EpiEMS
Forum Deputy Chief
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For your own (or your family's) healthcare, do you like to see a physician? Or do you generally prefer to see a mid-level? No preference?
For your own care, MD/DO, PA, or NP?
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NomadicMedic
I know a guy who knows a guy.
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My wife and I see a MD, but neither of us have any issues with a mid level for wellness and simple office visits.
VentMonkey
Family Guy
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My wife carries all of us under her PPO, so we're able to pick and choose based on ailments. For my regular visits, I actually prefer the mid-level I go to; he's less busy, takes his time, is much more thorough, and in general just isn't as rushed, or time consumed as most PMD's appear to be.
Our girls' pediatrician is also an intensivist back home, and being that the whole reason we stuck with the PPO is because, welp, pediatric medicine where I live is for lack of a better word, substandard; I am glad to have the guy. We will literally take them into to an U/C or ED if they're bad enough or it's late at night, but he's kept informed, and we text back and forth in regards to their treatments. When this occurs it seems the majority of the mid-levels in the ED's are much less egotistical when it comes to having him dictate the girls' treatments. It helps that he's pretty much an extended family member by now.
Our girls' pediatrician is also an intensivist back home, and being that the whole reason we stuck with the PPO is because, welp, pediatric medicine where I live is for lack of a better word, substandard; I am glad to have the guy. We will literally take them into to an U/C or ED if they're bad enough or it's late at night, but he's kept informed, and we text back and forth in regards to their treatments. When this occurs it seems the majority of the mid-levels in the ED's are much less egotistical when it comes to having him dictate the girls' treatments. It helps that he's pretty much an extended family member by now.
Summit
Critical Crazy
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I care more about the individual provider because I know both awesome and crappy providers of pick-a-post-nominal
NomadicMedic
I know a guy who knows a guy.
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My case exactly. I actually pay out-of-pocket to see my doc, because we like her so much.
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I have had "mid-level" and physician primary care providers for my primary healthcare needs and quite honestly, I really don't care which one I see for my primary care needs. Often the "mid-level" providers seem to take more time, seem less rushed, and seem to be more thorough (because they have/make the time) to address those needs quite well. My last primary care provider was actually a physician who served primarily Spanish speakers. He was absolutely fantastic, took his time, and because he recognized that I'm not your typical "lay person" but someone that has some not-so-insignificant medical knowledge, we had a fantastic relationship that made the most of our visits.
For primary care, IMHO, you should choose the provider that you mesh well with, regardless of title. If you choose a mid-level, know that another opinion can be had fairly quickly. In my own experience, the mid-levels were easily able to refer me to an appropriate specialty provider without any difficulty at all.
Of course, that all being said, I've seen mid-levels be treated horribly simply because they're a mid-level when referring a patient to a specialist...
For primary care, IMHO, you should choose the provider that you mesh well with, regardless of title. If you choose a mid-level, know that another opinion can be had fairly quickly. In my own experience, the mid-levels were easily able to refer me to an appropriate specialty provider without any difficulty at all.
Of course, that all being said, I've seen mid-levels be treated horribly simply because they're a mid-level when referring a patient to a specialist...
VentMonkey
Family Guy
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I can't help but wonder if most mid-levels are either passed up by the general public, or down played as "not doctors" in their eyes, allowing many (yes, not all) of them to practice in such a frequently thorough, and efficient approach. Either way, I agree, in general it doesn't much matter, though it is nice to have conversations with other practicioners in regards to medicine. Both our girls' pediatrician, and my primary like "talking shop" when appropriate. The guy I see used to be a paramedic as well, so it helps, and he's always got some fun stories.
NysEms2117
ex-Parole officer/EMT
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I carry via my insurance, and I usually go to a MD. However a "friend" is a PA, which we go to for common things when a doctor/ specialist is not warranted. As with everybody else I prefer a doctor based on how they conduct themselves, personality for me in particular is huge.
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It doesn't matter to me at all. The research is pretty homogenous in showing no difference in outcomes, which reflects my personal experience.
I'm actually just about to start looking for a new PCP and I'll gladly sign up with whatever PA, MD, or NP has an opening.
I'm actually just about to start looking for a new PCP and I'll gladly sign up with whatever PA, MD, or NP has an opening.
OP
OP
EpiEMS
Forum Deputy Chief
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I'd agree with this - I've yet to see anything showing a difference in outcomes.
PotatoMedic
Has no idea what I'm doing.
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I actually use an ND for my primary care. I feel like I get to actually know my provider and that they look at a wholistic view of what might be causing the issue. Good thing about the ND I see is if she is stumped she happily refers to specialists.
Summit
Critical Crazy
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My PCP is an MD but it's a large practice with a few PAs, none of whom I mind seeing at all especially if it's an unscheduled visit.
PotatoMedic
Has no idea what I'm doing.
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So
Thanks for the correction. And my last 2 pcp's would spend 5 minutes with me for a 30 min appointment. And did jack when I asked them for help with weight management. So I found a pcp that listens. I know in this world they are not popular and considered snake oil. But I found a pcp that monitors my health and listens and does something and if I get a sick can manage the flu but will refer me to gi or cardiology or whatever as needed. It's my choice. And it works well for my health. Down 30 pounds since I started seeing them a year ago. No special pills just a good nutrition plan and monitoring blood work.
Summit
Critical Crazy
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Hey if it works for you, great. (mean that sincerely)
If you have strep throat and need abx, who do you go to?
PotatoMedic
Has no idea what I'm doing.
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They can do most prescriptions in Washington. Not everything. Limited scheduled medications. For a fairly healthy person they do great. Now my chf grandma with major cardiac and renal issues. Not the best choice.
PotatoMedic
Has no idea what I'm doing.
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Funny thing is she is trying to convince me to go to DO school.
akflightmedic
Forum Deputy Chief
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I like my NP.
Feel like I am being listened to, not pushed down a specific tunnel in 5 mins or less. Less pressure, answer all my questions and tolerates ME!
I am NOT the typical patient so I have certain expectations of my chosen medical provider. Most people forget the medical staff work for you...just sayin.
Feel like I am being listened to, not pushed down a specific tunnel in 5 mins or less. Less pressure, answer all my questions and tolerates ME!
I am NOT the typical patient so I have certain expectations of my chosen medical provider. Most people forget the medical staff work for you...just sayin.