Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Why are there more nurse practitioners than doctors?
One of my new pet peeves is that whenever i try to make an appointment with any of our family doctors the doctors office tries to push there certified nurse practitioner on me. Not that I am not sure they are qualified, but I am paying the same amount of money whether I see a doctor or one of them. I prefer to see a doctor. I have had some really bad experiences with these practitioners. I've given them a try at the pediatrician and at my OB/GYN office. Both times bad experiences. Both times misdiagnosed. Last time I was at the pediatrician's office I noticed they are down to three actual doctors and five CNP's. The receptionists seem to get upset when I try to make an appointment for a well check up with a doctor and they say I can get in much sooner if I agree to see the nurse practitioner. I always say "no, thank you I would like to see the doctor". Sometimes it is literally months before they have an available doctors appointment, but they could get me the same day if I agree to see the nurse. It seems that this is the wave of the future and I understand that they are less expensive to employ, but they do not seem to be as capable or knowledgeable as a real doctor.
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Unfortunately, I must agree with you on this. My experience has been similar. I also notice more resistance when one questions a Nurse Practitioner than an M.D. Perhaps, it is just a coincidence. However, when it comes to my health I believe asking questions is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI have had a couple of appointments with a CNP and both times the experience was OK but I had a problem with believing their diagnosis. My OB-GYN doesn't have one and I'm glad she doesn't. If I have a big problem or need a wellness check I will probably hold out for an appointment with a doctor.
ReplyDeleteIt seems there are a shortage of primary care physicians, so hiring nurse practitioners seem to be the "fix" for this situation. I believe there are some very good nurse practitioners, but many are less than mediocre. I believe you should do what's best for you and your family and wait on your physician if that's what you're comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteI will always wait to see the doctor. I think it's more a matter of doctor's offices trying to save money. My sister is a physician and this is what I am hearing from her.
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