s/o Do you ask for a doctor instead of a nurse practitioner?

[Anonymous]

At my child's pediatric office, there are many docs and a nurse practioner. We don't have a specific primary care doctor as we've seen them all over the years.

I would prefer that my child be seen by the doctor since we are paying the same for an office visit, and there is obviously an advantage to someone who has advanced education and experience on medical issues that may be affecting children (or anyone, but for this example it's children).

Is there a polite way to say, when given an appt with the NP, "I would prefer to see a doctor"? I've noted that in about 10 years of experience with different medical offices, the staff tries to make you feel guilty for discerning between an NP and an MD.

[Anonymous]

I prefer to see the NP when it is a routine check up (although I understand your perspective, too). In my experience, the NPs are nicer and have better "bedside manner."

[Anonymous]

I would.
But I'm a bit biased. My mother never saw a Doctor just NPs the last 10 years of her life and somehow they failed to diagnose her congestive heart failure. By the time she was properly diagnosed she was in a coma and died a week later.

Always ask for a Doctor.

[Anonymous]

I've had far better experiences with NP. I have found them to be very experienced and knowledgeable. .

[Anonymous]

I am fine with seeing the NP in most cases. It's usually much easier to get an appointment with them and they are just as experienced on routine issues. If it's something more complicated, they will have the doctor see you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer to see the NP when it is a routine check up (although I understand your perspective, too). In my experience, the NPs are nicer and have better "bedside manner."

+1.

[Anonymous]

I see a PA, which I think is the same thing, right? I love her, and think she's great.

That being said, my sis-in-law is a PA and is a moron. Not sure how she keeps a job, actually.

[Anonymous]

The polite way is to say, "I would prefer if Nicholas saw Dr. Whittendorf or Dr. Doodendorf today," just as you have been. Just because someone is trying to make you feel guilty doesn't mean you should feel guilty, and doesn't mean you're being impolite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer to see the NP when it is a routine check up (although I understand your perspective, too). In my experience, the NPs are nicer and have better "bedside manner."

OP here, I totally agree with this. Sorry if I came off rude; I was referring to when there is an actual issue you're in there for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would.
But I'm a bit biased. My mother never saw a Doctor just NPs the last 10 years of her life and somehow they failed to diagnose her congestive heart failure. By the time she was properly diagnosed she was in a coma and died a week later.

Always ask for a Doctor.

I'm the OP and I am so sorry.

[Anonymous]

I always ask to see the doctor.

We had a really bad experience with a NP at my DD's pediatrician's office a few years ago. The NP completely missed a diagnosis. So, now I prefer to see an actual pedi. Never had a problem requesting the doc instead if the NP.

[Anonymous]

At our LO's practice, we always see the same physician and the same nurse at every appointment. The only exceptions are sick visits but then the appointments are always with a physician.

At my OB/GYN I still usually prefer to see a physician but if I'm pressed for time then I'm happy with a PA.

[Anonymous]

It is your health and your choice, if the doctor won't see you that doctor will soon find out they made a bad business decision to leave their patients care to a Pa or NP and their buisness will suffer.

You go get your hair cut, you are paying for the person who has the experience and the knowledge, not a person who wasn't committed to going the distance. If a PA or NP wanted to practice medicine, go to med school.

[Anonymous]

I prefer to see an NP for routine stuff. I think they listen better and they are just as capable for well child visits, coughs, bumps and bruises. If I think something isn't getting better or I think it's more complicated, I ask for the doctor. I've had some great NPs who were very capable and who were ready to call in a doctor as needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would.
But I'm a bit biased. My mother never saw a Doctor just NPs the last 10 years of her life and somehow they failed to diagnose her congestive heart failure. By the time she was properly diagnosed she was in a coma and died a week later.

Always ask for a Doctor.

I'm sorry for your loss. At the same time, primary care physicians missed my mother's Lupus until the last year of her life. She had cascading systems failures for several years before that. There really was no excuse for not DXing it. By the time they DX'd it, her life was considerably shortened.