Physicians and nonphysicians: What are the differences?
MD, DO, OD, PA, NP, PhD, PsyD, CRNA. OK—confused yet? Explore what distinguishes physicians from other members of the health care team.
By Kevin B. O'Reilly , AMA Senior News Editor
Nonphysician providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants are an essential part of the physician-led care team and can help health care organizations and physician practices deliver high-quality care.
But it is easier than ever for patients and the public to get confused about who does what in health care, and mixed up about what distinguishes the training and skill of physicians from those of other health professionals.
That is especially the case given the relentless efforts to expand the scope of practice for nonphysician providers, which has been dubbed scope creep. Such legislative or regulatory changes would inappropriately permit nonphysician providers to deliver care without doctor supervision, prescribe medications to patients, or even perform surgery—all without attending medical school and despite data that shows such scope expansions can increase patient safety risks and health care costs.
Physicians are trained to lead, and the AMA stands in strong support of physician-led health care teams. More than 90% of patients say that a physician’s years of education and training are vital to optimal patient care, especially in the event of a complication or medical emergency. Patients also deserve to know who is providing their health care and the education and training of their health care professional.
To help set the record straight, the AMA is publishing a series of news articles outlining the key differences between various types of physician specialists and nonphysician providers.
Read the full article to learn the differences between:
The AMA is fighting scope creep
Fighting scope creep is a critical component of the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians.
Patients deserve care led by physicians—the most highly educated, trained and skilled health professionals. The AMA vigorously defends the practice of medicine against scope-of-practice expansions that threaten patient safety.
Join us.
The AMA is advocating for you
The AMA has achieved recent wins in 5 critical areas for physicians. Read the AMA advocacy progress report.
Physician Associate Master Aesthetic Injector and Entrepreneur
1wI love how they say “physicians are trained to lead”! 21 years a PA and this is the most ridiculous comment. After working in primary care, emergency medicine, hospital medicine and urgent care-I was never led by any of them. They wanted me to see twice the number of patients they saw. They weren’t involved in the care of these patients either. They trusted me that I knew my stuff and I did my job. If Physicians are worried about PA/NP independent practice, try doing this with out us!
Aka Lynn Monèt, International Author, podcast and TV personality, Nurse of over 20 years, holds degree in Biological Science, 5 star rated Book series Omnipresent, Colors of Heaven Beginnings Never End, and The Gap
3moSMH
MSN, FNP-C, CDCES
3moAll I have to say is “My patient’s LOVE me more than they have ever liked any other MD!” Mic Drop
Medical Doctor
3moAs a young doc, seeing the AMA defending my profession is very refreshing. I wish legislators wouldn’t be so quick to fall for disingenuous lobbying.
CEO Rogue Nurse Media & The Well Written Nurse Host/Producer The Nurses and Hypochondriacs Podcast Nurse, Public Speaker, Healthcare Journalist/ Writer, Educator, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
3moHey Mr newsletter writer who is a journalist w/ NO healthcare background please read this https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30152303/