Your Guide to Senior Primary Care Advanced Practice Providers

Your Guide to Senior Primary Care Advanced Practice Providers

Maybe you’ve heard of an advanced practice provider (APP), or maybe you’ve even seen one for health care during your life, but you’re still not quite sure what they do or how an APP is different from a physician.

APPs are a vital part of primary care teams, including senior primary care at our AdventHealth Well 65+ clinics. APPs are highly trained, licensed medical professionals who provide comprehensive care from routine checkups and preventive screenings to diagnosing and managing ongoing health conditions. The APPs at our senior care offices provide dedicated primary care to adults 65 and older.

What Training Do Advanced Practice Providers Have?

Like physicians, APPs have extensive training and education. Most APPs undergo six to eight years of education, including undergraduate and graduate studies. They must also pass examinations for their appropriate licensure. Also, like physicians, APPs must complete continuing education to maintain their licenses. At AdventHealth Well 65+, all our providers are up to date on the latest medical advancements.

While APPs are not physicians, 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.

Types of APPs You May See at AdventHealth Well 65+

The two most common types of advanced practice providers at our senior care locations are nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

• Nurse Practitioners

  Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses with graduate-level training and education. They provide preventive and acute health care, similar to physicians. Nurse practitioners can be primary care providers for patients of all ages, including adults 65 and older.

  Some duties a nurse practitioner can perform include:

  • Diagnosing diseases
  • Interpreting lab test results
  • Offering preventive health advice
  • Prescribing medications
  • Referring you to specialists

  • Reviewing medical imaging

  Nurse practitioners often specialize in specific areas of medicine, such as senior care. They can even serve as your first point of contact in the health care system.

• Physician Assistants

  Physician assistants work alongside a practice physician. Physician assistants can make independent decisions about a patient’s care and provide comprehensive treatments. They assist in surgeries, prescribe medications and diagnose and treat diseases. Because of their broad practice scope, they can also serve as primary care providers.

Our AdventHealth Network of Care

Your senior primary care provider is an essential part of your health care journey. A coordinated approach is important for providing high-quality patient care. You’re most protected and supported when you have a comprehensive primary care team to address all aspects of your health and wellness.

Our AdventHealth Well 65+ teams include more than physicians and APPs. Because of our commitment to whole-person care, you’ll also find care providers for your emotional and mental health as well.

Your social environment contributes to your overall health. Our licensed social workers help you find and access resources to take care of your emotional, social, family and financial health. They can advocate for you to other members of your treatment team when necessary.

In addition to our providers and care teams, you’ll be connected to the entire AdventHealth network of care, giving you access to the specialists, medications and mental health resources you need to thrive. If you have a medical need that one provider can’t meet, they can refer you to other specialists or providers in or outside of our network.

Join Our AdventHealth Well 65+ Community

All of our senior primary care providers, from our board-certified physicians to our advanced practice providers, are ready to help you feel whole in body, mind and spirit. Your AdventHealth Well 65+ care team is available 24/7. To reach us, please call 833-323-6724.