Most people diagnose "MD" as a term for health professionals thanks to shows unlike Grey's Anatomy, and ER. Except this is not the only word you're going to hear in the doctor's office. Our members at One Health see a wide array of safety professionals including MDs, DOs, NPs, who PAs. And although their licenses can differ, every one of them plays a critical role in our care system. Here's how every physician can contribute to the health:
MD & DO
Although "MD" is always used with "doctor" interchangeably, not all physicians have the same degree. MD, for example, explicitly refers to a medical doctor, who is specialized in allopathic medicine. Such doctors are qualified to recognize the disease and handle it with evidence-based treatments (medication, surgery, etc.). It's what is most generally known as Western, conventional medicine.
DO's are osteopathic medicine doctors. Unlike MDs, DO's are trained in disease identification and treatment. As with all our providers, when treating and diagnosing diseases, DOs recognize the entire person, mind and body. In addition, they go through 200 additional hours of osteopathic training, studying how illnesses affect the musculoskeletal system and how to relieve pain by controlling the body's muscles, bones and joints.
You'll receive exceptional, patient-centered treatments from all types of doctors with a personalized approach to your health at City Prime Health. They each complete four years of medical school, followed by at least three years of clinical residency, and are certified by the same state health boards. Additionally, all of our doctors are primary care professionals and can treat a wide variety of conditions.
NP & PA
Other than doctors, there are a number of other health experts who may assist with your primary care. For example, both nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) hold advanced degrees in medicine and can diagnose diseases, administer medications, and initiate care plans.
An NP is a nurse with a nursing degree or graduate education. Their preparation philosophy is anchored in the model of care centered on the patient, valuing the beliefs and concerns of the caregiver and working with them to prevent disease and promote health. NPs may be trained in a number of medical areas, such as pediatrics, family medicine and women's health, and may use their expertise in both primary care and specialty practices.
PAs follow a model of medical training based on disease pathology and physiological systems, similar to MDs except for 2-3 years instead of 4, and after graduating, they do not participate in a residency program. PAs are taught a wide range of medical topics such as doctors, and will often choose a concentrate to focus on during and after their training. All NPs and PAs may work in primary care or be specialized in other medicinal fields such as acute care, adult health, family health, pediatric health, mental health, surgery, and women's health.
Working as a team
It is important to note that, thanks to the highly collaborative efforts of MDs, DOs, PAs and NPs all working together, a successful primary care team is running well. We're dedicated to providing real life care at City Prime Health. Who that means that every member of your primary care office is vital to ensuring we assist with every facet of your health and well-being. All of our services have the expertise to see patients as primary care providers, and will work with our primary care experts across the country to ensure you get the best possible care.
Do you still have questions regarding who to choose as your primary care provider? Give us a call and we will be happy to assist you in making a decision tailored to your requirements.
