At Digestive Health Partners, we understand that timely access to healthcare is important. Our team of physicians is dedicated to providing expert care, seeing patients in our offices, performing procedures in endoscopy centers, and attending to patients at local hospitals. Due to the varied and frequently rotating schedules of our physicians, immediate appointments may not always align with your availability. To ensure you receive prompt and comprehensive care, Digestive Health Partners employs highly skilled Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), often referred to as Advanced Practitioners (APs). These APs are integral members of our team, working closely with our physicians to expand access to care and ensure the seamless execution of your physician-directed treatment plan.
Understanding Advanced Practitioners: Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
Advanced Practitioners play a vital role in extending and enhancing the care you receive at Digestive Health Partners. Both Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are highly educated and nationally certified healthcare professionals.
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who has completed a rigorous graduate-level program from an accredited institution, building upon a foundation of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in science. PAs are required to pass comprehensive national board examinations to achieve certification and obtain state licensure, ensuring they meet stringent standards of competency and knowledge.
Similarly, a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse who has pursued advanced education, earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited university. NPs also undergo national certification exams to become licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses by both state medical and nursing boards. This dual oversight underscores their commitment to both nursing and medical excellence.
How Advanced Practitioners Support Your Digestive Health Journey
Our Advanced Practitioners are dedicated to providing an additional layer of expert care to our patients at Digestive Health Partners. They are qualified to see patients for a range of needs, from initial consultations to ongoing management. APs can conduct thorough assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests and procedures, review test results with you, and prescribe medications when necessary, all under the guidance and supervision of our physicians.
APs are also essential in providing continuity of care for our patients within the hospital setting. Working in collaboration with the attending physician, they follow patients from hospital admission through discharge, ensuring consistent monitoring and treatment. During your hospital stay, you will be seen daily by an AP who is working closely with the physician assigned to your care team. Furthermore, our APs often provide follow-up care in our offices after you are discharged from the hospital, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support in your recovery.
Collaborative Care: Physicians and Advanced Practitioners Working Together
It is important to understand that Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are not intended to replace your primary physician. Instead, at Digestive Health Partners, our APs function as essential partners, working in close collaboration with your physician to deliver the highest quality, experienced digestive healthcare. This team-based approach ensures you benefit from expanded access to care, comprehensive support, and a coordinated treatment plan, all while remaining under the expert guidance of our Digestive Health Partners physicians.
