Physicians (MD or DO) Physicians (MD or DO) are all licensed to practice medicine in the State of Michigan and are all board certified specialists. Many of them have developed areas of special interest, such as cardiology, minor surgery, orthopedics or gynecology.
Nurse Practitioners (NP) NPs are advanced practice nurses who provide high-quality healthcare services similar to those of a doctor. NPs diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems. They have a unique approach and stress both
care and cure. Besides clinical care, NP's focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling. Often referred to as a midlevel provider, similiar to a Physician Assistant.
Among the many services that NPs provide they:
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Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays
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Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections and injuries
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Prescribe medications and other treatments
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Manage patients' overall care
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Spend time counseling patients
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Help patients learn how their actions affect their health and well-being
Physician Assistants (PA-C)
Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services. Often referred to as a midlevel provider, similiar to a Nurse Practitioner
Medical Assistant (MA)
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The Certified Medical Assistant CMA (AAMA) credential is achieved by candidates who pass the CMA Examination
Medical Assistants perform delegated clinical and administrative duties within the supervising practitioner’s scope of practice consistent with the CMA's education, training and experience.
Administrative duties include
- Using computer applications
- Answering telephones
- Greeting patients
- Updating and filing patient medical records
- Coding and filling out insurance forms
- Scheduling appointments
- Arranging for laboratory services
- Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
Clinical duties include...
- Preparing patients for examination
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Instructing patients about medication and special diets
- Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
- Authorizing prescription refills as directed
- Drawing blood