An even healthier you starts here
Your no-cost in-home health visit helps you stay a step ahead of diabetes, kidney problems and more.
Who are our Matrix clinicians?
Meet the medical professionals who conduct Matrix at-home health assessments and find out more about how they work with your doctor to help keep you healthy.
You’re thinking about booking a Matrix in-home and wellness assessment, but you’re not sure what to expect from the health care provider when they arrive. How do I know it’s them knocking on my front door? What qualifications does the clinician have? Will they be able to perform an accurate assessment of my health if we’re not in a doctor’s office with all that equipment?
“Rest assured, your Matrix in-home health assessment clinician will be a licensed medical professional equipped to give you a comprehensive exam,” says Ashley Bannon, DNP, FNP-BC, the clinical manager for the Northeast region for Matrix Medical Network in Hope Valley, Rhode Island. Matrix clinicians include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors of medicine, all of whom have years of professional training.
Here’s a closer look at the different types of Matrix providers, including details about their education and what health assessments and procedures they’re trained to perform. We also discuss how to know it’s your Matrix clinician who’s knocking on your door, and how they partner with your primary care provider (PCP) to help give you the best care possible.
Have questions about your health? A Matrix in-home health and wellness assessment is a great time to get answers from a licensed clinician — plus, it’s part of your plan! Call 877-302-3672 877-302-3672 to schedule.
Nurse practitioners
A nurse practitioner (NP) has a master’s degree or doctorate degree in nursing and must complete continuing education to maintain their license. They may practice independently, which means they may see patients beyond their Matrix in-home health assessment clients. Nurse practitioners may also specialize in a specific area of medicine, such as family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics.
NPs can:
- Take a comprehensive medical history
- Perform physical exams
- Perform some clinical procedures
- Order and perform tests
- Make diagnoses
- Prescribe medication
- Manage treatment
Another key focus for nurse practitioners is health education, adds Bannon. They are trained to counsel patients and help them make lifestyle changes that promote better health. And Matrix in-home health assessments last for up to an hour, so there’s a good chunk of time to discuss all your questions and concerns.
Physician assistants
A physician assistant (PA) has a master’s degree and takes a recertification exam every 10 years. They can perform the same tasks as an NP. However, most states require a PA to work with a physician and don’t allow them to practice independently.
Another key difference between NPs and PAs is that physician assistants don’t specialize in one area of medicine. They are trained in general medicine.
Doctor of medicine (MD)
When most people hear the word “doctor,” they’re thinking of an MD. Their training is extensive. After undergraduate school, these professionals attend four years of medical school. They then complete a residency of three to seven years where they receive training for their chosen specialty. Some may also complete a fellowship, which is an additional layer of medical training in a chosen sub-specialty.
MDs can practice independently and may perform surgery or other more complicated procedures that NPs and PAs aren’t trained to do.
How to identify your Matrix clinician
“When your clinician shows up for your appointment, they will be wearing their Matrix ID badge,” says Bannon. You can ask to see it closely to confirm their identity. Providers typically wear business casual attire, scrubs, or a white Matrix lab coat, she adds.
How your results are shared with your PCP
When your in-home health assessment is complete, your clinician sends your PCP a full report of what happened during the appointment. That can include a health summary, follow-up advice, and test results. You will also receive a copy of this report.
If your overall health is good, your PCP will receive the report in about six weeks. But if anything is urgent — such as abnormal test results, a new diagnosis, or concerningly high or low blood pressure — the Matrix clinician will call your PCP so you can address the issue right away. They can also help you make an appointment to follow up with your PCP.
Recommended reading: 5 reasons a Matrix in-home health assessment is valuable (even if you're healthy)
