Physician Extenders: Understanding Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants

When patients are sick, they don't always get an appointment with their doctor. Many will see a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. These medical practitioners -- known as "physician extenders" -- play a vital role in health care today.

History

• The first class of nurse practitioners graduated in 1965 from the University of Colorado. That same year, the first class of physician assistants graduated from Duke University Medical Center. Members of this class were chosen because of the medical training they received in the military.

Purpose

• Shortages of primary care physicians have made physician extenders an important part of health care. According to the "Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine," their various duties may include physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment, ordering and interpreting tests, counseling patients and prescribing medications.

Benefits

• Physician extenders are a cost-effective way to increase patient care. They help medical practices decrease the amount of time patients spend waiting and increase the amount of time they spend with the health care provider.