What Is an Advanced Practice Provider (APP)?

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What Is an Advanced Practice Provider?

Maybe you’ve seen the term “advanced practice provider” (APP) while making a care appointment or looking for a new primary care provider, but you’re not sure what it means or how seeing an APP differs from seeing a doctor.

APPs are a vital part of primary care teams. They are highly trained, licensed medical professionals who provide comprehensive care from routine checkups and preventive screenings to diagnosing and managing ongoing health concerns. In many cases, they’re the trusted provider you’ll see most often.

Let’s take a closer look at who APPs are, the important role they play in primary care and why seeing one at AdventHealth Primary Care+ can be a smart, confident choice.

What Is an APP?

An advanced practice provider is a licensed health care professional who is not a physician but is authorized and trained to provide many of the same services as a doctor.

The most common types of APPs at our AdventHealth Primary Care+ clinics include:

  • Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
  • Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
  • Certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP)
  • Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
  • Nurse practitioner (NP) or family nurse practitioner (FNP)
  • Physician assistant (PA)

APPs are not physicians, but they are core members of your health care team. Often, they will serve as your primary point of contact. They may oversee all your treatments, giving you the chance to build a relationship with them over time.

What Can Advanced Practice Providers Do?

In primary care settings, APPs can provide a range of preventive health care services or help you manage chronic conditions.

  • Diagnose and Treat Common Conditions: APPs can diagnose and treat common conditions, including infections.
  • Order and Interpret Diagnostic Tests: They can also order lab work, such as blood and urine tests, as well as other diagnostic tests, in order to prescribe the appropriate medications.
  • Provide Preventive Care: APPs can help you make informed nutrition and exercise choices, and offer referrals to specialists when needed.
  • Take Medical Histories and Perform Checkups: APPs are qualified to gather medical histories from patients and perform checkups, including physical exams.

What Advanced Practice Providers Bring to Patients and Primary Care

The scope of practice for advanced practice providers is broad.

They benefit both patients and clinics by providing:

  • Cost-Effectiveness: APPs help keep primary care services more affordable, enabling patients to receive consistent medical care, even without insurance, ultimately resulting in lower overall medical expenses.
  • Increased Access and Convenience: Health care is not always accessible for every patient, especially in more rural areas, so APPs provide critical care services to give those in underserved areas the access they need.
  • Personalized, Patient-Centered Care: APPs often have the time to focus on patient education, lifestyle counseling, preventive care and building lasting relationships with patients, which helps improve care.
  • Team-Based Care and Continuity: APPs work closely with physicians to coordinate care and ensure you’re getting the comprehensive care you need.

APPs can work in specialty care as well as in primary care practices, though they’re more common in primary care settings.

Benefits of Seeing an Advanced Practice Provider at AdventHealth Primary Care+

To find primary care near you, consider AdventHealth Primary Care+. We offer the comprehensive medical assistance you can depend on.

  • AdventHealth Network of Care: Our advanced practice providers are one part of a collaborative care model. They work alongside physicians and specialists to support patients through the various health challenges they may face and to provide education to prevent illness.
  • Same-Day or Next-Day Appointments: We pride ourselves on providing same-day or next-day patient care so you’re never left waiting for answers.

The best thing you can do for your health is to be proactive. If you have questions about health changes you’ve noticed or have a chronic condition that requires careful management, consider contacting us at AdventHealth Primary Care+. Whether you’re looking for routine checks, a wellness exam or specific treatments, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About APPs

Can APPs prescribe medications or order tests?

In many instances, APPs can order diagnostic tests and prescribe medications without consulting a doctor. They can also develop treatment plans to address specific medical needs and can refer you to specialists.

Can an APP manage chronic conditions, or do I still need a physician?

Most APPs can help you manage chronic conditions. They also offer preventive care and health screenings to help avoid the development of these illnesses. They can also refer you to specialists for further testing or treatments.

What’s the difference between NP and PA? Does it matter which I see?

A nurse practitioner (NP) and a physician assistant (PA) are both APPs, with the main difference being their training models. Both are excellent options as your primary care provider, or if you have a specific health concern you’d like to address quickly.

Advanced Practice Providers Are Part of Your Health Team

An APP is an important part of your primary care team. They offer the guidance you need, and they advocate on your behalf when a problem arises. You’ve probably had an appointment with an APP and didn’t even realize it! That’s because they’re health care providers who perform compassionate, high-quality care – just like your primary care doctor.

If it’s time for your annual wellness visit or if you need to address something specific, schedule an appointment at AdventHealth Primary Care+.

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