What's a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? 
How is an NP different from a physician? 

For more information, check out the American Association of Nurse Practitioners 

A nurse practitioner is a nurse who has received an advanced degree that allows them to provide primary, acute or specialty care to patients through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various health conditions. 

NPs are licensed by the state and have passed a national board exam similar to the test given to physicians, only they have been trained under the nursing model of health care. 

NPs have a unique emphasis on the health and well-being of the whole person. With a focus on health promotion, disease prevention and health education and counseling, we guide patients in making smarter health and lifestyle choices, which in turn can lower patients' out-of-pocket costs.

The main difference between the NP and physician role is that NPs cannot be licensed to perform surgery.

We offer services such as:

• Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays.

• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections and injuries.

• Prescribing medications and other treatments.

• Managing patients' overall care.

• Counseling.

• Educating patients on disease prevention and positive health and lifestyle choices.