Nurse practitioners vs. doctors: What’s the difference in care?

Young black woman talking to older black woman at home

When it comes to your health, you want the best care possible. But with so many healthcare professionals out there, you might wonder who you should trust for your regular check-ups, managing illnesses, and keeping you healthy overall. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are an important part of primary care, especially as more people need healthcare services. You might be surprised to learn just how qualified NPs are to take care of you and why they’re such an important part of today’s healthcare teams — especially for adults 65 and older.

What is a nurse practitioner?

Nurse practitioners are nurses with advanced education and training who can do many of the same things that doctors do. After becoming registered nurses (RNs), they go back to school for additional education, often getting a master's or even a doctorate in nursing. They also get a lot of hands-on experience working with patients during their training.

For adults over 65, having a healthcare provider who truly understands the challenges of aging can make a big difference in staying healthy, independent, and happy.

To become certified, NPs must pass national exams, get licensed, and continue learning throughout their careers. Just like doctors, NPs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, manage long-term health conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure), and help with preventative care, like vaccines or health check-ups.

Gerontology-focused nurse practitioners: Why they're special for older adults

For people 65 and older, it’s important to have healthcare providers who understand the unique (but normal) things that change as we age. This is where gerontology-focused nurse practitioners come in. These NPs specialize in caring for older adults and are trained to handle common issues that come with aging.

They typically focus on older adults and preventing illness and injury, supporting their total health and well-being (physical and mental health plus social care), building relationships with patients and caring for them over time, and advocating for their needs.

Here’s why a gerontology NP can be a great option for older adults:

They understand the aging process: Gerontology NPs are experts in how our bodies change as we get older. They understand the physical, emotional, and social factors that affect older adults’ health.
Chronic condition management: Older adults are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions. Gerontology NPs know how to manage these conditions in a way that improves both care and quality of life.
Fall prevention and mobility: As we age, we might become less steady on our feet. Gerontology NPs can help assess fall risks and suggest ways to improve balance and mobility.
Medication management: Older adults often take many medications and supplements. Gerontology NPs are trained to manage prescriptions carefully, watching out for side effects or harmful drug interactions.

For adults over 65, having a healthcare provider who truly understands the challenges of aging can make a big difference in staying healthy, independent, and happy.

What's the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor?

While both NPs and doctors can provide excellent care, their paths to becoming healthcare providers are different.

Training: Doctors attend medical school and complete a residency, which is a period of intense hands-on training, often lasting three to seven years. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, start out as registered nurses and then complete a graduate-level education (a master’s or doctorate) with specific clinical training to become NPs.
Scope of practice: NPs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide treatments, just like doctors. In many states, NPs can work independently without needing a doctor to oversee them. In some states, however, NPs must work under a doctor’s supervision or in collaboration with one. This can vary depending on where you live.

How NPs fit in a team-based healthcare approach

In today’s healthcare world, a team approach is becoming more common. This means that your care isn’t just provided by one doctor or nurse but by a group of healthcare professionals who all work together. Nurse practitioners are a key part of this team. They often work alongside doctors, registered nurses, pharmacists, behavioral health specialists and other speciality providers to make sure you get the best possible care.

For example, an NP might handle your routine care — including annual check-ups, managing a chronic condition, or answering questions about your medications. They’ll also factor in other things that might impact your access to care, mobility or other issues. If your health becomes more complicated, they can easily refer you to a specialist or consult with a doctor for a more in-depth diagnosis.

What can nurse practitioners do for you?

Nurse practitioners are trained to manage a wide range of healthcare needs. They can:

Diagnose illnesses: Whether you’re feeling sick or dealing with a long-term health condition, an NP can figure out what’s wrong and how to help.
Prescribe medications: NPs can prescribe medications to treat illnesses or manage ongoing conditions.
Perform physical exams: NPs can provide routine physical exams and check-ups.
Order and interpret tests: If you need blood work, X-rays, or other tests, NPs can order them and explain the results.
Manage chronic conditions: If you have a condition like diabetes, arthritis or high blood pressure, an NP can help you stay healthy by monitoring your condition and adjusting treatments as needed.
Educate on healthy habits: NPs focus on preventive care and often spend time teaching patients how to stay healthy by eating well, exercising, and managing stress.

Why NPs are a great choice for primary care

When it comes to primary care, nurse practitioners are an excellent choice. Here’s why:

Personalized attention: NPs often take a holistic approach, meaning they look at your overall health, not just your symptoms.
Focus on prevention: NPs spend time educating patients on how to stay healthy, helping to prevent serious health issues before they start.
Easier access to care: In some areas, especially rural or underserved places, there are fewer doctors available. NPs can help fill the gap, making it easier for patients to get the care they need.
Great for older adults: NPs who specialize in gerontology are particularly skilled at meeting the needs of adults 65 and older, ensuring that their care is age-appropriate and focused on quality of life.

Conclusion

Nurse practitioners are highly qualified healthcare providers who have the training and skills to manage your primary care just as effectively as a doctor. They bring a unique blend of medical expertise, patient-centered care, and a team-based approach to help you stay healthy and thrive — especially as you age. Whether you’re seeing an NP for a routine check-up, managing a long-term condition, or just have questions about your health, you can trust that they have the knowledge and skills to keep you feeling your best.

Live well and thrive with care from Patina

Good health is one of the most important things in life, but your needs change as you grow older. Patina can help. We’re a medical practice that focuses specifically on adults 65+. We take a highly personalized and comprehensive approach that supports your total health and well-being – no matter your health status or goals. You’ll enjoy proactive care that goes beyond annual exams and sick visits, helping you manage conditions and stay healthy, coordinate with specialists, navigate care, and more. All through your own dedicated care team that’s always there for you. And, Patina can serve as your primary care provider or work alongside your existing doctor. Enjoy the same great benefits – no extra cost!

To learn more, call us at 855-478-8310 or share your contact details below.