And people wonder why I have no faith in doctors.....

Rather than seeing an MD, my preference is to see a DO.

A Doctor of Osteopathy, in my personal experience, seems more committed to taking care of the WHOLE person, rather than just the immediate "complaint".

They seem to be more interested in researching any underlying factors that might be contributing to one's problems with a less that perfect functioning body.

I'm hoping Ginnie reports back with an update!

Well folks, get used to it.

The feds currently reimburse more for a NP visit than for a MD visit. Follow the money.

And no, while PA's and NP's have their place, they are not doctors.

You are saying that the Urgent care has a $150 co-pay so you don't want to take him there. Isn't your son worth $150?
Pnuemonia kills - its a deadly disease, just because we can cure it easily these days does not mean you can let it go.
The wife of a co-worker died in her late 30's because it was "only pneumonia", by the time they took her to the ER it was too late.

Radiologists, who are a specialized doctor, read MRIs. PAs don't, and usually regular doctors don't either. They just look at the report from the radiologist.

I'm claiming ignorance on this statement. Medicare or Medicaid maybe but for private pay or private health insurance? Could you explain?

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SinsetSonata you asked: "If there wasn't a need, why would a doctor spend the money on a nurse practitioner?"

Simple answer $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Why would they take on a partner or hire an MD when they can get the job done for a whole lot less with no reduction in cash flow? Simple answer, they won't.

When they can charge as much for an office call to see an PA or NP, who is paid a fraction what another Dr. would command, it puts a whole lot more money in the Dr's pocket. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Not always the case. Sorry, but the pas' at the clinic I worked at got the MRIs and x-rays etc..etc..and read them themselves. And I won't see a pa either. Everyone I have had dealings with minus one woman. were full of themseves and thought they knew everything and did not listen. A NP however, has at least 7 years of school, if not more, and has a knowledge of medicine and people. I would far rather see one than a MD.

You may have had that bad experience in the one office(which so far is just your unmet expectation of seeing a doctor). I just have to say that while I try my best to choose a good doctor, I've found in my experience that the NP's and PA's are skilled people who do good work, always been satisfied. Docs simply don't have time anymore to see everyone and be indepth. The NP's can, I've always felt I had the time needed to get what I wanted, I always ask a lot of questions.

You are making a sweeping value judgement, however, of a group of people.

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My experiences with NP's have always been very positive.

I love my doctor too. She is a very kind lady.

When I was going through some very painful health issues, I saw a NP because my doctor wasn't in that day-family crisis. The NP had dealt with me before and she was simply wonderful. I think that she is just great!

Personally, I don't care who I see just so they can help me.

As a retired Nurse Practitioner, I'm reading this with great interest..just as there are outstanding physicians and some really crummy ones, the same applies to NPs, PA's ,Physical Therapists, plumbers, contractors, mechanics, etc. etc.

Nurse Practitioners are taught to teach, as well as to diagnose and treat illnesses..i.e. If I had to prescribe an antibiotic, I'd also teach the patient how it worked and why they needed to take it for the prescribed time..also discussed potential side effects, when to worry, when not to..when to call me. etc. I loved my practice and loved my patients ( well, most of them LOL)..

My experiences have been mixed when dealing with NP.

While I have found them knowledgeable and helpful, normally I've felt like they were on a 'turn and burn' schedule, and when I had a few simple questions, they acted like I was bothering them to no end.

The nice thing about the NP I have seen in the past has helped me see a med professional on Saturday afternoons or late evenings...very convenient!!!!

that's interesting! I've always appreciated that teaching aspect from NPs'. I"m always one to pump a knowledgeable person so I can learn. I've always found they enjoy getting a person who wants to learn too! As well as someone who is willing to do the diet and exercise to be well, instead of pop a pill.

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