Advanced practice provider (APP) is a term used to describe nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) trained to provide primary and specialty care to people of all ages. From treating an ear infection to managing diabetes, APPs help you with all your health care needs.
“With an aging population and physician shortage, advanced practice providers help meet the growing health care needs of the community,” says Megan Probasco, a family nurse practitioner at Riverside Primary Care Hidenwood.
APPs offer primary and specialty care
Advanced practice providers have many years of education and work in every area of medicine. Both NPs and PAs have at least a master’s degree, and many go on to earn a doctorate. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), 18% of NPs have a doctoral degree. The number of PAs with a doctoral degree is growing as well, steadily rising about 0.5% each year. All APPs require annual continuing education, licensure and certification. This education allows them to practice cutting-edge medicine and stay on top of the latest research and medical innovations.
The most common practice areas for APPs include primary care, family medicine and pediatrics. In these roles, the APP cares for routine health care needs, including disease prevention, well-checks, growth assessment and disease management.
Advanced practice providers also practice in emergency, critical care and surgical settings. Here, APPs provide acute care for urgent medical needs, ensuring patients get care quickly so they can return to good health.
Some APPs also have training in specialty care. You’ll find these providers in all areas of medicine, including:
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pain Medicine
- Psychiatry
“Advanced practice providers are valued members of the health care team throughout the medical system,” says Ms. Probasco.
APPs provide timely care for all your health care needs
“The care from advanced practice providers shortens wait times for patients and helps them get help faster,” says Ms. Probasco.
With many of the same responsibilities as physicians, NPs and PAs offer primary and specialty care for all ages and stages of life. Common conditions APPs care for include:
- Preventive care, annual physicals and well-checks
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Critical care (such as accidents and trauma)
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Upper respiratory infections
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Skin disorders (such as acne and eczema)
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Headaches
- Mental health concerns (such as depression and anxiety)
Advanced practice providers develop treatment and prevention plans to help patients reach their health goals. Like physicians, they can also refer patients to specialty areas for additional support.
APPs are your partner in health
APPs provide efficient, high-quality care for all your health needs. Make an appointment with Ms. Probasco or another of our primary care providers for your health care needs today.
