condition — monitoring vital signs and recording and reporting symptoms as well as patient progress. They’re also patient advocates, who inform patients of their rights and provide them with the information needed to make an informed decision. After graduating with an associates’ or bachelor’s degree, RN’s complete a specified amount of clinical hours required by the state to obtain a nursing license.RNs can:

• Perform physical exams

• Record health history

• Provide health promotion, counseling and education

• Administer medications, wound care and numerous other personalized interventions

• Interpret patient information and make critical decisions about needed actions

• Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of healthcare professionals

• Direct and supervise care delivered by other healthcare personnel like LPNs and CNAs

Now is the time make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) and commit to regular visits so they can look out for your health and well-being—not just today—but also in the future. Just think of your PCP as your first line of defense in guarding your most valuable possession of all: your health. For more information about how a PCP can help manage and improve overall health or to find a healthcare provider near you, visit CVMG Online.