🩺 Who’s Treating You? Understanding the Rise of Advanced Practice Providers — and How to Protect Your Health

There’s a good chance that when you walk into a medical office these days, the person seeing you might not be a doctor at all. Increasingly, you’ll be treated by advanced practice providers (APPs), who are typically either nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs).  This shift, though necessary to mitigate the physician shortage, may be confusing, as patients may not always understand who is providing their care. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down who Advanced Practice Providers are, what their qualifications are, and when it may be appropriate to ask for a physician instead.

As someone who believes in safe and collaborative care, I intend to do this clearly and respectfully. 

We’ll also talk about how a health advocate (like me!) can help you make informed decisions and get the best outcomes — no matter who’s managing your care.

👩‍⚕️ Who Are Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)?

APPs include: Nurse Practitioners (NPs). These are Registered nurses with advanced training, often at the master’s or doctoral level. They can diagnose, treat, prescribe medications, and manage patient care, especially in primary care or specialty clinics.

Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who are trained in the medical model (like doctors) but work under a supervising physician (though in many states this is now more symbolic than active).

Their numbers have skyrocketed, with a 49.4% increase in NPs and a 73.9% increase in PAs between 2016 and 2022, while the physician workforce has declined slightly over the same period.

🧠 What’s the Difference in Training?

📈 Why Are We Seeing More Advanced Practice Providers?

There are a few key reasons for the rise in APPs:

1. Physician shortages are especially prevalent in rural areas and underserved communities. There aren’t enough physicians, particularly in primary care. There is predicted to be a shortage of primary care physicians by 

2. Cost efficiency: It is believed that APPs can deliver many of the same services at a lower cost to health systems and insurers.

3. Shorter training: Compared to physicians, APPs have shorter educational pathways and can enter the workforce more quickly.

4. Team-based care models: Many health systems now use a team approach, with APPs handling routine care and physicians reserved for complex cases.

While APPs provide essential care and increase access, they are not a substitute for physicians in every situation, and patients deserve to understand the difference.

🟡 When It’s OK to See an APP

In many routine situations, seeing an NP or PA is not only appropriate — it can be a great option:

✅ Minor illnesses (cold, flu, UTI)
✅ Follow-up visits for chronic conditions
✅ Preventive care (annual exams, screenings)
✅ Medication refills or routine lab follow-ups
✅ Health education or lifestyle counseling
✅ Non-urgent specialty care.

APPs are often more accessible, have shorter wait times, and may even allow for more time during visits.

🔴 When You Should Ask to See a Physician

There are times when it’s essential — even critical — to be evaluated by a physician:

🚩 New or unclear diagnosis that requires in-depth evaluation
🚩 Serious symptoms like unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue, neurological changes
🚩 A new Cancer diagnosis or treatment
🚩 Complex chronic illnesses involving multiple body systems
🚩 Mental health concerns requiring medication management and diagnostic clarity
🚩 Multiple failed treatments or worsening symptoms
🚩 If the APP isn’t sure what’s going on, and refers you back and forth without clear answers

Remember: It’s okay to request to see a physician. It’s your right as a patient.

🧭 How a Health Advocate Can Help You Navigate This

If you’re in a setting where APPs are your only option — or if you’re unsure whether you’re getting the right level of care — that’s where I come in.

As an independent health advocate, I can help clients:

🩺 Understand who’s treating them and what their qualifications are
📋 Prepare the right questions for appointments
🔍 Know when it’s appropriate to escalate to a physician
📊 Evaluate medical recommendations and get second opinions if needed
💬 Communicate more effectively with their care team
⚖️ Avoid unnecessary delays in diagnosis or treatment

Whether you're seeing an NP, a PA, or a physician, having an experienced advocate in your corner helps protect your health and make sure nothing gets missed.💡

 🗣️ Real Talk: This Isn’t About “Us vs. Them”

This post isn’t about discrediting nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Throughout my years as a physician, I have had the privilege of working with many skilled and compassionate providers who do incredible work. The goal is to educate and empower you as a patient, so you can understand who’s providing your care and know when to ask questions or seek additional input. Medicine is becoming more team-based, but you still need to know who is "quarterbacking" your care and when it’s time to request a second opinion.

🏁 Final Thoughts

As healthcare evolves, patients are increasingly treated by a variety of professionals, not just physicians. While APPs have expanded access and offer valuable care, there are limits to their training, especially when it comes to complex diagnoses and treatment decisions. 

If you're navigating a health concern and unsure whether your current provider is the right fit, I can help. As a health advocate, I help you ask the right questions, know your options, and get the care you deserve.

🗓️ Schedule a FREE 30-minute call today.