When it comes to getting excellent primary care, doctors aren’t the only providers. In fact, at many medical offices, a nurse practitioner (NP) might be the one to take care of you.

So you might want to know a little about NPs and what they can do for you.

For starters, NPs are highly trained and qualified health care providers. They’re registered nurses who have additional medical training and national certification. They also have either a master’s or a doctoral degree.

Many NPs provide primary and specialty care. They work in a variety of settings, such as clinics, hospitals, urgent care sites and nursing homes. Like doctors, they can diagnose and treat many illnesses and injuries. And they consult with doctors when needed.

For instance, an NP may:

• Perform your physical exam.

• Diagnose and treat various health conditions like diabetes or an infection.

• Perform and order tests.

• Prescribe medicines.

• Teach you to how to make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent or manage an illness.

In fact, NPs tend to emphasize prevention, health education, and the overall well-being and health of their patients. That makes NPs excellent partners in your care.

Carson Valley Medical Center employs a number of very talented and highly experienced NPs at its clinics located around Carson Valley. In total, we have 17 providers located across our six clinics around Carson Valley, all uniquely equipped to serve patients of all ages and needs with personalized, relationship-driven care.

Let us help you find the perfect primary care fit. Call 775-782-1545 or complete our online form at http://www.cvmchospital.org/doc

Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Bureau of Labor Statistics