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What’s the difference between doctors and other health care providers?
Health care providers have all sorts of letters after their names. Here’s what they mean and how they influence the type of care you’ll receive.
These days, there are many types of health care providers. They each have different letters after their names that reflect the degree and training they have.
Of course, there are MDs, or doctors of medicine. But there are others who can also provide excellent care. Here’s what their credentials mean:
- DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine
- PA stands for physician assistant
- NP stands for nurse practitioner
When looking for a primary care provider (PCP), many people think of an MD. But your PCP doesn’t have to be an MD. They might be a DO, PA, or an NP instead. And when you book an in-home visit, the clinician who sees you might be any one of these healthcare professionals.
These providers have slightly different degrees and training. And they can provide different services and treatments. This guide will go through each type of provider to help you determine which you may need.
What is an MD?
An MD is the type of provider most people picture when they hear “doctor.” MDs, or doctors of medicine, go through the most intensive training of any health care professional. They often focus on a specialty, treating a specific area of the body.
There are also general practice MDs, including family practitioners and internists. They often serve as PCPs. They are trained to treat a wide range of common illnesses.
Some specialists can also serve as your PCP. For example, if you’re a woman, you might choose an ob-gyn as your PCP.
For complicated illnesses and injuries, your PCP may refer you to a more specialized MD. For example, if you have a complicated case of diabetes, you may be referred to an endocrinologist.
What is a doctor of osteopathy?
DOs are physicians — just like MDs. They are sometimes called osteopaths.
DOs receive similar education and training as MDs. However, they take a more holistic approach to patient care. They might focus on preventive care more than prescription medications and surgery.
Like MDs, DOs can have different specialties. They also get special training in something called osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT). OMT involves manipulating your muscles, soft tissues, and joints. It helps relieve pain and encourage whole-body health.
If you’re looking for a PCP who is open to alternative treatments, a DO might be a good fit. Many DOs practice in rural areas too. That means more access to health care in places where it can sometimes be harder to find.
What is a physician assistant?
When it comes to caring for you, PAs can do many of the same things as MDs and DOs. They can:
- Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Do physical exams
- Order and interpret tests
- Perform some procedures
- Prescribe medications
PAs work under the supervision of a physician. But they often act as the sole provider for the patients they see.
Patients report that seeing a PA makes it easier to get an appointment. And they believe PAs are able to spend more time with them and give them more individual attention than doctors can.
What is a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are nurses that have extra training and expertise. They have a master’s degree or doctoral degree and additional clinical training. NPs are allowed to see patients on their own.
NPs can do all the same things as MDs, DOs, and PAs. What sets them apart is that they also have nursing training.
“What I hear from my clients is that NPs do a really good job of listening,” says Janell Jayamohan, a nurse practitioner in Nashville, Tennessee. “We spend more time listening to their concerns and coming up with a treatment plan that works for them.”
How to choose a PCP
So which type of practitioner should you go with? The good news is that they all provide excellent care.
“We all diagnose, we all prescribe, we all perform some degree of invasive procedures,” says Leanne H. Fowler, a nurse practitioner and board member of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. “But our approach and our path to the end goal of diagnosing and management varies.”
Of course you want a PCP who has the proper training and expertise. Beyond that, you want a provider that you trust. Someone you feel comfortable with.
Here is an example: If you are a person of color, you might want a PCP who looks like you. Or one who shares a similar cultural background. “As a Black female practitioner, I do feel that I have experienced patients who really appreciate having someone that they can relate to,” says Fowler.
Having a provider who has a shared background can even improve your health outcomes, she adds. There are a couple reasons for this:
- They may have less implicit bias. (This is when someone judges you based on things like race or culture without even realizing it.)
- You may be more willing to talk openly about your health and lifestyle with someone you can relate to.
The next time you’re looking for a PCP, remember that there are many options. MDs aren’t your only choice. DOs, PAs, and NPs can also offer great care. And one of them might be the perfect fit for you.
Sources:
Choosing a primary care provider: MedlinePlus
What is a D.O.? American Osteopathic Association
Osteopathic manipulation treatment: Cleveland Clinic
What is a P.A.? American Academy of Physician’s Assistants
What’s a nurse practitioner (N.P.)? American Association of Nurse Practitioners
