Yes, for many health needs. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree. They diagnose and treat illness, manage chronic conditions, and focus on prevention, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
The main difference is training. Physicians go to medical school and complete a residency. NPs train through graduate nursing programs.
In Georgia, NPs work under a nurse protocol agreement with a delegating physician. That means a doctor is part of the team for questions or more complex care.
Seeing an NP can be a good fit for:
- Sick visits, like colds, rashes, or minor infections
- Checkups and preventive care
- Follow-up visits for ongoing conditions
If your needs are complex, your NP can bring in a physician. Many families see both, depending on the visit.
The best choice is a care team you trust that knows your history.
Learn about the care team at Evans Medical Group in Evans, GA, or call (706) 868-3100 to schedule.
Sources: American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Georgia Composite Medical Board