I usually visit the Physician's Assistant ... I love her. I do not dislike the Doc, but I just think she is more personable, she seems to listen better.
What is the difference between a doctor and a PA?
Do you know if she would be able to deliver me if I had a baby? or would that need to be the doc? and would she be performing my prenatal checks?
I ask because if its her then I willstay with this practice, if not I may move.. I just don't get the best vibe from the doctor. I trust him, I just don't walk out thinking 'what a great doc', I do when I leave if I see her. Make sense? any help?
Imagin916
Posted:
Member since
Re: Question about OB/GYN and PA
There are some PA's on this board, maybe they would know better, but as far as I know PA's dont have admitting privledges in hospitals, and they cannot deliver the baby. You will be able to see the PA at the office, but when it comes time for delivery, the doctor is the going to be the one showing up. PA's work under the MD's license and are not independant practitioners (although they do function very independantly in practice). However, if you wanted to have a midwife deliver your baby, they do have admitting privledges, and are independant practitioners, and are able to admit you and deliver your baby. If you are not comfortable with this doctor, I would find someone else. Good luck with your decision!
Marcela1654
Posted:
Member since
Re: Question about OB/GYN and PA
Imagin: Would this apply to nurse practioners as well? Thanks
mims107
Posted:
Member since
Re: Question about OB/GYN and PA
Thanks! I think I will visit with this doctor a bit more before I leave, and perhaps FH and I will meet with them to discuss the prenatal and delivery practices/theories, etc.
Thanks for the info, if anyone else knows anything please let me know
Imagin916
Posted:
Member since
Re: Question about OB/GYN and PA
Nurse practitioners are 'independant' practitioners by law, and have admitting privledges at some hospitals. NP's work under thier own license, whereas a PA works under the MD's license.
There are 2 types of OB/GYN nurse practitioners. One type that works in offices, see patients (do pap smears, exams, ect). They can also see prenatal visits, but do not actually participate in delivery.
The other type is a nurse midwife. They do all of the above but can actually deliver the baby. They show up at the hospital and will deliver, unless there are complications or the mom needs a C-section. In NY state, 'midwives' dont have to be nurses. Someone can enter a midwife masters program coming from pretty much any background and become a midwife. If they use the title 'nurse midwife' than they are also RN's. I would prefer a nurse midwife over a regular, because usually they have been labor and delivery nurses for years before becoming a midwife and have extensive experience. Midwives are usually more liberal (allow the mom to walk around, shower, ect) than doctors usually are.
Many women that use midwives are very happy with them, but sometimes insurance companies dont pay for them, and you some hospitals dont allow for the midwives to have admitting privledges even though legally they are allowed to.
