Nurse Practitioners

Seek out a medical practice that incorporates the services of a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. These mid- level practitioners provide health screening, perform physical examinations, order laboratory tests, and prescribe specific medications authorized by the physician. Nurse practitioners also educate patients about staying healthy. Often they are the best-equipped health professionals to educate patients and caregivers about the common problems of chronic illness. Mid-level health care providers usually spend more time with patients and caregivers than the supervising medical specialists in a busy practice.