Advanced practice providers (APPs), which include nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), are board-certified medical clinicians that work in collaboration with your physician to form small care teams to help manage care more effectively. This team-based approach allows you to be seen more quickly and efficiently while allowing other available providers to care for you.
Like physicians, APPs undergo extensive medical education and generally have master’s degrees (some have doctorates) with an average of between six to eight years of education. They also receive extensive clinical training in their respective areas of interest. Nurse practitioners are trained in the advanced practice of nursing, while physician assistants are trained in the foundational aspects of medicine and specialties.
What Can an APP Do?
Advanced practice providers can help you develop a comprehensive healthcare plan to fit your needs. They are with you every step of the way, providing the excellent care you deserve while helping you get back on track to good health.
At Emory, our PAs and NPs collaborate with your physician and are qualified to perform tasks like:
- Diagnose and treat illness, injury, or disease
- Manage chronic conditions
- Prescribe medications and therapies
- Perform risk assessments
- Order diagnostic tests and review results
- Educate and coach