Medical Profession question

[solo1]

I wonder, is the medical office visit charge the same if you see a physician assistant or nurse practitioner instead of the MD? There seems to be a trend to PA's and NP's. Shortage of MD's?
Of course, with the convoluted and extensive charges on a bill today, it's hard to figure.

Also, just lately I saw an MD at the walkin clinic. I briefly mentioned the Korean War and she thought that the Korean War was AFTER the Vietnam war.  

I would hope that she was a better physician than a history buff.

[Robert]

I briefly mentioned the Korean War and she thought that the Korean War was AFTER the Vietnam war. 

I would hope that she was a better physician than a history buff.

I would not go to the clinics unless you know the Dr's there are good. Probably for the same reason you got your answer.

I also believe the visits are the same price since there is no difference when I visit my Dr or his PA. I know enough to know when its ok to go to the PA and I can get a visit immediately or when I have to see the Dr. Its best to be your own advocate and get a Dr you trust, your life may depend on it someday.

[solo1]

Robert, having been a caregiver for my wife for two years, I learned much about the medical profession. In addiction, I worked for the VA as an xray supervisory tech back in the Fifties, so I know enough to be dangerous.

As you pointed out,  don't be a person who goes along with what doctors say.  Question them!

[Jess from VA]

I fired a couple of medical professionals for their condescending, godlike attitudes, and reluctance to take the time to answer my questions.

Then there was the dermatologist who fired me for my fair and reasonable critique of his poor service and attitude.  You can't fire me, I quit.

[G-Man]

I fired a couple of medical professionals for their condescending, godlike attitudes, and reluctance to take the time to answer my questions.

Then there was the dermatologist who fired me for my fair and reasonable critique of his poor service and attitude.  You can't fire me, I quit.

Choice!  Another great thing about OUR way of providing healthcare.  You don't like that Dr., find another.

MD's use PA's to be in two, three, four places at once.  MD's engineered a way to do more, so they can bill more, so they can make the same money the previous generation of physician's made.  NP's, Nurse Practitioners will be seen more in rural and underserved areas.  In populated and urban areas, they are usually working for MD's the same way a PA would be.

[Bighead]

We have Drs in our pratice that employ more than on PA so they can see post op and new patients while the Dr is in sx or at another clinic. As far as charges probably same as for the Dr but I cant confirm or deny that.

[f6gal]

Medicare reimburses NPs and PAs at 85% of MD fee schedule.  However, billing is a bit more complicated than that.  If you have a flat co-pay, that will likely be the same weather you see an MD, NP, or PA.  PAs must work under a physician.  Depending on the state, NPs may or may not have to work under a physician. 

[fudgie]

Yea payment is the same. I been seeing a NP for yrs since my doc is always busy.

Id rather see a NP then a PA. NP's have more schooling. But Im partial to NP's since my g/f is one. 

[Jeremy]

Fudgie, this is in response to your comment of education of PA's and NP. They are take two completely different education tracks. NP's is a nursing track While  PA's do exactly the same rotations as MD's it's just more compact . I know PA's that perform surgurey take out bullets and diagnose serious illnesses . They are in every field and practice medicine. There now is a Ph.D. Program for PA's that requires 3 years to achieve. I do agree medicine is going in the direction of more and more use of both

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yea payment is the same. I been seeing a NP for yrs since my doc is always busy.

Id rather see a NP then a PA. NP's have more schooling. But Im partial to NP's since my g/f is one. 

Don't know anything about it but I would be too. 

[solo1]

From what I've read, the PA degree started after combat medics returned from Korea and wanted to further their education.  Although my MOS was combat medic, I ended up in a support medical company in Korea.  I worked as an Xray tech at the VA for awhile when I came back.  i wanted to get into the medical field deeper but didn't. Family matters kept that from happening.

[fudgie]

Fudgie, this is in response to your comment of education of PA's and NP. They are take two completely different education tracks. NP's is a nursing track While  PA's do exactly the same rotations as MD's it's just more compact . I know PA's that perform surgurey take out bullets and diagnose serious illnesses . They are in every field and practice medicine. There now is a Ph.D. Program for PA's that requires 3 years to achieve. I do agree medicine is going in the direction of more and more use of both

PA's have to work under a doctor. NP's don't, well some states they need a collaborating physician. They are free to write rx on thier own except a schedule 1 drug.
PA do a lot of surgeries and PA's are used a lot in a ER type setting in my area. The NP's in the area are all in family practice and other forms of primary care. Some Hospitalists are NP's.

[Atl-Jerry]

I watch my online TRICARE account and the payment for an office visit is the same whether I see the Dr or one of his PA's.  I assume that's because he is my primary care provider, provides supervision and is ultimately responsible for what they do.  I regard all their service as excellent.